At their June 28, 2022 board meeting, the Washougal School District Board of Directors approved the hiring of four new administrators for the 2022-2023 school year. The new administrators will start work on July 1, 2022, and will serve at Washougal High School, Canyon Creek Middle School, Cape Horn-Skye Elementary, and WSD Special Services.
Jake Healea will join Canyon Creek Middle School as the new principal. Jake follows Brian Amundson, who announced earlier this year he accepted a position in Naches, WA. Healea has worked for Sherwood School District the past five years as an associate principal at Sherwood Middle School, and brings experience as a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) team leader and AVID site coordinator. In his role as associate principal, Healea led professional development and helped the school system develop strategies for responding to unexpected student behavior. Healea also brings experience as a middle and high school teacher, with teaching experience in Lake Oswego, Portland, and Beaverton schools in history, social studies, psychology, and economics, among other subjects. Healea has a Masters in Social Studies Education from Lewis & Clark, and his undergraduate degree is from Western Washington University. “I am honored and humbled to join the Washougal School District and Canyon Creek Middle School,” Healea said. “I am excited to be part of such a great community. I look forward to doing all I can to support the staff, students, and families in fostering strong relationships, personalized learning, and equitable opportunities to ensure learning without limits for all students.”
Cape Horn-Skye Elementary welcomes Brooke Henley as the new principal. Henley currently serves as principal of Rose Valley Elementary in Kelso, where she has worked for the past six years. Henley brings experience teaching in elementary along with experience in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and AVID. Henley has an undergraduate degree from Washington State University, a Masters in Education from Lesley University, and her admin credential from WSU Vancouver. Henley said that “It is an honor to serve the staff, students, and families at Cape Horn-Skye! My own children attended the school, and having the opportunity to lead here now will be a joy.” She added that, “The way the entire Washougal community works together for kids is inspiring and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”
Connor McCroskey will join the district to serve as the Director of Special Services. McCroskey will take over from Penny Andrews, who has accepted a position in Longview schools. McCroskey is a former Special Education teacher, Dean of students, and Assistant Director of Special Services, most recently working for three years in Vancouver Public Schools overseeing special education programming for elementary aged students. McCroskey is a University of Oregon graduate, and has a strong passion for serving students with disabilities in a MTSS system that uses evidence-based practices to reduce exclusionary discipline. McCroskey said that “I am excited to work with the Washougal School District and community to continue the work they are already doing in support of all learners.”
Brian Wilde will serve as a new WHS Associate Principal and Athletic Director. Brian will take over from Gary McGarvie, who is moving to another role within the district. Wilde has worked as an associate principal for more than ten years in Camas schools. Wilde brings experience creating positive relationships between patrons and the school community, monitoring student behavior, and mentoring new teachers. He also brings experience as a special education teacher in the Evergreen School District. Wilde received his masters in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University, and an undergraduate degree from City University of Seattle. Wilde said “I am really looking forward to joining the Washougal community and supporting adults who are working to create transformative experiences for students at WHS, both in and out of the classroom.” He added that “the robust extracurricular programs at WHS provide great ways for students to learn about themselves, develop teamwork skills, and be known within their community.”
