Dear Woodland Community,

Happy New Year! It was a pleasure to welcome back our students, families and staff this month after the winter break.

The new year is a time for fresh beginnings and renewed energy. As superintendent of Woodland Joint Unified School District, I am thrilled to introduce this new monthly column in The Daily Democrat.

Each month, I look forward to sharing insights, updates and highlights from across our district, as well as celebrating the remarkable achievements of our students, staff and schools.

Our 17 schools serve nearly 10,000 students, making WJUSD a vital part of our broader Woodland community. Whether or not you have students in our schools, your involvement is essential.

From attending games and events to supporting local youth and helping to ensure community safety, your contributions make a huge difference in the lives of our students. Together, we are WJUSD, and together, we are Woodland.

In this monthly column, I will provide updates on our district, celebrate successes, and invite you to join us in supporting our schools and students. Together, we can continue to create a strong foundation for the next generation and ensure that our schools and community continue to be a source of pride for Woodland.

Here’s what’s happening at WJUSD:

Literacy Plan: Our district is working on improving student achievement and developing a districtwide literacy plan that our Board will consider and review for approval this spring. This plan will serve as a strategic guide for supporting our district on improving student literacy. More to come.

New Electric Buses: We celebrated our first two electric buses on Jan. 22 and will receive 19 more in the coming months! This transition marks a new phase of sustainable transportation for our students and community. Be on the lookout for these buses rolling through town!

“Every Day Counts” Attendance Campaign: Positive attendance has a significant impact on student achievement. Therefore we’re continuing our campaign to promote consistent student attendance. Each month, we’ll recognize schools with the most improved attendance and celebrate their success.

Measure Y School Facility Improvements: Thanks to our community’s support of Measure Y, a $44 million bond, we’ve completed facility upgrades at five schools! These improvements included safety and security enhancements, such as new gates, “columbine” door locks, and security cameras. Upgrades also included Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements at our schools, as well as 14 new HVAC systems at Woodland High School. The next group of schools that will receive similar improvements are Douglass Middle School; Sci-Tech Academy; Freeman and Maxwell Elementary Schools; Adult Education; and Woodland High School. The majority of construction will be done in the summer while students and staff are on summer vacation.

Thank you for your interest in staying connected with WJUSD. I encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas with me as we work together for the benefit of our entire community.

By Elodia Ortega-Lampkin, Superintendent of Woodland Joint Unified School District