Superintendent of Schools

Closing date: Jan 4, 2027

Please contact Andy Wolf for official application materials and information pertaining to this search.

Thorp, Washington A Community with Character

Nestled at the western edge of the beautiful Kittitas Valley, Thorp offers a distinctive blend of small-town community, agricultural heritage, and outdoor adventure. Located just eight miles northwest of Ellensburg and approximately 100 miles east of Seattle, Thorp provides the opportunity to enjoy the pace and personal connections of a rural community while remaining within easy reach of the amenities, cultural opportunities, and higher education resources of Central Washington. Here, the forests of the Cascade Range transition into open farmland, cattle ranches, and fields of timothy hay, alfalfa, fruits, and vegetables. With four distinct seasons, abundant sunshine, and the Yakima River nearby, Thorp is an appealing place for those who value the outdoors, wide-open spaces, and a strong sense of place.

Thorp’s history is an important part of its identity, but the community’s character is found in the people who continue to invest in it. The historic Thorp Mill, built in the early 1880s and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, stands as a reminder of the community’s agricultural and entrepreneurial roots. Restored through the determination of residents, the mill now serves as both a historical site and a gathering place. Annual traditions such as Thorp Community Day bring residents together for a pancake breakfast, parade, fall market, carnival, live music, and activities celebrating the community and its agricultural heritage. The Thorp Fruit & Antique Mall, historic buildings, community spaces, and surrounding farmland add to the area’s distinctive small-town personality.

For those who enjoy an active lifestyle, Thorp’s location provides remarkable access to Central Washington’s recreational opportunities. The Yakima River offers fishing, floating, and kayaking, while the nearby Cascade foothills and Wenatchee National Forest provide opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, hunting, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and exploring.

Thorp also benefits from its proximity to Central Washington University, creating opportunities that extend well beyond recreation. The university brings an abundance of cultural, educational, and athletic events within easy reach of the community, providing residents and families with opportunities to enjoy performances, lectures, activities, and collegiate athletics throughout the year. Just as importantly, the district can build meaningful relationships with the university, creating connections that can support professional learning, student opportunities, and the recruitment and retention of outstanding educators and staff.

This relationship with higher education can be an important asset for a school district seeking to attract talented professionals who want to live and work in a community that offers both small-town connection and access to broader educational and cultural resources. With Ellensburg nearby and Interstate 90 providing convenient access west toward the Seattle region and east toward Central Washington and beyond, Thorp offers an appealing balance of accessibility and community. For a leader seeking a community where relationships matter, where the school is an important part of community life, and where there is room to make a meaningful difference, Thorp offers a rare combination of small-town connection, natural beauty, history, educational opportunity, and possibility.

For more information about the Thorp community visit: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thorp,_Washington

Thorp School District Small by Size, Big on Opportunity

Thorp School District is a small, community-centered K–12 school district where relationships are at the heart of the educational experience. The district serves approximately 270 students in grades K–12 and operates as a single-school district, creating an environment in which students, staff, families, and community members can know one another and work together toward a common vision. The district’s size provides opportunities for meaningful relationships, individualized attention, and a strong sense of connection among students and staff.

The school is much more than an educational institution in Thorp—it is an important part of the community’s identity. The district is committed to preparing students for a wide range of opportunities beyond graduation and is especially excited about the continued growth and development of its Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. As the district continues building its CTE offerings toward full capacity, there is a strong opportunity to expand meaningful, hands-on learning experiences and help students connect their education with future careers, technical skills, and post-secondary opportunities. The district is also deeply committed to its outdoor education programs, taking advantage of the remarkable natural resources and recreational opportunities that surround the community. Together, these Email from Northwest Leadership Associates programs reflect a vision for education that extends beyond the traditional classroom and helps students learn through exploration, experience, and real-world connections.

The district’s current strategic direction reflects an emphasis on preparing students not only for academic success, but also for the opportunities and responsibilities that await them beyond high school. Students benefit from the advantages of a small school setting, including opportunities to participate in a variety of activities, close collaboration among staff, and meaningful connections with families and community members. For a superintendent, Thorp offers the opportunity to be highly visible, accessible, and directly connected to the work of teaching and learning while helping lead the continued development of important programs that will shape the district’s future.

Thorp’s educational story is also connected to the community’s deep sense of history and pride. The result is a school district with a strong sense of tradition while also looking forward with excitement and purpose. For an educational leader who appreciates collaboration, personal relationships, community engagement, and the opportunity to help build innovative programs students, Thorp School District offers a leadership opportunity where a superintendent can truly know the community—and play an important role in helping shape its future.

For more information about the Thorp School District visit: www.thorpschools.org