Tag Archive for: Washougal

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RFA Passes, Mahsa Eshghi is Camas’ Newest Council Member

Camas, WA —The Nov. 4 general election has been certified, and the results show that the Regional Fire Authority (RFA) ballot measure passed in both Camas and Washougal.

In addition to the RFA passing, three of the four incumbents on the Camas City Council will remain on the dais. Ward 2’s Tim Hein and Martin Elzingre both ran unopposed. Ward 1’s Marilyn Boerke defeated Geoerl Niles, while Camas’ Ward 3 will have a new representative, Mahsa Eshghi, who defeated incumbent Leslie Lewallen.

The RFA passed in both cities by a combined margin of 51.6% to 48.3%. Boerke was re-elected to the Ward 1, Position 2 seat by Camas voters, earning 67% of the vote. Hein and Elzingre were re-elected to their Ward 2 positions, earning 98% and 97%, respectively. Camas’ newest council member, Eshghi, was elected to the Ward 3, Position 2 seat, earning 56% of the vote. The election was certified by the Clark County Elections Department today, Nov. 25.

Elzingre will be sworn in at the Dec. 1 council meeting, with his term ending Dec. 31, 2027. Hein, Boerke and Eshghi will be sworn in at the Jan. 5 council meeting, with their terms ending Dec. 31, 2029.

About Mahsa Eshghi

Mahsa Eshghi and her family have lived in Camas since 2007. Eshghi has served the community in many capacities, including her current role on the Camas Planning Commission, where she has served since 2020. She also served on the North Shore Subarea Advisory Committee, the Grand Ridge HOA as treasurer for many years, and has been active in a wide range of community efforts, particularly those focused on youth education, mentorship and supporting future leaders.

Professionally, Eshghi is a licensed civil engineer with more than two decades of experience in both the private and public sectors. She holds a master’s degree in transportation and environmental engineering from Portland State University and has built a career as a project manager leading complex infrastructure and environmental projects.

Outside of her professional career and community service, Eshghi is a proud mom raising two daughters who attend Camas public schools. She and her family love spending time outdoors and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. On weekends, you can usually find her cheering at soccer tournaments, sitting through gymnastics practices or attending high school band performances.

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Washougal School District Board Votes to Place Renewal Levies on Feb 2026 Ballot

The Washougal School District Board of Directors voted unanimously on November 25, 2025, to place a renewal Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) levy and Capital levy on the February 10, 2026 special election ballot.

If approved by voters, both levies would provide funding for three years and replace the current levies expiring at the end of 2026. These are not new taxes.

Continuing strong support for student programs and school maintenance

The EP&O and Capital levies work together to fund student programs and keep schools safe and in good condition. These local funds account for about 20% of the district’s overall budget.

If approved by voters, the EP&O Levy would continue programs and services that go beyond what the state provides. Local EP&O levy dollars support classroom teachers to maintain small class sizes, security staff, nurses, school counselors, instructional support staff, arts, music, drama, athletics, after-school activities, learning technology, Advanced Placement and Highly Capable programs, operations & maintenance staff, fuel, and utilities.

The Capital Levy would fund school safety improvements, heating and cooling systems, repairs to playground and parking areas, carpet and drywall repairs, instructional technology, and updates to athletic and performing arts spaces.

“The proposed levies continue our community’s strong tradition of supporting Washougal students, and fund the programs and staffing that make Washougal’s schools a great place for our kids,”  said Sadie McKenzie, School Board President.

Lower estimated total school levy amount projected in 2027 compared to 2026

The proposed EP&O Levy rate would be $1.95 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The proposed Capital Levy would be $0.62 per $1,000. If approved by voters, estimated total school levy rates would be lower than what homeowners are projected to pay in 2026.

If voters approve the levies, the owner of a $636,000 home is projected to pay about $9 less per month in local levy costs in 2027 than in 2026. According to projections, levy costs would dip in 2027-28, then return in 2029 to about the same monthly amount as 2026 to account for inflation.

