Rashaad Powell, who served as both the boys basketball head coach and an assistant principal at Renton High School, was discharged by the Renton School District, effective October 21. The discharge was confirmed during the Renton School Board meeting on October 21.
This decision comes more than six months after Powell was initially placed on administrative leave in April from both his assistant principal role and his coaching duties. The administrative leave followed an investigation into messages between Powell and mothers of two Renton students. According to the investigation, which was obtained through a public records request, the messages were described as sexual, and Powell changed his account of the incidents multiple times during the inquiry. The investigation also indicated a review of four possible district policy violations.
Powell has denied that the messages were unwanted and has consistently stated that he did not violate any district policy. However, after an appeal hearing held from October 6-8, a hearing officer determined that “the district had sufficient cause to discharge Mr. Powell,” according to an email from Renton School District spokesperson Randy Matheson.
Matheson stated that Powell has the opportunity to appeal the discharge decision further, as outlined in Washington state law (RCW 28A.405.320). As of now, the district has not received notification of any additional appeals from Powell.
Powell has been a significant figure at Renton High School, where he was a standout player before pursuing a professional basketball career in Europe. He later returned to Renton High, first as an assistant coach under Rick Comer, then taking over as head coach in 2018. He was appointed an assistant principal in 2023.
Since the conclusion of his appeal hearing, Powell has been active on Facebook, commenting on the situation. He acknowledged being placed on administrative leave in April 2026 by the Renton School District and stated he had refrained from public comment during the pending appeal. Powell indicated he would now address what he described as “a lot of misinformation” and a “biased and one-sided investigation, backed by zero evidence.” He pledged to provide evidence to present “the other side” in the coming days.
Powell described the period as challenging personally and professionally. He admitted to putting himself in a position for the situation to occur, for which he stated he could only blame himself. Despite this realization, he maintained there had been “an extreme miscarriage of justice” that he intends to continue to appeal. He expressed disappointment in his choices, which he clarified were “not illegal or against district policy,” but acknowledged they had the potential to embarrass and negatively impact his family and professional life. He concluded by stating his intent to try to rebuild his life and move forward.
Tyler Firkins, identified as Powell’s lawyer, was contacted for comment regarding the discharge and any plans for an appeal to King County Superior Court but has not yet responded.