David Stuben, Hood River County School District board chair
Jese Robles, Hood River County School District board vice chair
HOOD RIVER — David Stuben was elected chair and Jese Robles vice chair during a July 22 meeting held by Hood River County School District (HRCSD) board meeting. Stuben and Robles were elected to their respective positions by unanimous votes. There were no other nominations for those positions.
The board unanimously approved Superintendent Bill Newton’s contract for another three years. As previously reported by Columbia Gorge News, Newton became superintendent in 2024 after a year as interim superintendent.
“We’ve just gone through an evaluation process with our superintendent as a board and we’re very pleased with the direction that he’s taking our district,” said Director Chrissy Retiz.
Facility use and fees
Those wishing to use district facilities will see a 5% increase in fees this school year. Newton said recreational youth teams have scheduling priority, after school functions and district operations.
Specific placements are not guaranteed; the district has the final say on location “to balance need, facility maintenance and district operations,” according to its policy.
Also per district policy, any activity not appropriate for minors — such as tobacco use and possession of weapons — is prohibited.
Board meeting schedule
An updated 2026-2027 meeting schedule was also unanimously approved. Meetings will continue to be held the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month; August meetings will be virtual, with personnel reports the only action item, and November’s will happen on the 18th due to how Veterans Day falls this year.
The board meeting schedule can be found on the district’s website; select “school board” from the search menu.
Commented