Cooper has served on the school board since 2019, representing District 1

The Washougal School Board announced the resignation of Board member Jim Cooper, effective Jan. 30.  Cooper has served on the school board since 2019, representing District 1.

Cooper said, “It is an honor to have been elected to represent our community as a Director of the Washougal School Board, and it is with mixed emotions that I resign my position to focus more time and energy on my health and my family.”

Cooper cited both his own public education and his many family members working in K-12 education as part of his motivation for serving on the school board.  Cooper opposed exclusion and inequity in school policies and procedures, and advocated for increasing enrichment activities for Highly Capable students, and for helping students identified for services reach their full potential. He worked with the superintendent and finance office to improve financial management and to systematize the communication of financial information to help board members make prudent fiscal decisions.

Cooper served in a leadership capacity on the board, being elected by the board to serve as the vice president for several years.  During his tenure, the board ran a hiring process for the superintendent, selecting Aaron Hansen as superintendent.  

He worked with the board to expand opportunities for the public to engage in with board members, including the start of the listening tours and inviting both middle and high school students to serve as board representatives.  He further expanded opportunities for community members through committee work like the strategic planning steering committee, the instructional materials committee and the resource optimization workgroup.

Cooper volunteers with a number of local organizations serving the Washougal Community, including the City of Washougal Arts Commission, the nonprofit Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance, and the Parkersville Landing Advisory Committee for the Port of Camas Washougal. 

Superintendent Aaron Hansen noted that, “We celebrate Jim for his leadership and commitment to the Washougal School District. Throughout his tenure, he consistently prioritized student achievement, ensuring every learner receives the support necessary to realize their full potential. Whether asking the hard questions, championing college-readiness, or advocating for a long-range vision, Jim’s guidance, dedication, and support have made a lasting difference for the WSD community.” 

Board President Sadie McKenzie said, “Jim has been so amazing to learn from in serving on the school board. He values honest conversation around complex issues while keeping the board focused on making decisions that benefit students.”

The Washougal School Board of Directors will follow their policy to fill the vacancy, and details about the process will be posted to the district website and shared with the community once they are ready.

Information provided by the Washougal School District.