The interim president of Renton Technical College, Steve Hanson, has been asked by the college’s trustees whether he would take the job permanently.

The Board of Trustees raised the issue at its Nov. 10 meeting.

According to a college press release Friday, Hanson responded that he is “very interested” in continuing as the long-term president of the college. Hanson couldn’t be reached for comment Friday.

Because of Hanson’s expression of interest, the board has voted to suspend contract negotiations with a presidential search firm while it looks into the possibility of hiring Hanson as permanent president.

Earlier, the board had indicated the interim president wouldn’t be considered for the permanent job.

The trustees are seeking a replacement for Dr. Don Bressler, who was fired last summer for unspecified reasons.

As part of selection process, the board will hold community and campus forums to take public comment on what they want in the next college president and to give the public a chance to meet with Hanson.

The forums will be held at Renton Technical College, 3000 N.E. Fourth St., Renton, in the Technology Resource Center, Blencoe Auditorium. The schedule of the forums is as follows:

• Tuesday, Dec. 1: 1-2 p.m. students; 2:15-3:15 p.m. faculty; 3:30-4:30 p.m. classified staff, and 4:45-6 p.m., community.

• Thursday, Dec. 3: 9-10 a.m. classified staff; 10:15-11:15 a.m. exempt staff; 1:30-2:30 p.m. instruction group, and 4:45-6 p.m. labor/advisory councils.