Board of Education

Dr. Zach Camp, President of the 2026 WCHCS Board of Education, is a proud Blue Lion Alumnus, graduating from Washington Senior High School in 2004. While in school, Zach participated in Student Government Forum, Hi-Y, choir, musicals, and football. Dr. Camp was a seven-year member of the Academy of Scholars.

Following high school, Dr. Camp attended the Ohio State University, earning his B.A. in Chemistry in 2008 and Doctor of Pharmacy in 2013.

Zach is married to WSHS classmate Megan (Williams) Camp ’04, and together they have two sons, Liam and Owen who are both students in the district.

“I ran for school board to give back to the school district that gave so much to me,” explained Dr. Camp, “and to do all I can to help our schools grow and evolve for our students and community.”

Dr. Camp serves as a pharmacist with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. 

Mrs. Wendy Jo Downing, Vice President of the 2026 WCHCS Board of Education, was  elected to her first term on November 7, 2023, Mrs. Downing’s term runs from January, 2024, to December, 2027. 

Mrs. Downing is a 1999 graduate of McClain High School of Greenfield, Ohio.  Utilizing the skills acquired through her studies in Business Management at Southern State Community College, Wendy Jo and her husband, Joseph Downing, are the owners of Buckeye Express Ohio LLC, a freight delivery company serving Columbus and the surrounding areas.

“I decided to run for school board because I have kids that attend the school,” said Mrs. Downing.   “I also feel like I can offer a new and effective perspective to our community.  I want to help blend the lines of communication so that we can all come together for the interest and growth of the children.”

The Downings have a large, blended family of Blue Lions. Their children, Whitney Downing and Destanie (Leach) Carter, graduated from Washington High School in 2012 and 2021, respectively. Senior Madison Young and Sophomore Andrew Young are current students at WHS, and Colton Downing will start Kindergarten in the fall.

Serving in her first term, Mrs. Downing expressed her excitement about joining the school board, stating, “I am most excited about learning the practices of our district.   I am excited to be a part of the growth of our schools.”

James Bunch was elected to the Washington Court House City Schools Board of Education in November, 2025. His call to serve on the school board is rooted in a genuine care for the young people and families in our community. Having benefited from the mentorship and support of others throughout his own upbringing, he is motivated to give back and help create meaningful opportunities for the next generation. James believes that schools are more than places of learning and that they are the heartbeat of the community. When schools are strong, the entire community thrives.

Outside of his board service, James enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, camping, and exploring U.S. history. Whether visiting national landmarks or watching historical documentaries, James appreciates learning about the stories of perseverance, leadership, and innovation that continue to shape our nation today.

Mrs. Jennifer Lynch, and her husband, Zach ‘94, have three children. Eli is a 2020 graduate of WHS, Ellie is a 2022 graduate of WHS, and Mollie is a Blue Lion Junior.

Mrs. Lynch was first elected to the WCHCS Board of Education in November, 2011. Recently reelected, Jennifer’s fourth consecutive term runs through December, 2027.  She currently serves as the board’s OSBA Student Achievement Liaison.

Mr. Ken Upthegrove is a proud Blue Lion Alumnus, graduating from Washington Senior High School in 1977.

Mr. Upthegrove has a long history with the Blue Lion Family. Applying the skills he learned at Laurel Oaks as a high school student, Ken began working in the WCHCS maintenance department in 1982, eventually earning the supervisory role a decade later. In extracurricular activities, Mr. Upthegrove started the F.C.A. program in 1985, and coached the 8th grade boys basketball team for many years.

Upon completing his degree in Vocational Education at Wright State University, Ken moved to the classroom and began teaching Blue Lions and students from across southern Ohio at Laurel Oaks in the construction trades from 1995 until his retirement in 2007.

Mr. Upthegrove married his wife, Melissa, in 1998, and together they have three sons. Kenny ’17 is a 2021 graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Evan ’19 is pursuing an electrician apprenticeship, and Nathan is a Senior at WHS.
From teaching Sunday School to various youth group involvement, Ken has been an active member of Heritage Church for many decades.

When asked why he ran for the board of education, Mr. Upthegrove said, “I wanted to serve and to try to make a difference for the students of Washington Court House City Schools.”

Ken was appointed to the board in May, 1996, to fill a vacancy. Mr. Upthegrove was elected to his first term in November, 1997, where he has continued to serve for six consecutive terms. Ken’s current term runs from January, 2022, to December, 2025.