The Washougal School District Board of Education consists of five citizens of the school district elected from director districts for a four-year term. Any resident may run for election to the board providing the candidate meets certain legal qualifications.
Board members serve without pay. In Washington, education is defined as a function of the state government by the constitution. Legislative actions have created school boards to serve as agents of the state to administer the school functions which have been delegated to local districts. School board members are responsible to the voters and act under the restrictions of state law.
The board provides direction for the district, approving policies, making financial decisions, validating strategic planning long-range goals, and approving the budget. The progress of the district is reviewed regularly by the board. The board relies on the superintendent for advice, but final decisions are the responsibility of the school board.
Jim Cooper
District 1
[email protected]
Board Vice President
Term expires: 2027
Jim Cooper joined the board in December 2019. He brings a background as a college professor, higher education administrator, scientist, and business owner to the school board. He comes from a family with many who have worked in public education, and has experience working with budgets, personnel, and administration.
Jane Long
District 2
[email protected]
Term expires: 2025
Jane joined the Washougal School Board in 2024, bringing a background in HR leadership, organizational strategy, and operations. She is actively involved in the district, regularly volunteering at school events, coaching various youth sports, and serving as a mentor with ReadNW. Her hands-on involvement provides valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within the community. As a parent of two children in the district, she has a personal stake in ensuring the success of all students and is committed to fostering a school system that equips them with the tools needed to thrive now and in the future.
Sadie McKenzie, Board President
District 3
[email protected]
Board President
Term expires: 2025
Sadie McKenzie joined the board in December 2021 to represent District 3.
Sadie, her husband Eric and oldest son moved to Washougal in 2011, their second son joined them in 2013. They wanted to raise their growing family in a community with a small town feel, 11 years later they are happy they made that move.
Sadie spends most of her free time volunteering at her sons’ school, where she’s the Booster Secretary and is also a board member on their little league. She loves being involved in the schools and volunteering so when a teacher suggested she run for school board she decided to run.
Sadie wants to be a board member that families and students feel comfortable talking to. She is excited to add value to the WSD Board and give back to our wonderful community by serving as a board member.
IDA ROYER
District 4
[email protected]
Board Legislative Representative
Term expires: 2027
I’m honored to serve my fellow Washougal families, and am very grateful to the current board members who have welcomed me, volunteered to get me up to speed, and answer any questions I might have.
I ran for school director because as a parent I’d want someone balanced and practical to be at the table making decisions that could impact my child, and I feel I can be that for other families. At the end of the day I want all our kids to be prepared for life after school, in whatever form that takes.
Chuck Carpenter
District 5
[email protected]
Term expires: 2025
Chuck Carpenter was appointed to the WSD Board in September 2020, and re-elected in November 2021.
Carpenter spent his entire adult life in public education, with more than forty years as a school administrator, eleven of those in the role of superintendent, working for and with a variety of school boards. He has participated in WSD with his leadership on Festival of the Trees, as a music tutor at Hathaway Elementary and in the capacity of Human Resources Director from 2005 to 2008. He is also an active member and leader on a long list of community committees and organizations.
He believes strongly in the importance of community service and giving back as a way of thanks to those who came before us. Serving on a school board, to him, represents a pinnacle of paying it forward.
