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.