Tom Butler will officially be retiring at the end of the 2024-25 school year

ATASCADERO — The Atascadero Unified School District (AUSD) Board of Trustees started the process to find its next superintendent at its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m. 

“It’s been a wonderful time in my life. It’s probably been the 10 most rewarding professional years that I’ve ever had,” Butler stated. “I’ve been in the profession for 36 years, obviously my last 10 years as superintendent, and I couldn’t have had a better community, a better staff, incredible support from parents; and I’ve just thoroughly enjoyed it, and I’ll miss it, of course.”

The first item under Administrative Business was two presentations from Superintendent Search Services, which will be used to find a replacement for Butler. In a letter that was sent out to the AUSD community on Sept. 18, Butler announced his upcoming retirement effective on June 30, 2025, after 10 years working for the district.

“I wanted to make my announcement specifically to the trustees, but also our community, early,” Butler told Atascadero News the next morning. “They need to know it takes time, as you heard last night, and there was a lot of discussion about the search, how to identify the next superintendent, and what’s the best process to do that. It will take a little time, and I really appreciate our trustees digging into that topic. I thought it was a very professional discussion. And that’s a decision that solely lies with the seven of them.” 

The trustee board heard from William Banning and Jacqueline Horejs of Leadership Associates, as well as Thomas Alvarez from the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education. Both entities have helped many Central Coast school districts find new superintendents over the years and have great track records in the county.

Leadership Associates has a state-wide reach throughout California, and 65 percent of the searches for superintendents in California went to the firm last year.

The SLO County Office of Education stated that they helped find superintendents for AUSD in 2010 and 2015 when Butler was chosen. 

“We’ve done this in the past, we’re happy to assist in doing it again, and we do have a vested interest in finding the right person,” stated Alvarez.  

Trustee Matt Pennon asked both parties to state how much their services would cost the district. Leadership Associates would come to a total of $25,000 to help with the search for a new superintendent, while the SLO County Office of Education would cost $6,000.

After much discussion, a failed motion was placed by Pennon, that was not seconded, to move forward with Leadership Associates, and after a request from trustees Corinne Kuhnle and Denise McGrew-Kane for more time to consider both parties, the item was moved to the Nov. 5 meeting as an action item.

Butler said his next chapter, after retirement, will include dedicating more time to his family, including his wife, kids, and grandkids, and he looks forward to being there for them as much as they’ve been there for him during his career.

“I’d like to say thank you. I’ve received a tremendous amount of support from the community. Far greater than anyone could ever have wished for,” Butler also told Atascadero News. “I’m grateful for it and just want to say thanks to the community. It’s been a wonderful experience, and looking forward to supporting the district in any way I can.” 

The next regularly scheduled AUSD Board of Trustees meeting will be on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m.