Jim Cooper to leave Washougal school board

The Washougal school board’s longest tenured member has announced his resignation.

Jim Cooper, a board member since 2019, will step down from his No. 1 director position Jan. 30, according to the Washougal School District.

“It is an honor to have been elected to represent our community as a director of the Washougal school board,” Cooper said in a news release. “It is with mixed emotions that I resign my position to focus more time and energy on my health and my family.”

Cooper, a retired college professor and administrator, joined the board in 2019 after defeating fellow newcomer Bill Durgan in the November election and ran unopposed for reelection in 2023. He has served as the board’s vice president since 2023.

“Throughout his tenure, he consistently prioritized student achievement, ensuring every learner receives the support necessary to realize their full potential,” Washougal School District Superintendent Aaron Hansen said in the news release. “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.”

During his tenure, Cooper opposed exclusion and inequity in school policies and procedures, advocated for increased enrichment activities for highly capable students, worked with administrators to improve the district’s financial management and systematize the communication of financial information, and helped expand opportunities for the public to engage with board members, according to the district.

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

The district will share information about its plan to fill the No. 1 director position at a later date, according to the news release.