STANFORD - The future superintendent of Olympia school district already knows his way around the district, so the leadership transition is expected to be an easy one, officials said.

Brad Hutchison, now the district's assistant superintendent, is expected to take over from Donald Hahn on July 1, 2007. The final details of his three-year contract have to be worked out for final approval at the May 8 school board meeting.

"He knows the students, staff and community and will have plenty of time to prepare for what we expect to be an almost seamless transition," said Laura Cremeens, president of the school board.

Hutchison joined Olympia in 2002 and he has overseen curriculum, technology, grant-funded programs, food service and other programs.

Hutchison led the development of the Olympia staff development academy and the realignment of curriculum with new state standards and helped launch a systematic approach to school improvement planning.

"I'm honored and privileged to continue my work at Olympia and follow through on many of the projects that have gotten under way in recent years," said Hutchison in a prepared statement. "I have found the faculty, staff, students and parents to be pleasant to work with, and together we can continue efforts to improve the excellent educational programs currently being offered at Olympia."

Hutchison, a 1976 Delavan Community High School graduate, earned bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Illinois State University. He also has completed all the required coursework for a doctorate in education administration from ISU.

Hutchison began his educational career in the Delavan school district, where he served as a teacher, coach and counselor. Hutchison also worked for Pekin District 108 as a counselor, assistant principal and principal for 14 years.

"The Olympia Board of Education is enthused about Mr. Hutchison's selection as the next Olympia superintendent," Cremeens said in a prepared statement. "His variety of experiences in the educational field and particularly his experience with Olympia will serve us well as we work to move the district forward for students."