Washougal school board president stepping down

Washougal School Board President Angela Hancock will step down from the board later this month, citing “changing personal priorities that require more of (her) attention.” Hancock announced her resignation, effective Wednesday, June 12, during a board meeting on May 28. “This decision did not come lightly — I recognize the importance of my (position),” said Hancock, a mother of two and records clerk for the Camas Police Department. “I have some changing personal priorities that require more of my attention that I can’t provide while I’m serving on the school board. I know stepping down is something that I personally must do for myself.” Hancock has been a member of the board since 2018, when she replaced Elaine Pfeifer in position No. 2. She assumed the vice-president role in 2020 and president position in 2023 after the resignation of Cory Chase. “It’s been rewarding to serve, but (we’ve) had some very challenging, challenging times, and it’s been a challenging experience,” she said. “I’ve poured my time and my energy into this elected volunteer position for almost six years now, and I’m proud of the progress that we’ve made together as a board, especially through the challenging times, because what we’ve faced is unlike any (challenge that) directors before us (faced), I believe.” Hancock thanked her fellow board members, district staff, and community members during the May 28 meeting. “I’m thankful for those that I’ve served with because of your different opinions and perspectives that have helped me grow as an individual,” she said. “Maybe we’re not always on the same page and don’t always agree, (but) we work together respectfully, and I appreciate that, especially in today’s climate, (where) you can’t always work with others easily sometimes. “I’m grateful for the families and community members who have been supportive and reached out respectfully with questions over the years and genuinely wanted to learn or get involved with our schools. And I’m thankful to the staff members who’ve worked hard every day to make sure our students are supported. I’ve personally seen some staff members put in many, many extra hours a day, and your dedication is appreciated.” In a news release, Hancock stated that during her time on the board, the WSD has been recognized twice by the Washington State School Directors Association as a Board of Distinction; seen its teachers recognized twice as regional teachers of the year; been lauded for improving student achievement; increased student voice in decision-making procedures and at school board meetings; added time for citizen comments during public meetings and implemented and added the Board Listening Tours to connect directly with the community; and posted high graduation rates and student test scores. “Angela has dedicated much of her life to public service, as a board member, a community volunteer, and an active and engaged parent,” WSD Superintendent Mary Templeton said. “Angela has been a strong voice for the community and our schools, focused on achieving the vision for excellent schools our community asked for in the (district’s) strategic plan.” Hancock previously worked at Gause Elementary, Cape Horn-Skye Elementary and Canyon Creek Middle School, and served in a variety of volunteer roles, including serving on the ‘Vote Yes for Safe Schools’ bond committee, as Canyon Creek Booster Club secretary, Cape Horn-Skye Booster Club vice president, Washougal Schools Foundation Stride Run volunteer coordinator, Girl Scouts of America assistant troop leader, Camas Community Education soccer coach, and as a West Columbia Gorge Humane Society volunteer. “I feel that being a trusted person that others can turn to is something I’ve been proud of,” she told the Post-Record in 2023. “Over the years I’ve been able to help others understand how things work or point them in the right direction when I don’t know. … I know that many people do not have the time, energy or ability to find answers to their questions, and I like to be someone that can help them.” The Board will share details about the process of filling Hancock’s position “once they are ready,” according to the news release. For more information, visit washougal.k12.wa.us.

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