Two Catholic school principals say it's time for a change, and both will get their wish. Bob Rutledge leaves St. Alphonsus Parish School in Ballard to become principal at St. Bernadette Parish School in Burien.

St. Bernadette principal, Joe Budde, will retire.

Rutledge taught eighth grade social studies, language arts, and religion at St. Alphonsus for seven years, then became principal for four.

"I even taught a little math, but that's not my specialty," he said with a grin.

His responsibilities now include both hiring new teachers at St. Alphonsus before leaving, then hiring new teachers at St. Bernadette when he officially begins there July 1.

Budde said that Rutledge is "a real quality man." He said they don't know each other well, but, "Bob has already met with the parents and kids here and they like him a lot. It's time for me to pass the torch."

"I met Joe at school meetings and ran into him at a Mariners game," said Rutledge. "We lost but it was a close game at least."

"I think you grow if you make a change," said Rutledge, a resident of the Ballard area, about leaving St Alphonsus. "I'll miss the kids and their parents. But I will still be involved with the parish community. I live near here and will attend mass and the auctions."