Quinn resigns from Camas School Board

Incoming Camas city administrator Doug Quinn has resigned from the Camas School Board. Board members “reluctantly” accepted Quinn’s resignation during their meeting on Monday, Dec. 12, according to a news release issued by the Camas School District. “I’m very privileged to have known (Doug) in this capacity,” Camas School District Superintendent John Anzalone said during the meeting. “In my short time here, (I have known him as) a voice of reason, logic, and, most importantly, a compassionate person, not just for children, but for adults.” The city of Camas announced that it selected Quinn as its next city administrator on Monday, Nov. 28. He is set to begin his new role in January 2023. “As much as I’m excusing myself from board meetings, I will be joining you and your staff when the city and the schools do their frequent and regular meetings,” Quinn said during the meeting. “I’m looking forward to that new partnership. It will be fun.” Quinn, who has served on the school board since 2005, twice acting as the board’s president (2009-11 and 2017-19), served in several city of Camas staff positions – as an assistant city engineer, city engineer and public works director — from 1988 through 2003, when he took a job as Clark Public Utilities’ director of water services. He served as the city’s interim city administrator in 1998 and 1999. “Doug is extremely well-known and respected in this community, but it’s his dedication to this city that really made him the clear choice,” Camas Mayor Steve Hogan stated in a news release. “I think his familiarity with the city of Camas and his knowledge of the area will be extremely beneficial, and I’m excited to see what he can do for Camas.” The Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce named Quinn “Citizen of the Year” in 2021, highlighting his work with the Downtown Camas Association and its “Light Brigade,” which upgraded the downtown business area’s roofline lighting in 2021, with brighter, more energy-efficient LED lights. Camas Days enthusiasts also may recognize Quinn as a frequent announcer for the festival’s popular grand parade and bathtub races. “There is no one who exemplifies everything good about Camas more than Doug Quinn,” board member Cory McEnry said during the Dec. 12 meeting The board is calling for applicants to fill Quinn’s District 4 director position. The appointee will assume the role through the end of Quinn’s term in December 2023. Board directors are elected to four-year terms, and the next election for the No. 4 position is set for November 2023, according to the news release. Details about the application process and deadline can be found at the Camas School District’s website. For information, email Gail Housel at gail.housel@camas.wednet.edu or call 360-833-5412. Applications must be received no later than noon Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023.

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