New members appointed to school board

There are two new faces on the Washougal School Board. Jim Gadberry and Terrie Hutchins have replaced Orlan Gessford and Tom Huffman, who retired at the end of January.

Both seats are up for re-election in November 2011.

Gessford served on the board since 1984, and Huffman was elected in 1985.

Gadberry and Hutchins are both active in education. Hutchins is a longtime volunteer at several schools in Portland and Washougal. Her son graduated from Washougal High School in 2005.

Gadberry had a long career in education, which included working as a teacher and administrator in several different school districts over a 34-year period.

The following is a brief introduction of each new member.

Jim Gadberry

Age: 62

Family: Wife, Darlene, two grown children, Shannon and Ian, and a 17-year-old beagle named Shelby.

Hobbies: Running, mountain climbing, camping, hiking, photography and travel.

Related experience: Served as principal at Pendleton Junior High School, Canby High School, Pendleton High School and Nestucca Valley Middle School. Before that, he was a teacher for nine years at Milwaukie High School.

Job: Retired educator and current owner of J & J Management and Consulting.

What interested you in the board position? “Last year I was on the Washougal School District Budget Committee and got to know people. When this position opened up, people encouraged me to apply.”

Do you plan to run when the position is up for election in November? “It’s too soon to tell yet, but I’ll definitely entertain the thought.”

What are your goals while on the School Board? “My two short-term goals are to select a superintendent and pass a budget.”

What do you see as the most challenging aspect of serving on the board? “The financial decision making, given the state of the economy. I think my background will aid in those decisions. It won’t solve all issues, but hopefully it will aid the board as we make financial decisions.”

Terrie Hutchins

Age: 59

Family: Son, Dave, three cats and a dog.

Hobbies: Attending her son’s plays and musical events, camping, hiking and watching movies.

Related experience: Treasurer for the Parent Teacher Association at her son’s grade school, longtime classroom volunteer.

Job: Full-time student at Washington State University Vancouver and part-time associate at Wal-Mart.

What interested you in the board position? “I wanted to get involved with kids who are struggling and encourage them to finish high school. I want them to find a path of interest. You really need to get involved in order to make a difference.”

Do you plan to run when the position is up for election in November? “I will for the experience and to see where this takes me.”

What are your goals while on the School Board? “I focus on the struggling kids because my son did. I want to keep an eye on the ones who need help and get overlooked. I’m really concerned about curriculum and education.”

What do you see as the most challenging part about serving on the board? “Learning everything I need to know (about policies and procedures). There is a lot to learn.”