Renton School District Fires Coach Rashaad Powell After Investigation

The Renton School District formally discharged assistant principal and boys basketball coach Rashaad Powell effective Oct. 21, following an internal hearing officer’s conclusion that the district had sufficient cause to remove him from his position, The Seattle Times reported.

Renton School Board confirms discharge of Powell

The Renton School Board confirmed the discharge during its Oct. 21 meeting. The decision followed a three-day internal appeal hearing held from Oct. 6 to Oct. 8. District spokesperson Randy Matheson stated that the hearing officer determined the district had valid grounds to discharge Powell. Powell was on paid administrative leave from April through October, but Matheson confirmed that the district stopped his pay following the board’s decision.

The Kent Reporter noted that the discharge comes more than six months after Powell was first placed on leave in early April. The district originally opened an investigation after receiving allegations that Powell sent unwanted sexually explicit photos to the mothers of at least two students. District officials concluded that Powell violated policy and engaged in a serious breach of professional boundaries.

Investigators find Powell abused his position of authority

Investigators concluded that it was “more likely than not” that Powell engaged in the alleged behavior in recent years. Records obtained by the Kent Reporter indicate that Powell changed his account of the communications multiple times during the inquiry. District officials characterized his conduct as an abuse of his position of authority.

Powell has consistently denied that the messages were unwanted and maintains he violated no district policies. In a public statement shared on Facebook after the hearing concluded, Powell asserted that the investigation was biased and one-sided. He stated that his choices put him in a position to embarrass his family, adding that he bears responsibility for that outcome while continuing to dispute the official narrative of the misconduct allegations.

Settlement Rejection and Legal Challenges

Before proceeding with contract nonrenewal, the district offered Powell a settlement agreement in May to support his career in education. The proposed terms included several months of paid leave and a neutral letter of recommendation in exchange for his resignation and an agreement not to sue the district. Powell rejected the offer.

His attorney cited various reasons for declining the agreement, including plans to pursue legal action against the district. Following the school board’s vote to uphold the discharge, Powell stated his intention to file an appeal with the King County Superior Court as well as an additional lawsuit against the district. Under Washington state law, certificated school employees have the right to file an initial statutory appeal to the county superior court following an adverse school board decision. Matheson confirmed that the district had not received formal notice of any court filings as of late Friday afternoon.

Timeline of Rashaad Powell at Renton High School

• 2004: Powell begins coaching boys basketball at Renton High School.
• 2009: Powell officially begins working within the Renton School District.
• 2018: Powell takes over as head coach of the boys basketball team.
• 2023: Powell adds responsibilities as an assistant principal at the school.
• April 2026: The district places Powell on administrative leave and opens an investigation.
• May 2026: Powell declines a district settlement offer, prompting contract nonrenewal proceedings.
• October 6–8, 2026: An internal appeal hearing takes place regarding the nonrenewal.
• October 21, 2026: The Renton School Board officially votes to confirm Powell’s discharge.

What are the allegations against Rashaad Powell?

What specific allegations led to the investigation against Rashaad Powell?

The Renton School District investigated allegations that Powell sent unwanted sexually explicit photos to the mothers of at least two students in recent years.

How long was Rashaad Powell on paid administrative leave?

Powell remained on paid administrative leave for over six months, starting from his initial removal in early April 2026 until the school board confirmed his discharge on Oct. 21, 2026.

What are Powell’s next steps regarding the school district’s decision?

Powell stated that he plans to file a formal appeal with the King County Superior Court under Washington state law, alongside an additional lawsuit against the Renton School District.