Renton School District discharges Rashaad Powell
The Renton School District has discharged Rashaad Powell, effective October 21, 2026. Powell served as the Renton High School boys basketball head coach and an assistant principal.
The decision follows an investigation into sexual messages exchanged between Powell and the mothers of two students. According to investigation records, Powell reportedly changed his account of the incidents multiple times. While Powell denies violating district policy or that the messages were unwanted, a hearing officer determined the district had sufficient cause for his discharge.
Powell had been on administrative leave since April. Under Washington state law, he maintains the right to appeal the decision to the county superior court.
Entities
Randy Matheson · Rashaad Powell · Renton High School · Renton School District
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Powell was placed on administrative leave in April 2026. www.courierherald.com · www.rentonreporter.com · www.seattleweekly.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Powell denies violating district policy. www.courierherald.com · www.rentonreporter.com · www.seattleweekly.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Renton School District discharged Rashaad Powell effective October 21, 2026. www.courierherald.com · www.rentonreporter.com · www.seattleweekly.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The investigation involved sexual messages between Powell and mothers of two students. www.courierherald.com · www.rentonreporter.com · www.seattleweekly.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Powell has the right to appeal the discharge to the county superior court under Washington state law. www.courierherald.com · www.rentonreporter.com · www.seattleweekly.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] A hearing officer determined the district had sufficient cause to discharge Powell. www.courierherald.com · www.rentonreporter.com · www.seattleweekly.com