Joseph Hattrick praised by board members as ‘champion for LGBTQ rights,’ financially savvy, with strong ability to foster community, promote mental health

By Holly Dillemuth, Ashland.news

Ashland School Board has selected Dr. Joseph Hattrick, the current superintendent of Rainier School District in the city of Rainier, Oregon, about an hour northwest of Portland, as its next superintendent.

During a special online-only session, school board members voted 5-0 Tuesday evening to select Hattrick as new superintendent of Ashland schools, a position he will fill officially on July 1. Hattrick, who is from Vancouver, Washington, has served as superintendent of the Rainier School District in Oregon since 2020. Hattrick, who lives in Longview, Washington, has served as a teacher, social worker, principal, and superintendent of public, private and online schools in Washington and Arizona school districts, in addition to Oregon.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to have been selected to join the Ashland School District as your next superintendent,” Hattrick said in a news release, which was issued minutes after the vote. “I want to thank the Ashland School Board, staff, students, parents, and community for all of the hard work and trust placed into this process. 

“A good fit is very important for the district and me; and, after spending time in, and researching this wonderful community, I believe we have a mutual fit,” Hattrick said in the release. “I am sensitive to the current challenges facing the district and commit to leveraging my past experience addressing districts’ financial realities as we collaborate to improve those conditions while limiting the impact on our students. I look forward to being part of this community, joining the Ashland School District family, and calling Ashland home!”

The superintendent is tasked with managing the district’s $38.7 million annual budget, 400 staff, who support approximately 2,600 students across several schools, according to the district website.

The Community Interview Panel, which interviewed all superintendent finalists, rated Hattrick as their top choice, said Rebecca Dyson, board chair.

“This has been an exhaustive and very intensive process, lasting months,” Dyson said, following the vote.

Dyson participated in making calls at random to individuals within Hattrick’s school district and was impressed by their responses.

“There was always a story with Joseph … of something that he did that was just above and beyond the call,” she said of the conversations she had, “where he helped a student or he helped an entire community that was in crisis, or he went above and beyond to create an event. It’s amazing to see all the good that he has done in the various communities he’s been in, and I am so excited to bring him to our community, and I know he’s going to fit right in.”

School board members weighed in following the vote, including Russell Hatch, who praised Hattrick for his financial acumen and ability to turn school districts from hiring and spending freezes to surplus funding, in addition to maintaining positive relationships in the district.

“He was a champion for equity for the LGBTQ population in his area, in spite of the fact that it was not exactly welcome,” Hatch said. “Being able to stand up for what is right when it’s uncomfortable is something that really stands out to me.”

Vice-Chair Jill Franko praised Hattrick for his background in social work and his aim of bringing a mental health lens to his work as the next superintendent.

“I’m hopeful that Joseph can help our Black and brown students feel welcome and included,” Franko said. “It’s been an ongoing goal of ours as a district to really kind of change that dynamic and make sure that our staff matches our student population.”

Superintendent Samuel Bogdanove announced in fall 2023 he would retire by June 30, 2024, following serving in the role since 2020. He has been with the district 23 years.

School board members said they conducted a nationwide search to fill the position.

“We had many excellent and highly qualified candidates, but one of the things that set Hattrick apart is his deep commitment to mental health,” Dyson said via text message to Ashland.news. 

Hattrick has a master’s degree in social work and extensive experience as both a counselor and child therapist, a lens he applies to every aspect of his work.

“With a dissertation and multiple publications in his name, Hattrick also has deep experience in developing positive culture and climate in school communities, which is critical for improved student success as well as staff morale and retention,” Dyson said in a statement. “His ability to create community and his willingness to go above and beyond the typical role of Superintendent to connect directly with students, staff, and community is one of his greatest strengths.”

Following the vote, Hattrick joined the Zoom to share a few words with board members.

“Welcome to Ashland!” school board members said enthusiastically.

“Thank you!” he responded. “I’m deeply humbled and excited.” 

Hattrick said when he learned of the position opening, he quickly “fell in love with Ashland” upon visiting.

“It’s clear that this board takes the role as stewards of this great community very seriously, and I do look forward to serving with you all just to ensure excellence and belonging for every student,” he added, “and that we can continue to inspire learning and curiosity for every person who walks through our doors.”

Dyson shared her enthusiasm for Hattrick by phone with Ashland.news on Tuesday.

She was impressed with Hattrick’s mental health focus. In addition, she also praised his ability to foster a sense of community in whatever role he serves.

“He really has this wonderful ability to connect with people and I think that is going to be really important for us,” Dyson added. “… and also the ability to create better relationships between staff and our different school sites … He works really hard on school climate.”

Hattrick’s doctoral dissertation was about school climate and culture.

“I think that is also going to be so important that we can increase the morale among our staff and our teachers, which has an impact on our students,” Dyson added, “and also raises teacher retention rates … it’s all part of that big package that brings everything together and makes this a more open and collegial and successful district, and we’re really excited about that.”

Hattrick holds his National Superintendent Certification through AASA, The School Superintendents Association ( (formerly the American Association of School Administrators) and leads Oregon’s efforts in equity work as the president-elect of the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) Equity Board.

He attended Western Washington University and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in human services. He then earned his Master of Social Work and Public Administration Certificate from Eastern Washington University. Hattrick also earned his Post-Masters Principal Certificate from Western Washington University in 2007 and his Doctorate of Organizational Leadership and K-12 Education from Grand Canyon University in Arizona in 2019. In addition to his superintendent’s license, Hattrick holds an Oregon School Social Work License.

Hattrick’s salary will be $193,000 annually, according to his three-year contract.

Reach Ashland.news reporter Holly Dillemuth at hollyd@ashland.news.

Feb. 21: Additional information added, secondary headline changed.