Renton, WA – The Renton School District announced that assistant principal and boys basketball head coach Rashaad Powell will not return for the 2026‑2027 school year after an internal investigation found he violated district policies and professional responsibilities.
Investigation findings
The probe, which began after complaints were filed in early 2026, determined that Powell used the Snapchat platform to send sexually explicit photos and messages to the mothers of two Renton High students. One mother received a proposition for sex, while the other received unsolicited photos and videos of Powell masturbating. Both mothers independently corroborated their accounts, and the district’s investigators noted that Powell’s use of a disappearing‑message feature was intended to avoid detection.
Powell initially claimed the communications were “consensual” and later suggested the mothers could have blocked him but chose not to. The investigation rejected this rationale, emphasizing the power imbalance inherent in his role as a school administrator and coach.
Timeline of events
According to the report, the first mother began receiving messages in January‑February 2026. On March 20, a student confronted Powell in his office about the messages, shouting profanity that was heard by nearby students and staff. Powell told investigators he was unaware of the student’s concerns and later called the mother on March 27 to discuss the incident, despite claiming otherwise in later interviews.
Powell met briefly with Renton Principal Drew O’Connell on March 31, after which O’Connell reached out to the parent to check on the student’s well‑being. The investigation also uncovered that Powell had previously attempted to use Booster Club funds for basketball expenses without following the proper Associated Student Body process.
District response
District officials placed Powell on administrative leave in April 2026 while the investigation proceeded. Following the findings, his contract was not renewed, and the district hired a new assistant principal and a new basketball coach for the upcoming school year.
Deputy Superintendent Shannon Harvey emphasized that “Mr. Powell’s assertion that the communications were ‘consensual’ does not mitigate the seriousness of his conduct.” The report concluded that Powell’s inconsistent statements and dishonesty during the investigation were deeply concerning.
Community impact
Parents and community members expressed relief that the district acted decisively to protect students and uphold professional standards. The case underscores the importance of clear boundaries between school staff and families, especially when staff hold positions of authority over minors.
The Renton School District continues to review its policies on staff conduct and communication platforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.
