WHITE SALMON — Superintendent Rich Polkinghorn began the Aug. 27 White Salmon Valley School District (WSVSD) board meeting by remembering District Network Administrator Jeff Augustus, who died unexpectedly on Aug. 17.
“Jeff did a lot of work behind the scenes to keep our technology running and our systems secure,” Polkinghorn said. “But more importantly, he was a colleague and a friend. He was someone you could call with a problem, and he would figure it out. His absence has been especially noticeable as we have started the school year.”
He said that the district has reached out to Educational Service District (ESD) 112 for support for Technology Director Rhonda Hardisty, who is navigating the start of the school year while also grieving her colleague and friend.
“More than anything, I have appreciated the way people have taken care of each other,” he said. “We lost someone who was part of our district family, and I think the way our staff have supported Rhonda and one another over the last couple of weeks says a lot about this place.”
Augustus also served as assistant chief of Wishram Fire Department No. 11. “Jeff was a dedicated member of the Wishram Fire Department, giving 20 years of service to our department and community,” reads a statement on the department’s Facebook page. “His commitment, friendship, and dedication will be deeply missed by his fellow firefighters, family, friends, and the entire Wishram community.”
A memorial was held on Aug. 30.
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