Washougal School Board Appoints Aaron Hansen as Interim Superintendent

Washougal, WA — The Washougal School Board of Directors has named Aaron Hansen as the interim superintendent for the 2024-2025 school year.  Hansen, who has served as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Student Services for the last five years, will begin in the new role on July 1, when current Superintendent Dr. Mary Templeton starts her new role with the Lake Stevens School District. 

Hansen has worked for Washougal School District for 23 years. He has 31 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent. Prior to his current role, Hansen served as the WHS Principal from 2011 to 2019. He began his teaching experiences with Washougal at Washougal High School and at the former Excelsior High School, where he was a Math and Science teacher providing alternative learning experiences and customized learning opportunities for students. Prior to joining the Washougal School District he was a Math and Science teacher at Rogers High School in Spokane for eight years. Hansen also taught English for one year in Taiwan.

“Aaron has a demonstrated track record of service to Washougal’s students through his various roles,” Board president Angela Hancock. “Aaron brings experience with nearly every aspect of the district’s work to this role, and the strong relationships he has built with students, parents, teacher, staff, and community members will help him be successful in the interim role.  The board is confident in his ability to continue the great progress the district has made to increase student achievement and the graduation rate.”

Templeton praised the selection, saying, “Aaron is an exceptional leader and educator with a passion for ensuring each student is on a bright pathway to the future.  He has  leveraged community partnerships and the energy and excitement students have to help the district rise.” 

Hansen said, “As I step into the role of Interim Superintendent for the Washougal School District, I am filled with both excitement and humility. Washougal is a community that stands out for its strong tradition of supporting education, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to lead in such an amazing environment.”

He added, “Our district is home to outstanding teachers and staff who dedicate themselves daily to creating enriching and powerful learning experiences for our students. I am eager to engage directly with classrooms, collaborating with students, families, and educators. Together, we will continue to advance towards our shared vision, building on the solid foundation of support and commitment that characterizes the Washougal community. It is a privilege to continue to be a part of the WSD community, and I am committed to ensuring that we keep moving forward, making a positive impact on every student’s life.”

Hansen has an undergraduate and master’s degree from Eastern Washington University. He holds a superintendent credential from Washington State University. 

The board took action to appoint Hansen during the April 30, 2024 special board meeting, and noted that it will be gathering community input into a permanent replacement for Dr. Templeton in the fall.  As part of the cost saving measures needed in school year 2024-2025, the Assistant Superintendent position is being eliminated to help solve the district’s $3 million budget shortfall.