BOULDER - One of the highest performing school districts in the state searched the nation for its next superintendent, then decided on one of its own, former Boulder High School Principal Chris King.

"He's open and approachable and invested in our Boulder community," Boulder Valley School District board President Helayne Jones said in explaining why King was right for the job.

The seven-member board announced King's selection last week.

Jones said King, a former teacher and administrator, sees the strengths and weaknesses of Boulder Valley. He was given a three-year contract, and will earn $190,000 his first year.

A big concern is the achievement gap between minorities and non-minorities.

Board member Ken Roberge said if King succeeds in meeting goals set by the board, "The achievement level of all students in our district will have increased.

"The achievement of our poorest performing students, especially our disadvantaged students, will have increased even more."

By 2010, Roberge said, "The level of trust, interaction and communication with our diverse community will be at an all-time high."

For Jones, the key will be respectful and open communication with parents from across the district - traits she is confident King possesses.

King, 45, will succeed George F. Garcia, who became superintendent in 2000 but will retire July 1.

Roberge praised Garcia for maintaining Boulder Valley's "strong record of academic achievement" and bringing fiscal stability and "equitable educational opportunity" to the district.

King, currently the deputy superintendent, became an English and journalism teacher at Broomfield High School in 1985. He spent time teaching in Georgia and in Cherry Creek Schools, then returned to Boulder Valley as principal at Boulder High School, and later assistant superintendent. In that post, he oversaw a program that brought more services to schools at a lower cost.

He and his wife, Kelly, principal of Douglass Elementary School, live with their two children in Superior.

scanlon@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-442-8729