The Federal Way School Board announced today the launch of a national search for a new superintendent to replace Superintendent Tom Murphy who is stepping down at the end of the school year to retire after more than a decade of service.

“While it is sad to see such an exceptional education leader retire, our schools are financially and academically strong,” said School Board President Suzanne Smith.

“Our district is prepared for this important transition. We are committed to engaging the community, teachers and parents to ensure our students continue to receive the education our community expects and deserves.”

The district is the eighth largest school district in the state serving nearly 22,000 students with 23 elementary schools, seven middle schools and five high schools.

Federal Way has placed among the state’s top 10 performing school districts in recent years and has been recognized for its partnerships with innovative programs, such as the Technology Access Foundation (TAF) Academy and the Cambridge and College Board-Spring Board programs.

Murphy will officially step down on June 30, 2010. He has served as Federal Way’s superintendent for more than a decade. “I’ve been fortunate to serve a community that is committed to its students and schools,” said Murphy. “Our parents, teachers and community partners have made Federal Way schools standouts in Washington. I am confident that our board, educational staff and community will continue to ensure our schools thrive in the future.”

Smith praised Murphy for his legacy of closing the district’s achievement gap while still creating innovative advanced placement and technology programs geared for higher education and the workforce.

Earlier this year, Newsweek named the district’s Thomas Jefferson High School among the nation’s top high schools.

“Tom’s dedication to our community, students and schools has been exceptional and a cornerstone of our success in academic achievement. It’s a legacy we intend to honor as we move forward with finding his replacement,” said Smith.

The school board will launch a national superintendent search over the next nine months.

The district plans to retain a search firm during the recruiting and screening process to ensure a fair and efficient process.

The district will also assemble an advisory board comprised of parents, teachers and community partners to ensure community oversight of the process.

“We want an efficient, transparent and inclusive search process that will give us the strongest candidate who can deliver academic excellence and a long-term commitment to our students and community,” said Smith.