Washington state high school administrator accused of sending explicit messages, videos to students’ moms

Rashaad Powell was placed on paid administrative leave in April. Investigators concluded that he violated district policies and professional responsibilities, and the district subsequently declined to renew his contract. Powell disputes the findings and maintains the communications were consensual.

The Renton Reporter first detailed the allegations after obtaining investigative records through a public records request. One mother said Powell propositioned her for sex. Another alleged that he sent explicit photos and videos through Snapchat.

A student confronted Powell on March 20 about communications with his mother. Investigators later cited consistent accounts from the women, disclosures to school staff and inconsistencies in Powell’s explanations in reaching their findings.

According to the Seattle Times, Powell initially denied sending sexual messages, later said he could have done so and ultimately acknowledged sending them while arguing the exchanges were consensual.

One mother told investigators that messages beginning in January or February were initially innocent but became sexual within weeks. She described the communications as harassment.

The second mother alleged that Powell sent unsolicited explicit images and made sexual comments during her son’s sophomore and junior years, primarily in 2024. She also alleged that he visited her home twice. Two staff members told investigators that she had disclosed messages and home visits to them in 2024.

That mother said she feared taking screenshots because Snapchat would notify Powell. She also told investigators she had been reluctant to report him because of his standing in the community and concerns about consequences for her son, whom Powell coached and supported at school.

Powell argued that the women could have blocked him and that their continued communications with him showed the exchanges were welcome. He also challenged the investigation’s fairness, saying he believed the outcome had been predetermined.

Despite the findings, district records show administrators offered Powell an agreement that included additional paid leave and a neutral reference letter for future employers.

A May 6 email to his Association of Washington School Principals representative described the proposal as “an alternative path that we believe may better support (Powell’s) continued career in education.”

The proposed agreement would have provided paid leave and benefits through the end of the 2025–2026 school year, plus three additional months through September 30. Powell and the district would agree on a neutral reference and a joint statement explaining his departure. Human resources would provide prospective employers only his employment dates, positions, and pay rate. In exchange, Powell would resign and agree not to sue the district.

His attorney, Tyler Firkins, said Powell rejected the proposal “for a variety of reasons, such as the continuing legal action against the District.”

The district mailed its nonrenewal notice on May 11. An August letter extended Powell’s paid leave until further notice and prohibited him from contacting Renton High School parents and students. His former administrative and coaching positions have been filled while he challenges the nonrenewal.