What does the future hold for the Federal Way School District?

For most in our community, the Federal Way school system is a source of pride. Those of you who have had the opportunity to see plays, sports events, musical performances and awards ceremonies for academic excellence can verify firsthand the talent and potential that reside in our young people.

Could it be better? Of course, it always can. But optimism in our children’s and community’s future is justified.

The building bond failures of two decades ago that caused our once-proud buildings to fall into disrepair have been replaced by consistent approvals and progress. New buildings and repairs to old buildings signal a new direction. And with simple majority replacing super majority for capital improvements, a new era of progress is under way.

Teachers, administrators, counselors, librarians, janitors, coaches and others toil in committed obscurity daily to ensure each child gets the support and encouragement they need to achieve success. Ten or 20 years from now when these students are asked who had the biggest impact on their life, an educator of some type will likely be listed right after mom and dad.

School board members — some good, some not so good — have come and gone over the years, with each leaving some type of positive imprint. Your current school board has four of five members who are relatively new to the board and are striving to find their place and direction. They have the potential to be an outstanding group. The previous board was somewhat controversial, but they still found a way to do their job. All this has been accomplished while Federal Way has been served by several top-flight superintendents who have guided the ship through good times and bad.

Our superintendent now, Tom Murphy, is one of the most respected education leaders in the state. He has brought us a long way. But we have reached a crossroads. We are in good shape and headed in a good direction. But in what direction do we go from here? And who will lead us there?

Murphy is the face, heart and inspiration of the Federal Way school system. But check a calendar and do the math. Murphy has been an educator for more than 30 years and has reached a time in his life when retirement has undoubtedly moved from passing thought to serious consideration.

Murphy is a professional. He would not retire unless he were convinced that the district were as solid as possible, capital projects on track, and the school board was seasoned enough to oversee a replacement search. All of those elements are essentially in place or will be soon.

But there are two additional clues. Federal Way’s Deputy Superintendent, Mark Davison, is quite capable and is well respected. He was a finalist in Auburn last year. But he did not apply for the recent Kent vacancy. Additionally, Murphy’s term as president of the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce will expire in summer 2010.

My guess? Murphy will announce sometime in the late fall that this will be his last school year and he will retire in spring 2010. Murphy is too talented to not do something of substance in the field of education. The obvious option is the state Legislature.

Now, could all my speculation be wrong? Of course! It might be 2011. But Murphy’s departure is not too far in the future, so we need to start asking the question. What path do we choose for the future of the school system, and whose compass do we follow?