The Vashon Island School District is excited to announce the hiring of a second family engagement coordinator, thanks to the generous support of the community through the Vashon Schools Foundation.

Richard Rivas-Gutierrez joins the District part-time this year, working in partnership with Nidia Sahagun. Together, they assist all families in our district with special focus on those that may experience various barriers due to life’s circumstances. The family engagement coordinators partner with families to address individual needs within the school system and link them with island organizations and resources.

Rivas-Gutierrez graduated from Vashon High School in 2020 and was involved in football, wrestling, and soccer.

“I am forever grateful for all the help and support this community has given me,” said Rivas-Gutierrez. “I want to help students and families feel supported the same way I did when I went through the school system.”

Since Sahagun joined the District in 2021 with the newly created family engagement coordinator role, it has been clear that this position is both an invaluable asset and resource for families, and that more hours are needed than one person can provide. Rivas’s new position was made possible through community generosity during the Vashon Schools Foundation’s 2025 GiveBig campaign.

“I want to thank our community and the Vashon Schools Foundation for making it possible to bring on another family engagement coordinator,” said Sahagun. “This support will allow us to reach more families and deepen our connections. I look forward to collaborating with Richard as we continue this important work together.”

As this work expands, so does the need for space. In the coming weeks, Sahagun and Rivas will relocate their offices from McMurray to a newly established Family Center at Chautauqua Elementary School, creating a welcoming hub for family support and engagement.