The Wahkiakum School District will have a new leader. Dr. Ralph Watkins has been appointed as the new superintendent. The school board approved a contract with Dr. Watkins that will run from July 1 of this year through June 30, 2028.

Dr. Watkins comes from the Agoon School District in Alaska, a rural fishing community similar to Wahkiakum. Throughout his over 15-year career as an educator, Dr. Watkins has served in various roles, including teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and district administrator.

Dr. Watkins was selected unanimously from more than a dozen applicants. He will take over from interim superintendent Ric Palmer at the end of the year.