“These renewal levies would result in a lower estimated tax rate than what homeowners are projected to pay in 2026,” said Aaron Hansen, Superintendent at Washougal School District. “We’ve been intentional in asking for an amount that gives some relief to taxpayers in the next two years, while still supporting the experiences and opportunities the community asked us to provide for students through our strategic planning process.” 

Student Programs & Improvements Supported by Local Levy Dollars

The proposed levies will continue funding that supports student programs, technology, and facilities maintenance in Washougal School District.

EP&O Levy dollars would support:

  • Classroom teachers to maintain small class sizes
  • Health & safety staff, including security staff, nurses and school counselors
  • Instructional support, including paraeducators, library staff, curriculum, food service and more.
  • Arts, music, and drama
  • Athletics and after-school activities
  • Learning technology
  • Advanced Placement and Highly Capable programs
  • Operations & maintenance, including custodial and grounds staff, maintenance staff, fuel, and utilities

Capital Levy dollars would support:

  • School safety improvements
  • School heating and cooling systems
  • Playground and parking repairs
  • Carpet and drywall repairs
  • Instructional technology and student devices
  • Updates to athletic facilities and performing arts spaces

“Our goal is to maintain high quality opportunities for Washougal students while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said McKenzie.

For more information about the upcoming levies, visit the Washougal School District website:
www.washougal.k12.wa.us/district-budget-information/levy

Washougal
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Washougal Mourns Loss of Former Mayor, Council Member Molly Coston

The City of Washougal is deeply saddened to share the passing of former mayor and current council member Molly Coston. A long-serving public official and dedicated community volunteer, Coston’s leadership and commitment played a central role in Washougal’s growth and civic identity for nearly two decades.

“Molly’s passing is a huge and sad loss for our City of Washougal,” said Mayor David Stuebe. “She was dedicated to this community and consistently approached her work with commitment, fairness and passion. Many people called her ‘Mayor Molly’ because she was approachable and took the time to truly listen and be truly engaged. Her leadership influenced the direction of our city, and we are so grateful for her service.”

Coston first joined the Washougal City Council in 2005, serving for six years. After several years away from city government, Coston was elected Mayor of Washougal in November 2017 and held the position from 2018-2021. In 2021, she was elected to fill the unexpired term for Council Position 5, with her current term set to conclude in December 2027.

During her tenure, she led and supported numerous key projects:

  • Convened a citizen panel to study shifting to a Council-Manager government, later approved by voters.
  • Played a key role in creating recently voter-approved Regional Fire Authority.
  • Chaired the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, guiding hotel-tax investments in tourism and events.
  • Championed new public art for the Towncenter Plaza campanile.
  • Regularly attended community events, actively engaging with residents.
  • Helped shape major projects including the Steigerwald Restoration, Waterfront Trail, Towncenter Revitalization, the 32nd Street Rail Crossing elimination and many others.

She was currently serving as the Chair of the C-Tran board of directors. She also represented east Clark County on the Regional Transportation Council Board of Directors, serving as its chair in 2010.

Beyond her roles in City Hall, Coston was an involved community member. 

Clark County

She served as:

  • President of the Board of Directors for the Washougal Arts & Cultural Alliance (WACA)
  • Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards board member
  • 25 year member of the Camas Washougal Rotary, serving as Peace Builder Chairwoman and on the Public Image Committee, Youth Services Committee, AKIN, and Diaper Drive
  • House Committee Co-Chair at Orchard Hills Golf & Country Club
  • Washougal School District PAC member

Coston has lived in Washougal since 2000. She was a graduate of the University of Arizona and George Washington University. Coston was also a Master Scuba Diver. She was 77.

The City of Washougal extends its deepest condolences to Molly’s family, friends, colleagues, and all community members who were touched by her service.

Her leadership, fairness, and ability to bring people together left a lasting imprint on the landscape of Washougal.

