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/.