Washougal School District announced a few administrative changes taking place this week.
Renae Burson is the new assistant superintendent in Washougal as of the start of the month. She was most recently the principal at Gause Elementary starting in 2016. Before that, she has experience as an elementary school and middle school teacher, an instructional coach, a K-8 principal, a curriculum coordinator and a special education director.
“This background provides a strong basis for the multifaceted position of assistant superintendent,” outgoing Superintendent Mike Stromme wrote in an email to staff, according to a release from the district. “Renae’s work in education reflects a passion for closing the opportunity gap and providing equitable experiences for every student.”
Burson was hired to replace Patricia Boles, who retired after last school year.
The district also announced that Tami Culp was hired to take over as Gause principal for Burson. Culp most recently served as the assistant principal at Jemtegaard Middle School, and worked in education for 27 years, including 12 as an elementary school teacher. She also has experience as an instructional coach, school administrator and adjunct professor at Concordia University. She started in education as a parent volunteer in her daughter’s kindergarten class while she was working in marketing and advertising. She has been in Washougal since 2016.
Allison Blakely was hired as Washougal’s director of special education, the district also announced recently. She was most recently a Life Enrichment Education Program supervisor for the Clackamas Education Service District.