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Help Shape Clark County’s Future: Your Voice Matters in the 2045 Growth Plan

Clark County is entering an exciting new chapter. With nearly 200,000 new residents expected by 2045, our community is growing, evolving, and becoming an even more dynamic place to live, work, and raise a family. This kind of growth brings with it an extraordinary opportunity—the opportunity for residents to help guide what Clark County will look like for the next generation. Through Clark County Council’s Comprehensive Growth Plan process happening right now, community members have a real and meaningful chance to make their voices heard, influence local priorities, and shape a vision for a brighter future.

The Comprehensive Growth Plan isn’t just a technical document. It is the roadmap that will determine the character of our neighborhoods, the types of homes available, where new jobs will be located, how transportation systems will function, and how we protect open spaces and natural resources. When residents participate in the public input process, they help ensure that these decisions reflect local values—things like affordability, community character, access to nature, and economic opportunity. This is a moment where civic engagement truly matters.

One of the most exciting aspects of this planning process is the ability to advocate for choice. As Clark County grows, thoughtful zoning can create communities with a diverse range of housing options, from starter homes to townhouses to apartments to age-friendly alternatives. It can support vibrant employment areas that bring jobs closer to where people live. And it can ensure that future growth aligns with transportation corridors, creating more walkable neighborhoods, shorter commutes, and better connections between home, work, and recreation. The decisions made today will help shape a county where families of all sizes, incomes, and stages of life can find a place that feels like home.

Planning now also allows Clark County to position itself for long-term economic strength. By designating sufficient employment lands in strategic locations—especially near transportation routes—the community can attract businesses and industries that provide stable, well-paying jobs. This is how we build a balanced tax base, support public services, and keep Clark County competitive regionally and nationally. Residents can have a direct say right now in how and where this economic opportunity grows.

Of course, growth comes with challenges if it isn’t aligned with smart planning. Without careful zoning and long-term strategy, communities can experience overcrowded schools, increased traffic congestion, and missed opportunities for new industries due to a lack of available employment sites. These impacts are avoidable, but only when the right decisions are made early—and that requires robust public participation from the people who live and work in Clark County.

Fortunately, this planning cycle is built around community involvement. Whether someone lives in a city center, a rural area, or anywhere in between, every voice matters. The decisions adopted now will guide Clark County through 2045, and this is the window in which residents can shape what that future looks like. Public comment ensures that the plan supports the outcomes people care about: quality schools, transportation options, housing affordability, economic opportunity, and the preservation of the natural beauty that makes Clark County unique.

This is a moment to be optimistic. Clark County’s future is full of possibility, and the community has a direct hand in shaping it. By participating in the public comment process, sharing ideas, and expressing priorities, residents help build a roadmap that reflects shared values and aspirations.

To make this even easier, the Building Industry Association of Clark County is inviting residents to take a community survey designed to capture local values, concerns, and hopes for the future. Your input will help ensure that community needs are understood and represented throughout the planning process.

Clark County is growing—and this is your chance to help guide it. Your voice can help create a thriving, balanced, and welcoming community for decades to come.

Take the BIA Survey:  https://tinyurl.com/ClarkCountyGrowthSurvey

Learn More about the Growth Plan: www.ShapeClarkCounty.com 

Submit a Public Comment on the Growth Plan: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/2025-update-outreach

Learn More about BIA: www.biaofclarkcounty.org 

Click this image to read the Public Participation Plan:

Clark County
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WSD Improves Financial Health Score, Strengthens Financial Planning

Washougal, WA — Washougal School District (WSD) has made significant progress in improving its financial health, and the district is no longer listed as a district with a financial warning on the OSPI Financial Health Indicator list. This improvement reflects the district’s commitment to sound financial management, using community feedback to guide budget adjustments, and achieving long-term fiscal stability. The district’s OSPI School District Financial Health Indicator has increased from 1.55 in the school year 2022-23 to 2.6 in 2023-24. 

The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) assigns financial health scores to each school district in the state based on key indicators including the ending fund balance to revenue ratio, expenditures to revenue ratio, and cash on hand. Previously, WSD’s 2022-23 score placed it in the “financial warning” category, prompting the district to take proactive measures to stabilize its financial position. 

