Vancouver Public Schools Welcomes Dr. Rocky Torres-Morales As Superintendent; Community Invited To Attend July 1 Oath Of Office Ceremony (Photo) - 06/24/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Vancouver Public Schools Welcomes Dr. Rocky Torres-Morales as Superintendent

Community invited to attend July 1 oath of office ceremony
 

VANCOUVER, Wash. — Vancouver Public Schools invites community members, staff, families, students, and members of the media to attend the official oath of office ceremony for Dr. Ricardo “Rocky” Torres-Morales as he assumes leadership of Vancouver Public Schools.
 

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Bates Center for Educational Leadership, 2921 Falk Road, Vancouver, WA 98661
 

The event will include brief comments from the VPS Board President, Wendy Smith, followed by the Oath of Office and then remarks from Dr. Torres-Morales on his plans for the upcoming months as the new leader of Vancouver Public Schools. The ceremony marks the beginning of Dr. Torres-Morales’ tenure as superintendent and celebrates his readiness to begin leading VPS into the future.
 

Dr. Torres-Morales was selected by the Vancouver Public Schools Board of Directors following a months-long national search and extensive community engagement process. The board reviewed applications from more than 40 candidates from across the country and gathered input through surveys, listening sessions, community forums, candidate interviews, and public meet-and-greet events before making its final selection.
 

An experienced educational leader, Dr. Torres-Morales brings extensive experience in public education, including service as a teacher, principal, district administrator, and associate superintendent. Throughout his career, he has focused on improving student outcomes, strengthening community partnerships, supporting staff, and ensuring every student has access to high-quality educational opportunities.
 

The Vancouver Public Schools Board of Directors announced Dr. Torres-Morales as its next superintendent in January following a community-informed selection process. He will officially begin serving as superintendent immediately following this ceremony on July 1, 2026.
 

Members of the media are welcome to attend. Brief interview opportunities will be available following the ceremony.

About Vancouver Public Schools

Vancouver Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in Washington State, serving approximately 20,000 students in preschool through grade 12. VPS is committed to inspiring learning; growing community; each student, every day.