The Renton School District fired Rashaad Powell, former assistant principal at Renton High School and longtime head coach of the boys’ basketball team, on October 21. The decision followed an internal investigation and a three-day hearing on his appeal: an independent hearing officer found that the district had sufficient grounds to fire him. Powell disputes the investigation’s findings, says the exchanges were consensual and may appeal to King County Superior Court.
As recently as the spring, Powell was one of Renton High’s most prominent figures. A school alumnus and former professional basketball player, he returned to his hometown as an assistant coach, took over the team in 2018 and became an assistant principal in 2023. For many in Renton, he was more than a school employee: he was a familiar face in school sports, responsible both for discipline in the hallways and for his players’ prospects on the court.
That reputation began to crumble in March. According to investigative records obtained by a local outlet through a public-records request, two students’ mothers reported receiving sexually suggestive messages from Powell on Snapchat. One incident came to the school’s attention after a student went to speak with Powell in his office on March 20. The district placed the administrator on paid administrative leave on April 3.
Investigators concluded that Powell was more likely than not to have sent the messages and images described by the women. The report also noted that his explanations changed during interviews with investigators: he initially denied that the exchanges were sexual in nature, then acknowledged that they might have been, and later admitted sending the messages. Powell maintained that the contacts were consensual and described the investigation as one-sided and biased.
District documents also raised a separate question about the basketball program’s finances. School Principal Drew O’Connell sent Powell a directive reminding him to follow procedures for using student government and team booster-club funds. The issue involved paying for travel, hotels, rental cars and tournament fees through personal or outside accounts rather than through the school’s established process. The directive was classified as non-disciplinary, but it added to the picture of weak adherence to professional boundaries and rules.
In May, the district notified Powell that it did not intend to renew his contract. It later offered him an agreement: paid leave through the end of September, a neutral reference for future employers and a waiver by both sides of further claims in exchange for his departure. Powell did not sign and chose to appeal. The hearing took place October 6–8, and on October 21 the school board upheld his dismissal.
The school has already appointed replacements. Rebecca L’Amouras became assistant principal in August, and Powell’s former assistant, Farley Haruo, took over as head coach of the boys’ basketball team. For students, that means school life and the sports season continue without interruption, even as the story of a man who embodied the program for many years remains painful for the school community.
The legal process, however, may not be over. Washington state law allows a certified school employee 30 days after receiving a decision to appeal a dismissal or contract nonrenewal to the county Superior Court. As of October 25, the district had not said it had received notice of an appeal from Powell.
Based on: Renton High boys basketball coach Rashaad Powell discharged after investigation