Greg Retchless Appointed To WSD School Board (Photo) - 03/12/26

The Washougal School Board has appointed Greg Retchless to the school board, representing director district 1, to fill the seat vacated by Jim Cooper, who resigned from his board position at the end of January.  Retchless brings experience as a business owner and teacher to the board.  Retchless has served as a volunteer with the Washougal Food Bank and other local organizations.  

The board gathered applications from interested candidates in February. Board members interviewed Retchless at the March 10, 2026 special meeting. The board appointed Retchless the same night, with Superintendent Aaron Hansen administering the oath of office.   

Board President Sadie McKenzie said, “Greg’s experience as a business person and the 30 years working as a teacher adds to our capacity as a board. He has a strong background in Career and Technical Education programs, and we believe he can continue the great work Washougal has done to create robust career pathways in the skilled trades.”

“I worked in the culinary industry and it took me a number of years to find my direction.  My pathway to being a teacher started with my struggle to find my own way,” Retchless said. “My goal in serving on the board is helping students, especially those who are struggling. We can help students to identify their passion, and then to build the experiences that they need to pursue a career in skilled trades, a career in the military, or continue to higher education. ”

Superintendent Aaron Hansen said, “Greg’s experience building and sustaining innovation programs will guide our work preparing our students for their future. Greg has deep roots in Clark County, his connections to businesses that hire our students, and his experience working at Cascadia Technical Academy, will serve our students well.” 

The appointment is through November 2027, when Washougal voters will elect a permanent replacement.

Washougal High School Students Share Impact Of Career & Technical Education Programs (Photo) - 02/24/26

Washougal, WA — February 24, 2026 — In recognition of Career & Technical Education Month, Washougal High School students Madeline Brock and Jake Larzalere presented to the Washougal School District Board of Directors about the impact of Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs on February 10, 2026. The students shared how CTE coursework and leadership opportunities help prepare students with real-world, job-ready skills. 

“It is powerful to hear directly from students about how these programs are shaping their goals and preparing them for the future,” said Sadie McKenzie, School Board President. “We are incredibly proud of the skills these students have built through their CTE courses and how they are applying that learning in real-world settings.” 

Washougal School District has more than 70 middle and high school CTE courses across 11 career pathways. These courses range from Metals & Manufacturing to Culinary Arts, Intro to Medical Careers & Terminology, Social Media Marketing and more. 

“Hands-on classes like these help students find what they’re good at and feel confident about their future,” said Larzalere.

“Career & Technical Education gives students the opportunity to apply their learning in meaningful, real-world ways,” said Margaret Rice, Career & Technical Education Director. “Through hands-on coursework, industry partnerships, and leadership experiences, students are building practical skills, exploring career pathways, and gaining the confidence to take with them after graduation,” said Margaret Rice, Career & Technical Education Director. Rice answered questions from the board along with the student presenters. 

Brock and Larzalere were recently recognized for their achievements through Future Business Leaders of America, a Career & Technical Education extracurricular club that allows students to apply business and leadership skills through real-world projects and competition. Larzalere earned first place in the FBLA Regional Social Media Strategy competition, while Brock placed fourth in Public Service Announcement, Impromptu Speaking, and Marketing categories. 

The students also presented to the school board about how CTE programs contribute to workforce development, support local industries, and help strengthen the regional economy by preparing students with in-demand skills.

“CTE classes and competitions have helped me build real skills and grow as a student and a leader,” said Brock.

Washougal School District’s CTE offerings are shaped in partnership with a district Career & Technical Education Advisory Committee composed of local industry professionals. Their input helps keep coursework aligned with today’s workforce expectations, ensuring students gain relevant, in-demand skills. Learn more at https://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/cte/. 

Washougal School District EPO Levy & Capital Levy Passing In Preliminary Results (Photo) - 02/11/26

Preliminary results from the Special Election show both Washougal school levies passing, with the EPO at passing at 58.46% and the capital levy at 58.12% as of 8:00 p.m. on February 10.  Thank you, Washougal voters, for your support! 

Superintendent Aaron Hansen said, “I am incredibly grateful for the trust the Washougal community has shown in approving our renewal levies. We are committed to being good stewards of these voter-approved funds.” He added, “We will use the budget priorities our students, families, community and staff have shared with the board to guide the projects and investments we make, and continue to share with the public the progress we make as we invest these resources to improve learning for our students.”

Board president Sadie McKenzie shared, “We are so thankful for your continued trust and investment in our students, our schools, and our communities' future. There are so many amazing and exciting things happening in our schools thanks to amazing family and volunteer support.”

Conversations that have taken place at our board listening tours have been greatly appreciated. These one-on-one discussions promote healthy dialogue, and help bring community members to the table. We believe that by listening and seeking feedback, we can continue to improve. We invite everyone to the next one on March 10 at the Gateway Church from 9-10:30 AM.

These important funding measures continue student program support for the next three years, and help protect our investment in school facilities by keeping our buildings well maintained.

Local levy funding supports much of the important work that the state doesn’t fully fund. The Washougal community has stepped up once again to bridge the gap between what we receive from the state in basic funding and what is needed to provide excellent school programs that engage every student.