Nov. 4 marks the first of four nights that Federal Way residents can weigh in on the search for a new school superintendent.

Current Superintendent Tom Murphy announced last month that he would be retiring at the end of the school year. Murphy has been the superintendent for more than a decade, and has been with the Federal Way School District for 22 years.

“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 school board president Suzanne Smith.

The first session runs 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 4 at Decatur High School, 2800 SW 320th St. This will be followed by three more sessions at the other high schools in the district. All the events run from 6:30 to 8 p.m.:

• Nov. 5 at Federal Way High School, 30611 16th Ave. S.

• Nov. 9 at Thomas Jefferson High School, 4248 S 288th St.

• Nov. 12 at Todd Beamer High School, 35999 16th Ave. S.

After the listening sessions, the school board will appoint an advisory committee to provide feedback throughout the superintendent search.

The search will be a national search, and the board will hire a firm to help in the recruitment.

“It has been a privilege and honor to serve the parents and students of Federal Way,” Murphy said in a letter to parents. “I would like to express my gratitude to every community member for allowing me to be a part of the distinct cultural fabric of our region. I have learned a great deal from everyone and I thank you for being part of my life for so many years.”

Murphy announced his retirement Oct. 13 in a press conference.

The board will announced a new superintendent in May, and that person would take over in July.

Federal Way is the eighth largest school district in the state, with 23 elementary schools, seven middle schools and five high schools. There are almost 22,000 students in the district.

“While it is sad to see such an exceptional education leader retire, our schools are financially and academically strong,” Smith said at the press conference. “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.”