Superintendent Aaron Hansen emphasized the district’s commitment to responsible financial stewardship, stating, “we recognized the urgency of addressing our financial situation and took deliberate steps to stabilize our budget. We asked for community feedback to guide reductions, and led with reductions in areas furthest from the classroom. While challenges remain, we are on a positive trajectory and committed to being strong stewards of public resources. We are thankful for our positive relationship with our labor partners and their help supporting staff impacted by the reductions.”

Next Steps for Continued Financial Stability

As WSD continues working toward long-term financial health, the district is implementing the following strategies to further strengthen its fiscal position and regain the full confidence of the community:

  • Restoring the Fund Balance to 6% – The district remains committed to meeting its 6% fund balance policy, which provides the operational cash flow the district needs to pay bills each month as well as handle unexpected financial challenges.
  • Advocating for Increased State and Local Funding – Given regional funding challenges, WSD is actively engaging with legislators and encouraging the community to advocate for changes in education funding to keep pace with inflation, fully fund special education, and fix the prototypical staffing model.
  • Demonstrating Fiscal Responsibility – The district is reinforcing its commitment to financial transparency by providing monthly financial updates to the Board and implementing clear financial reporting to ensure informed decision-making.
  • Developing a Long-Term Financial Plan – WSD is focused on building a multi-year financial strategy that ensures long-term stability, reduces the risk of future budget deficits, and sustains quality educational programs for students.

Commitment to Transparency and Board Engagement

At the request of the Washougal School Board, the district has increased the frequency and depth of financial reporting to ensure Board members remain fully informed. WSD now provides monthly financial updates, giving real-time insights into revenues, expenditures, and fund balance trends.

“The board is being provided with financial information in a clear, concise format to support our governance and decision-making,” said Sadie McKenzie, WSD School Board President. “The board appreciates the ideas shared by the community and has worked closely with the Superintendent to make sure we are preserving excellent programs for students as we create a sustainable budget.”

As WSD continues working toward long-term financial stability, district leaders remain committed to collaborating with the Board, staff, and community to make informed, responsible financial decisions that support student success.

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Washougal Early Learning Enrollment Now Open

Washougal, Wash — Washougal School District early learning program applications are open now for the 2025-26 school year. Families of children aged four or younger as of September 1, 2025 are invited to apply to Transition to Kindergarten, Developmental Preschool, the Early Childhood Education Assistance Program (ECEAP), or Birth to Three programs in Washougal School District. These programs are free to families and provide high-quality learning experiences that will prepare early learners for a great start to kindergarten. The district is also surveying interest in restarting the tuition based Community Education preschool program.

Transition to Kindergarten (TK)

TK is a free kindergarten readiness program for four-year-old students. TK students attend five full days of learning per week beginning in late September. The TK curriculum is built around purposeful play, active learning, and low student to staff ratios.  Students benefit from art, music, library, PE, and more in a fun, hands-on learning environment. This early learning opportunity is in high demand and seats are filling quickly. Families are encouraged to apply now for the 2025-26 school year. 

Transportation is provided for students outside of the walking boundary of their local school. Students can also participate in the school meal program as well as recess and other school opportunities. Programs are located at each Washougal elementary school.  Interested families can fill out an interest survey on the district’s website https://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/transitional-kindergarten/

Developmental Preschool

Washougal’s Developmental Preschool is a free early learning program for students aged 3 and 4 with identified developmental delays. The program is for students who qualify for additional support in the areas of cognitive development, motor skills, social skills, behavior, speech, language, hearing, or vision needs. The program is tailored to the needs of each student, working with specialists and the students’ family to make decisions about ways to best serve the child. Transportation is provided for students in the developmental preschool. The Developmental Preschool program is located at Hathaway Elementary School.


The Developmental Preschool program supports students with a half day of learning, four days per week.  If you have concerns with your child’s development, reach out about a Child Find Screening appointment by calling 360-954-3831.

