Local Grant Helps Students Restore Native Habitat At Washougal High School (Photo) - 01/20/26

WASHOUGAL, WA – With support from a local grant, students in the Washougal High School (WHS) Green Team are working to transform the school courtyard into a native habitat learning space. The student-led group aims to earn a certification through the Backyard Habitat Certification Program, a partnership between the Columbia Land Trust and Bird Alliance of Oregon.

The project is supported by a grant from the Camas-Washougal Community Garden Club.

In December 2025, the Backyard Habitat Certification Program conducted a site assessment and recommended next steps in order for the green team to achieve Backyard Habitat Certification status. The Green Team will use money the student club has raised, along with the Garden Club grant, to replant the courtyard with regionally appropriate native species, remove invasive plant species, and improve pollinator habitat over the next few months.  The club will also work with the district’s facilities team to reduce nighttime lighting and incorporate educational signage this winter and spring, following recommendations from the Backyard Habitat Certification Program. 

The long-term plan divides the courtyard into sections so multiple student groups can participate in hands-on habitat restoration over time.

“Students have already done a lot of hands-on work to move this project forward. They removed old weed fabric, laid down cardboard and bark mulch, and planted native species in the north section of the courtyard. It’s been exciting to see their effort turn into real progress,” said Janet Franklin, co-leader of the Green Team at WHS. 

“They’re learning about native ecosystems, making a difference for the environment, and helping create a space the entire school can enjoy,” said Alexandra Yost, Green Team co-leader.

Through a fall plant sale, the Green Team also earned store credit donated by Nature’s Haven, a local nursery, to support habitat restoration efforts. Local donations and grants help the WHS Green Team turn the courtyard into a living classroom while modeling student-led environmental stewardship.

Learn more about Washougal School District at https://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/. 

Washougal School Board Member Jim Cooper To Resign On January 30, 2026 - 01/05/26

The Washougal School Board announces the resignation of Board member Jim Cooper, effective January 30, 2026.  Cooper has served on the school board since 2019, representing district 1.

Cooper said, “It is an honor to have been elected to represent our community as a Director of the Washougal School Board, and it is with mixed emotions that I resign my position to focus more time and energy on my health and my family.”

Cooper cited both his own public education and his many family members working in K-12 education as part of his motivation for serving on the school board.  Cooper opposed exclusion and inequity in school policies and procedures, and advocated for increasing enrichment activities for Highly Capable students, and for helping students identified for services reach their full potential. He worked with the superintendent and finance office to improve financial management and to systematize the communication of financial information to help board members make prudent fiscal decisions.

Cooper served in a leadership capacity on the board, being elected by the board to serve as the vice president for several years.  During his tenure, the board ran a thoughtful hiring process for the superintendent, selecting Aaron Hansen as superintendent.  

He worked with the board to expand opportunities for the public to engage in with board members, including the start of the listening tours and inviting both middle and high school students to serve as board representatives.  He further expanded opportunities for community members through committee work like the strategic planning steering committee, the instructional materials committee and the resource optimization workgroup.

Cooper volunteers with a number of local organizations serving the Washougal Community, including the City of Washougal Arts Commission, the nonprofit Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance, and the Parkersville Landing Advisory Committee for the Port of Camas Washougal. 

Superintendent Aaron Hansen noted that, “We celebrate Jim for his leadership and commitment to the Washougal School District. Throughout his tenure, he consistently prioritized student achievement, ensuring every learner receives the support necessary to realize their full potential. Whether asking the hard questions, championing college-readiness, or advocating for a long-range vision, Jim’s guidance, dedication, and support have made a lasting difference for the WSD community.” 

Board President Sadie McKenzie said, “Jim has been so amazing to learn from in serving on the school board. He values honest conversation around complex issues while keeping the board focused on making decisions that benefit students.”

The Washougal School Board of Directors will follow their policy to fill the vacancy, and details about the process will be posted to the district website and shared with the community once they are ready.

Washougal School Board Invites Community To January 13 Listening Tour (Photo) - 12/29/25

Washougal, WA – The Washougal School District Board of Directors invites community members to attend a School Board Listening Tour on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the Hathaway Elementary Library. The session will include a brief presentation on the district’s upcoming renewal Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) and Capital levy school funding measures on the February 10 ballot, with time for questions and discussion.

“These listening tours are about connection,” said Aaron Hansen, Washougal School District Superintendent. “They give us the opportunity to hear directly from our community, answer questions, and make sure our decisions reflect the values and priorities of the people we serve.”

Since February 2023, Washougal School District has regularly hosted listening sessions to provide informal opportunities for community members to talk directly with school board members, ask questions, and share ideas about Washougal schools. 

Feedback from previous listening tours has helped district leaders identify common questions related to school funding, student learning, campus safety, volunteer opportunities, and long-term planning for Washougal schools.

“Our board values these conversations because they help us better understand community questions about our schools and school funding,” said Sadie McKenzie, School Board President. “Listening tours allow us to work together and stay aligned with our community’s vision for Washougal schools.”

The renewal EP&O and Capital levies on the February 10, 2026 special election ballot work together to fund student programs and keep schools safe and in good condition. If approved by voters, the levies would replace existing levies that expire at the end of 2026 and would continue funding for student programs, staffing, and school maintenance. The measures are not new taxes.

Local levy dollars account for approximately 20% of the district’s overall budget. Local levy dollars support programs and services that are not fully covered by state funding, including classroom teachers to maintain class sizes, school nurses and counselors, security staff, arts and music programs, athletics and extracurricular activities, learning technology, and building operations and maintenance.

Learn more about the Board Listening Tour on January 13 at Hathaway Elementary School: washougal.k12.wa.us/event/board-listening-tour-levy-info/ 

Learn more about the renewal levies: washougal.k12.wa.us/levy.