‘Iolani School Headmaster Val T. Iwashita announced today he will step down at the end of the school year after 17 years in that position.

Iwashita, 61, is the school’s second-longest serving headmaster and the first ‘Iolani graduate to lead the school.

He is credited with upgrading campus facilities, supporting and inspiring teachers and students and emphasizing the values and traditions which distinguish an ‘Iolani education, among other achievements, the school said in a news release.

Iwashita will continue to be involved for the 2012-2013 school year in key projects for the school including fundraising, facilities development, 150th anniversary planning and to help ensure a smooth transition for his replacement.

‘Iolani’s board of governors will appoint a search committee and hire a global search firm to identify a new head of school.

“It has been a tremendous honor and privilege for me to lead ‘Iolani for nearly two decades and to build on our 150-year tradition of excellence as we prepare our students to compete and thrive in an ever-changing world, and to ensure we remain a vital part of our community and its future,” Iwashita said in the news release. “While this school year will end my official role as headmaster, my service to the school, its students, faculty and alumni, and the community at large will continue.”