Final placement is pending acceptance and final contract negotiations with the school board. Dr. Torres-Morales will begin his role as superintendent on July 1, 2026
VANCOUVER — Dr. Ricardo “Rocky” Torres-Morales has been selected as the next superintendent of Vancouver Public Schools. The board of directors announced its decision on Wednesday (Jan. 21) after interviews with the finalists, candidate meet-and-greets with the community, and gathering feedback through numerous community surveys.
“We are very excited after meeting with many qualified candidates to be welcoming Dr. Torres-Morales to our Vancouver community. We are confident he embodies the qualities the community identified as priorities for our school district, and his experience positions him well to move us forward toward our Vision of a Graduate,” said Board Chair Wendy Smith.
Learn more about the new superintendent.
The selection of Dr. Ricardo “Rocky” Torres-Morales as superintendent is the culmination of an extensive public engagement process and national search conducted by the board with the assistance of search firm, Ray and Associates, that began in August. The process included dozens of community forums, both in-person and virtual, as well as a survey that invited members of the public to share their priorities for the next superintendent.
The board and search firm reviewed a total of 40 applications submitted from all different regions of the United States. Board members considered and interviewed six top candidates virtually, before selecting four semifinalists at the beginning of January. Those four finalists were invited to visit, meet with community members and leaders, and interview with the board on January 20 and 21.
Final placement is pending acceptance and final contract negotiations with the school board. Dr. Torres-Morales will begin his role as superintendent on July 1, 2026.
Information provided by the Vancouver School District.
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Vancouver Public Schools is facing a significant financial crisis, marked by recurring budget shortfalls, declining fund balances, and state-level financial warnings.
The district received a financial warning from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for the 2023-24 school year, the first in over a decade, due to a financial health score of 1.50—below the 1.75 threshold that triggers a warning.
This reflects ongoing challenges in balancing expenditures with state funding.
The district has consistently struggled with state funding delays, as 22.5% of basic education and categorical funds are withheld until late in the fiscal year (July–August), creating cash flow shortages during the early school months.
To address this, Vancouver Public Schools has taken drastic measures, including cutting $35 million from its 2024-25 budget, eliminating 261 positions (including teachers, counselors, and support staff), and closing its Flex Academy program.
In November 2025, the district sought a $21.4 million emergency apportionment advance from the state to bridge cash flow gaps but received only $8.7 million, underscoring the severity of the shortfall.
The district is now relying on borrowing from Clark County’s Treasurer’s Office to manage immediate cash needs. Officials project a $20.15 million deficit for the 2026-27 school year, with continued pressure from declining enrollment, rising special education costs, and increased operating expenses.
Leaders emphasize that while the state bears significant responsibility for underfunding, internal fiscal decisions have also contributed to the situation. The district is now focused on restoring its fund balance, with plans to make additional reductions and reevaluate alternative learning programs.
Please note that his salary in Seattle does not contain benefits. I contacted the Van SD and asked for a copy of his contract and was told it is not available.