And now, as the 2019-20 Secondary Principal of the Year, David Cooke’s leadership is a model for other schools and principals looking to adjust their school culture to create conditions for success.

Washougal Superintendent Mary Templeton praised Cooke’s leadership role in helping turn the tide at Jemtegaard.

“Under David’s leadership, Jemtegaard Middle School has gone from a school that was failing to make progress under No Child Left Behind to one that has been State Recognized multiple times for academic performance increases and closing the achievement gap,” said Templeton. “Through this work, Washougal students are rising, and our district with them! I could not be happier for David receiving this great recognition! It is so well deserved.”

During his tenure, Jemtegaard has won the prestigious Whole Child Award, been a State Recognized School, and has implemented an inclusion model for Special Education students. He has reformed behavior expectations and classroom discipline using a PBIS and Restorative Practices model and led staff through re-culturing classrooms to ensure learners know what to do, how to act, and how to find success. David has done intentional outreach with Hispanic students, meeting with student and parent leaders to identify barriers to success and encouraging participation and leadership. His work to arrange bussing for Club 8 participation addresses the equity issues around student access to transportation for after school programs.

Lester Brown, Washougal IT Director, nominated Cooke for the award.

“David has led an incredible turn-around in the culture, climate, and performance of his school, students and staff,” wrote Brown in his nomination. “Under his leadership, Jemtegaard has seen a dramatic reduction in discipline incidents, and an increase in student academic performance. He has successfully focus on creating a school climate that values students and keeps what is best for students at the heart of the work,” he said. “The result is a school with genuine student leadership, staff support for innovative teaching methods, and a positive environment where students willingly stay after school for enrichment, tutoring, and support activities that help students stay on track.”