STANWOOD — A former Stanwood Middle School teacher had his professional license revoked in December, not long after he was convicted in the 2012 murder of his wife in Skagit County.
William “Bill” Rodgers, 52, has until the end of this week to appeal the loss of his teaching license, public records show. He was fired from the Stanwood-Camano School District after his arrest in 2012.
He’s still behind bars in the Skagit County Jail awaiting sentencing. He is due in court again on Monday.
Rodgers strangled his wife, Sherri, 48, in May 2012 at their Mount Vernon home. Police alleged that it was a carefully orchestrated attack, set up to look like an accident.
Rodgers told detectives that his wife had fallen down the stairs but an autopsy showed broken bones and bruising in her neck consistent with being strangled. The couple’s marriage had been unraveling, detectives found. Rodgers reportedly also had asked the funeral home to cover up the marks on his wife’s neck before her service.
Shortly after Rodgers’ arrest, Superintendent Jean Shumate notified the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, which launched an investigation, separate from the police case. Shumate’s complaint alleged unprofessional conduct, records show.
The state investigation into Rodgers’ license wrapped up in December.
Rodgers taught eighth-grade English and history, starting at Stanwood Middle School in 1996. A search warrant was served on his school computers early in the police investigation. He waived his right to challenge his firing, school district records show.
Rodgers is facing more than 20 years in prison, according to the Skagit Valley Herald.
Sherri Rodgers, a mother and grandmother, managed a local Hallmark store and taught at Skagit Valley College.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
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