Washougal School District

4855 Evergreen Way

Washougal, WA 98671
360-954-3000

www.washougal.k12.wa.us

General Information

Education plays an important role in the history of Washougal. Washougal School District has the distinction of operating the first public school North of the Columbia River. In 1852 Washougal was the first school district to file with the Clark County Commissioners to be established as a public school district. At this time, much schooling was done at home or classes were held in churches and public buildings. The exact location of the first public school in Washougal is not known, but it was likely near the river, the site of many early land claims. A second school was built around 1847 on Joseph Gibbons' property, now the Orchard Hills Golf Course. The first class of WHS students graduated in 1914 with a total of four graduates. Over the years more rural schools became part of Washougal School District, including Mt. Norway, Bear Prairie, and finally in 1966 Cape Horn-Skye joined the district.

Budget: The Washougal School District operates an annual budget of more than $22 million.

Population: The district serves nearly 3,000 students.

Vision: Washougal Schools and Community working together to develop educated, healthy, responsible and successful citizens.

Mission: To provide a high quality educational system that inspires all students to vigorously pursue educational excellence and responsible citizenship.

Form of Government

Elected/appointed

Elected Officials

There are five elected members of the school district board of directors.

District 1

Dr. Orlan J. Gessford
Term expires: 2011

District 2

Elaine Pfeifer
Term expires: 2011

District 3

Blaine A. Peterson

Term expires: 2013

District 4

Thomas D. Huffman
Term expires: 2011

District 5

Ron Dinius
Term expires: 2013

Staff

Teresa Baldwin, superintendent
Mark Ross, assistant superintendent

Engagement Opportunities

Unless noted otherwise, Board Meetings are held at the Washougal School District Board Room,
4855 Evergreen Way, Washougal, on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Citizens can seek an elected position on the school board.
Many volunteer possibilities exist at each school.

Notes of Special Interest

Three elementary schools.
Two middle schools.
Two high schools.