The De Soto Board of Education has started a search for a new superintendent to replace Josh Isaacson, who plans to retire June 30.
“The board is committed to finding a visionary and innovative educational leader who will continue to uphold our district’s tradition of excellence and foster a supportive learning environment for all students,” the school board said in a written statement on Tuesday.
“The Board of Education has begun a comprehensive search process, utilizing the Missouri School Boards Association’s guided search process to identify someone who will build upon the district’s accomplishments and drive educational excellence to new heights.”
The statement says a search committee comprising diverse stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, community members and administrators, will help select the best candidate. As part of the process, the board is asking residents to complete a Superintendent Feedback Survey on the district’s Facebook Page.
The board said it will keep the community informed as the process continues and will share information about candidate profiles, interview schedules and opportunities for public input.
Isaacson, 44, of De Soto currently earns a $175,400 annual salary.
He has worked for the De Soto School District for 12 years. He took over as the district’s superintendent in 2016 following the retirement of Trish Burkeen. Prior to that, Isaacson had worked for the De Soto district as the assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and assessment and as a high school assistant principal. Before joining the district, he was a social studies teacher and principal for the Fulton School District.
Isaacson said he is thankful for the opportunity the De Soto district has provided him, and he plans to finish out the school year strong.
He said he hasn’t decided his plans for retirement but is considering various opportunities.
Isaacson said his parents are getting older, and he looks forward to spending more time with his family.
He said it is a good time for someone new to move into the superintendent job at De Soto.
In the written statement, board members thanked Isaacson for his contributions to the district.