Hawaii Baptist Academy President Richard Bento will retire June 30 after more than three decades of service at the school.

Bento will be succeeded by Ronald Shiira, current executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Founded more than 65 years ago, HBA offers a college preparatory curriculum and Christ-centered programs for students in grades K-12.

Bento began his service at HBA in 1978 when he became chairman of the HBA School Program Committee, which is known today as the board of directors. He became the school’s fourth president in 1994, succeeding Dan Kong.

Under Bento’s leadership, the school expanded in 1987 with the acquisition of the elementary school property on Bates Street in Nuuanu from the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts. In 2006 he oversaw completion of the Dan Kong Middle School campus. Most recently he headed the $17 million capital campaign to fund the high school expansion plan, which included the new arts and science building, senior pavilion and renovated learning resource center.

Bento directed HBA to full accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Association of Christian Schools International.

“Dick has accomplished much during his presidency to help HBA expand and thrive, and for that, we are extremely grateful,” said Ken Hensarling, HBA board chairman, in a statement.

“Our preparation of a succession plan began years ago for this inevitable event, and we are ready for the seamless transition to our new president. Ron already has a proven track record as a leader and has been involved in numerous aspects of the school in preparation to become HBA’s next president. He has the heart to lead our school, and we have every confidence in him,” Hensarling said.

Shiira, who graduated from the academy in 1975, has more than 30 years of corporate and nonprofit business experience.

In 2011 he was hired to serve as an executive assistant to the president. In addition to being executive vice president and chief operating officer, Shiira also has served as chairman of the HBA board of directors.

Shiira will take over as HBA’s president July 1.