Superintendent Rich Polkinghorn brings over two decades of experience in education. Before coming to WSVSD, he served as superintendent for three years in the Hood River County School District and spent twelve years as an administrator at Hood River Valley High School. Additionally, he was an advanced mathematics teacher and coach in four different high schools across three states. Mr. Polkinghorn is bilingual in Spanish and English.

Superintendent Polkinghorn earned his Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership from California State University, San Bernardino, and holds a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Mathematics and Spanish from the University of Oregon.

Since joining WSVSD, Mr. Polkinghorn has been impressed by the dedication of our staff and the collaborative efforts between the district and the community to ensure the success of our students. He believes strongly in providing outstanding instruction, fostering meaningful relationships with students, and intervening when students are in need of support, all with the goal of preparing them for their future.

Mr. Polkinghorn is honored to lead our school district and work alongside our dedicated staff and community. He and his wife, Heidi (a Columbia High School alumna), have four children who currently attend or have graduated from White Salmon Valley School District.