Hathaway School CLOSURE Public Hearing

About this event

Hello, I’d like to invite you to cover the second public hearing on the proposed closure of Hathaway Elementary, Washougal’s oldest school, serving downtown since 1934. When: Thursday, Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m. Where: Gause Elementary gym, Washougal At the first hearing, on Oct. 29, families filled the Hathaway gym. We expect an even BIGGER turnout on Nov. 12, with families, teachers, alumni and neighbors wearing red. Community members are asking the board one thing: price it before you close it. The district has not priced renovating Hathaway. Its building assessment is scheduled for AFTER the Jan. 26 vote, and the vote comes before the state sets its budget. I’m happy to talk beforehand or connect you with families and alumni. Thank you, Bernie Bacon, community member against closure

A 93-year-old neighborhood school faces closure—and the school board is being asked to vote before critical facts are available. Hathaway Elementary's proposed closure could reshape downtown Washougal for generations. Yet renovation hasn't been priced, the facilities assessment comes after the vote, and the state education budget won't be finalized until spring. The district's own figures also raise questions about why Hathaway was selected. We're asking you to cover the November 12 public hearing at Gause Elementary, 5:30 p.m. Hear directly from families, examine the unanswered questions, and give this the scrutiny this consequential decision deserves. The story isn't just whether Hathaway closes. It's whether the district can justify closing it before completing the analysis.