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Evergreen School District board votes 3–1 to terminate employee Richard Wald
Summary
At a special April 28, 2026 meeting, the Evergreen School District Board of Directors voted 3–1 to terminate the employment of Richard Wald and directed district staff to provide him written notice; the action followed an executive session called under state law.
At a special meeting on April 28, 2026, the Evergreen School District Board of Directors voted 3–1 to terminate the employment of Richard Wald, accepting the recommendation presented by district leadership. Director Grwald moved the action; Director Boken seconded, and the clerk recorded the outcome as three votes in favor and one opposed.
The board had recessed for an executive session earlier in the meeting under state law before returning to open session to consider a personnel matter. The chair cited the relevant statute for the executive session as RCW 42.30.110(1)(g) and (h), permitting review of the performance of a public employee and evaluation of candidates for public office. The board scheduled the executive session in the Hemlock Room for 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., later announcing a brief extension and a reconvene time of 8:42 p.m. The meeting record includes several clock-time corrections and clarifications during the session.
The motion to terminate read, in part, that the board accept the recommendations of the chief operating officer to terminate employment of Richard Wald “for the reasons provided” and that Miss Gomes provide appropriate written notice to Mr. Wald of the board’s actions. The transcript does not disclose the reasons for termination in open session; the chair and clerk reminded attendees of disclosure rules that limit discussion of employee-specific details in public meetings.
During limited public discussion, a director said, “I believe there are reasons to jump to termination for certain reasons and I also like to give people a second chance,” signaling some tension among board members about whether to proceed immediately or seek alternative actions. The transcript does not tie that remark to further specifics about the underlying personnel matter.
After the vote, the clerk announced the motion carried 3–1. The board then moved on to approve the superintendent’s consent agenda by the same 3–1 margin. The meeting concluded and was adjourned at 8:48 p.m.
Votes at a glance • Motion to adopt the meeting agenda — approved (voice vote; mover/second not specified in transcript). • Motion to terminate employment of Richard Wald — moved by Director Grwald; seconded by Director Boken; outcome: approved 3–1. • Superintendent’s consent agenda (classified personnel report) — moved by Director Grwald; seconded by Director Boken; outcome: approved 3–1.
What’s next The board directed Miss Gomes to provide written notice to Richard Wald of the board’s action. The transcript does not specify any appeal process, severance terms, or next procedural steps beyond providing notice.
