McCain to leave school district after 24 years

REARDAN— After 24 years with the Reardan Edwall School District, transportation director Mike McCain is leaving to take a regional role overseeing school transportation in northwest Washington.

McCain will become one of the state’s five regional transportation coordinators, providing technical support and guidance to 35 school districts. His new position is based in Anacortes.

A Reardan High School graduate, McCain joined the Washington National Guard in 1995 at age 17. He initially trained as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle infantryman at Fort Benning, Georgia, before returning home and working odd jobs while considering college.

McCain decided against college and enlisted for active duty, choosing to learn a trade he could use after leaving the Army. He returned to Fort Benning to train as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle mechanic and was assigned to the Third Infantry Division.

McCain was deployed to Kosovo and later Macedonia before spending three years stationed in Germany, completing an eight year military commitment.

After returning to the United States, McCain traveled cross country to Spokane, visiting former Army colleagues while deciding his next steps. He later worked for the Reardan Grain Growers before joining the Reardan School District in 2002 as a bus mechanic.

He held that position until 2019, when he was promoted to director of transportation. During his time with the district, McCain received multiple awards recognizing his service and leadership.

“Mike is one of the best leaders I’ve ever worked with,” Superintendent Eric Sobotta said. “He’s a learner, a leader and a culture builder. His position is replaceable, but Mike isn’t.”

McCain said leaving the district is bittersweet.

“I’m going to miss the people I work with,” he said. “It’s all about them. People are important, and we always need to take care of them. The best part of my new job is the opportunity to build relationships with new people.”

McCain’s last day with the Reardan Edwall School District is March 5. While his new job is based on the west side of the state, he plans to maintain his residence in the area and spend as much time in Reardan as possible.