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Although he is scheduled to retire from the San Ramon Valley Unified School District on June 30, Superintendent Steve Enoch has dropped out of the running for superintendent of the Seattle School District.

Enoch, 63, was recruited by the district after announcing his retirement at SRVUSD and was one of three finalists for the position. In an email to the Seattle school board, Enoch said he was not right for the job.

"I have concluded that what Seattle needs is a younger person, potentially able to provide longer stability and direction for the district," wrote Enoch. "I believe you have two very viable candidates that will better meet the long-term needs of the district."

According to the Seattle Times, Enoch's decision was based on personal reflection and discussions with his wife. Enoch's decision to remove his hat from the race disappointed activist parents and teachers who favored his experience and enthusiasm, the Times wrote.

Meanwhile, San Ramon Valley Unified has hired a search firm of its own and has begun looking for candidates to replace Enoch. SRVUSD is also holding a series of 30-minute sessions with stakeholder groups, such as PTAs, and has a survey out for parents, all to learn what each group wants in the district's next superintendent.

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