Birth to Three Program

Washougal School District partners with Educational Service District 112 to screen students aged three and younger to determine if they would benefit from additional support and services through the Birth to Three program. You can learn more about the program by visiting the ESD 112 webpage, which includes information about how to contact program staff and create a referral.

EOCF ECEAP (Early Childhood Education Assistance Program) at Hathaway

Early Opportunities for Children & Families and Early Childhood Education Assistance Program The EOCF ECEAP Preschool program at Hathaway invests in young learners by providing a free comprehensive school day preschool model to eligible families serving three- and four-year-old students. The program operates from September to mid-June. Visit the EOCF page or call 360-567-2720 to learn more about these programs and how your child and family may qualify based on current enrollment factors.

Tuition-Based Community Education Preschool for 3 & 4 year olds

Washougal School District is surveying families of three and four year olds to determine if there is enough interest to restart the Community Education Preschool program.  The Community Ed Preschool program is a tuition-based program which would serve students in a half day program four days per week, with a low student to instructor ratio, with an estimated monthly cost of about $600 per student.  If you have a three or four year old, and would be interested in this program which would start in September, let us know using our interest survey.

Washougal
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Washougal School Board Seeks Community Input for Superintendent Search

Washougal, WA — The Washougal School District Board of Directors is seeking community input about the skills and professional experiences that would help them identify a candidate who can successfully lead the district and make progress toward our shared goals. 

The board is committed to ensuring strong and effective leadership for our schools and community.  “We would like parents, community members, teachers, and even our students to help us make this very important decision,” Board President Sadie McKenzie said.

Community members canshare feedback through an online survey, which is open through January 7, 2025, or by attending an in-person listening opportunity on December 17, 2024, from 5-7 pm at the Excelsior Building, 1401 39th Street, Washougal. Information about the in-person event and the link to the superintendent search survey are on the district website: https://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/superintendent-search-process/

The board will use the feedback to decide next steps in the search process, including consideration of Interim Superintendent Aaron Hansen as a candidate. 

The board will share updates with the community through the district website and in messages to district families and staff. 

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CW Historical Society Invites All to Camas Mill Interpretive Center

Camas-Washougal, WA – The Camas-Washougal Historical Society is inviting members and the community to take a closer look at the fascinating history of the Camas Mill.  They are hosting a private access event at the Camas Mill Interpretive Center on Saturday, November 16 at 2 pm. The center opened around eight years ago and is located at 401 Adams Street, Camas.

Curator Ron Hawkins will host the presentation that includes a video featuring paper mill processes (as of six years ago) and an interview with local historian Virginia Warren.  Attendees will also learn about the Koch family and Georgia-Pacific as well as enjoy interactive displays.

Hawkins, a Washougal High School graduate, moved to the area in 1969 and worked 43 years at the paper mill. The last 20 years he was the senior environmental air technician, as well as a team leader for the technical operations group. He retired five years ago.

“I caught the (history) fever years ago by listening to the old timers talk about their experiences,” said Hawkins. “I researched for about a year to get the exact day they broke ground. I try to make some of the exhibits more interactive, so the youth enjoy the museum as well.  The mill was built six years before Washington became a state so there is a lot to talk about.”

Hawkins currently catalogs photos and documents and has collected over 1,000 issues of the original mill newsletters, “Making Paper,” which he hand-scanned at the Clark County Historical Museum.

The mill’s history dates back to 1883 when Henry Pittock, who owned The Oregonian weekly newspaper, formed a company called the Lacamas Colony Company. Under Pittock’s leadership, the business purchased 2,600 acres of land in and around what is now the town of Camas and began construction of a paper mill that would supply newsprint for the now daily Oregonian.

Crews began clearing land, building dams, and constructing a sawmill. During that same time, the town site of Lacamas was laid out and platted, and the town’s first store was opened for business. Camas was born!

At the November CWHS event, light refreshments provided by mill management will be served, and a short society business meeting will be held.

