Sumner School District’s Board of Directors voted unanimously Feb. 27 to hire Sara Johnson — assistant superintendent to the Lincoln County School District in Oregon — as the next superintendent.

When Johnson begins work July 1 — pending contract negotiations, according to a district press release — it will end the hiring process that began in May 2012.

“Sumner School District is one of Washington’s outstanding school districts, and I am honored and excited to be selected as the next Superintendent,” Johnson said Friday. “I am very much looking forward to working together with the community and educators of (the district) to ensure the best possible education for all of our students.”

In May, the school board hired education consultant Lee Goeke to develop a desirable superintendent candidate model, formed from survey responses by more than 800 students, student families, staff and other community members regarding the district’s values and direction. The data was further refined into a model by focus groups.

The finalized model placed a high value on a “traditional career path” from teacher to building administration to district administration.

Johnson was among 11 candidates who met the model’s criteria, culled from 32 applicants total.

With Johnson’s arrival, Interim Superintendent Craig Spencer will step down and return to the Assistant Superintendency.

“Superintendent Craig Spencer has done an outstanding job as interim Superintendent and I look forward to our transition as we focus on the next steps for reaching peak performance,” Johnson said. “My skills, experience and education center around leading for excellence in teaching and learning and I am excited to begin my service.”

Spencer has led the district since Gil Mendoza’s departure at the end of June 2011.

From March 13 through March 15, Johnson will visit from Oregon for final approval of her contract at the March 13 school board meeting and tour Sumner School District’s campuses and classrooms.