Kenneth Cleve Schmauder

Dr. Kenneth C. Schmauder passed away August 19, 2023. Ken was born on May 22,1931, in Spokane,WA, to Jake and Margaret Schmauder. Ken graduated from Davenport High School and Washington State University, following which he honorably served in the U.S. Air Force. He then later returned to Washington State University to earn his doctorate in education. Ken had a long and impactful career in education, as teacher, school administrator, and district administrator. Ken ended his career as Superintendent of Evergreen Public Schools, where he served from 1976 until he retired in 1997. Following his retirement, he kept busy educating future educators at the Vancouver, WA, campus of City University of Seattle. His work included instruction and supervision of administrative interns in local schools throughout SW Washington for close to ten years. Over the years, it was a priority for Ken to spend time with family. During his children's youth, he coached soccer and basketball, attended numerous dance, band, and choir performances, and could be found on the sidelines or in the stands cheering them on throughout their adolescence. In later years, he enjoyed family dinners, game nights, and family happy hour FaceTime calls. Ken is survived by his wife of 26 years, Barbara Schmauder, his three children from his first marriage: Angela Schmauder, Christopher Schmauder (Becki Shelton), and Kenleigh Schmauder; sisters: Nancy Schmauder and Nadine Yates; his brother: Jack Schmauder (Kathy Schmauder); and numerous nieces and nephews, along with long-time family friend Lois Romer. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Dorothy Morse, and his brother, Larry Schmauder. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October, 14th at 3:00PM at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Vancouver, WA. Donations in Ken's memory may be made to the Clark County Food Bank. From Doug Hamilton: During that period, the district was in a weakened position, including ongoing failures of levy elections, overcrowded schools and disruption in the leadership staff. With a quiet but firm approach, Ken approached the difficulties and worked collaboratively to make things better. A small glimpse of his two-decade Evergreen career: Personnel:Really listening to the needs of colleagues... enlisting staff to be responsible...providing leadership and support as needed...tough but always fair...encouraging innovation...hiring good people...working well with the Board of Trustees and other local school districts...supporting managers/administrators, even if the Board disagreed... scheduling annual retreats/workshops to build unity among administrators and classified management staff. Financial:Improving communications with the community...passing levies and bonds at a much higher rate...funding innovations that benefit the district...adapting to rapid enrollment growth after the I-205 bridge opened in 1982...purchasing school sites in advance while prices were lower...moving to middle school configuration to reduce overcrowding in elementary schools...contracting food services to reduce costs. Innovations:Launching the Skills Center to serve all Clark County schools...creating alternative education for under-served students...ensuring that all schools were connected to educational cable television as it was deployed throughout the community...approving school-based productions such as Homework Helpline...doing anything within his power to protect and benefit students. Ken was an exemplary manager and leader and made great gains in Evergreen School District. His presence made those around him better people. He will be missed.

Kenneth Cleve Schmauder

May 22, 1931 - August 19, 2023