Mill
Mill
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Washougal Student Award Winners Recognized by VFW Auxiliary

Washougal, WA — Washougal students earned a number of recognitions in several prestigious Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary competitions: the Illustrating America Art Contest and the Get Excited for the Red, White & Blue National Anthem Singing Contest. The awards reflect the efforts of Washougal students to beautifully share their understanding and appreciation of American values and democracy through performing and visual arts.

“Washougal students have so much talent as singers, writers, and artists. It’s inspiring to me to see our students using their talent to celebrate and honor those who have served our country and our democracy,” Interim Superintendent Aaron Hansen said.

VFW Auxiliary Historian/Media Relations chair Susan Bennett, who helped present the awards, said, “We are always so impressed by the art, singing, and essays that Camas and Washougal students submit. Members of the Auxiliary and VFW Post 4278 are excited to use these contests to encourage students to learn about our country and our democratic values. We encourage all students, including those who are not enrolled in art or music classes, to enter the contests.”

WHS Student Recognized Locally and at State Level for National Anthem Performance

Washougal High School student Catherine Yung earned first place in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post 4278 “Get Excited for the Red, White & Blue National Anthem Singing Contest” for grades 9-12.  Yung’s performance of the Star Spangled Banner was also submitted to the state Auxiliary to The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States competition, and won second place for Washington State. 

VFW Post 4278 and Auxiliary members presented Yung with certificates from both the local and statewide competitions at Washougal High School, where they also shared her video submission. Yung received a cash prize from each organization as well. 

Cape Horn-Skye Elementary Students Win Illustration Contest

Cape Horn-Skye student Taylor Mayer was awarded third place in the Illustrating America Art Contest by the VFW Auxiliary Post 4278 for grades 3-5.  

Cape Horn-Skye student Emanuel Bolokhovskiy also created artwork for the Illustrating America Art Contest and was awarded third place by the VFW Auxiliary Post 4278, and was recognized by the state Auxiliary to The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States as well, for students in grades K-2.  

Middle School Students Recognized

Jemtegaard Middle School student Adelaide Kessinger was awarded first place in the “Get Excited for the Red, White & Blue National Anthem Singing Contest” for grades K-8 at the local level. 

Tia Linnik will be awarded first place for art she submitted to the Illustrating America Art Contest by the VFW Auxiliary Post 4278 for grades K-8 during the Columbia River Gorge Elementary Veterans Day assembly in November.  

Skyla Ostenson was awarded 2nd place for art she submitted to the Illustrating America Art Contest by the VFW Auxiliary Post 4278 for grades K-8.

VFW
Skyla Ostenson accepting her award.
VFW
Adelaide Kessinger accepts her award.
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Washougal School Board Approves Purchase of Land For Future School Site 

Washougal, WA — At their October 22, 2024 board meeting, the Washougal School District Board of Directors approved the purchase of a parcel of land to be used as a future school site. The property purchase will use $1,025,000 in funds, based on an appraisal, collected through impact fees on development in the community.

The parcel, located south of SE 20th Street near 340th Avenue, will not be immediately developed.  

“Purchasing the land now allows the district secure a school site that may not be available when it will be needed in the future, when the population of Washougal is expected to be higher,” said Interim Superintendent Aaron Hansen.   

Board President Sadie McKenzie said, “this is a beautiful part of the district, and securing the 31 acres of land now lets us be ready for future growth in the community. Board members have visited the site and concluded it will serve the district well in the future when we need it.”

Board member Jim Cooper stated that the land purchase shows that, “the board is looking out decades, not for what we need next year.” 

Hansen noted that, “the current option agreement expires at the end of December, so it is time for the district to make this purchase. Purchasing the land at this time lets the district use the impact fee resources that are available now and restricted only for this type of use. This will allow the district to purchase the property while it is available and before the cost of the land goes up even further, which we have seen happen with other property.”

The land acquisition is planned for in the district’s current long range Capital Facilities Plan, but there is no plan to develop a school on this site during the current 6-year plan period. Development of the site will be addressed in future plans.

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