Dear Washington-Nile Local School District Community,

With tremendous gratitude, I am honored to serve as your new Superintendent. I want to thank the Board of Education and the community for this opportunity. Together as one, we will work toward a bold, shared vision—one rooted in opportunity, excellence, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every student.

As an alumni and teacher of Washington-Nile Local School District, this is more than a professional milestone, it is a life-long dream. Over twenty-five years ago, I stepped into my first classroom as an Intervention Specialist. This district and community raised me as a person and educator. It’s where I learned what it means to serve, to lead, and to grow.

Like many of our students, I grew up facing challenges that, at times, felt insurmountable. But I was lifted up by teachers who saw more in me than I saw in myself. They believed in me, and their belief changed the course of my life. My journey in education is built on that foundation of hope. It’s why I chose to spend my life in service to students. It’s why I believe in the power of education to transform lives.

Every student in our district deserves the chance to rise. And every family deserves to know that our schools are a place of safety, support, and possibility. I believe in our students. I believe in our educators. I believe in this community. I believe that together, we can build something extraordinary. The road ahead will require trust, courage, and commitment. I know that when we stand united as Portsmouth West Senators, we are unstoppable. Together, we will rebuild trust, restore confidence, build upon our current successes, and rise to meet this moment with purpose.

To our students: you are the reason we do this work. To our families: your partnership is essential. To our community: your support fuels our progress. As we progress throughout the year, I look forward to engaging in honest conversations, shaping a shared vision, and setting clear priorities. I welcome your opinion. I welcome your ideas. Most of all, I welcome your partnership. I’ll close with a simple request: Let’s put aside doubt. Let’s choose hope. Let’s lean into the promise of a new day and imagine what we can accomplish together.

With deep gratitude and commitment,
Christopher Noel Rapp
Superintendent
Washington-Nile Local Schools
Class of 1981