The Yelm School Board selected a new superintendent to lead the district on Thursday, April 20.
Chris Woods, who has worked as the chief executive officer of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Thurston County for the past four years, is set to take the reins on July 1 from current Superintendent Brian Wharton who is set to retire.
Woods told the Nisqually Valley News it’s an honor to be selected for the position. He noted Yelm is a great community and said he looks forward to getting started.
Leading up to his start date, Woods said he plans to have several meetings with Wharton to discuss his new role. He also would like to attend several of the planned school events and celebrations as the end of the school year approaches.
“Once July rolls around, a lot of people try to get in some much needed vacation time,” Woods said. “I’m really trying to make that transition smooth by spending some time over the next two months and not waiting until July 1.”
When asked about his priorities for his new position, Woods said he wants to focus on the “community” portion of the district’s name.
“I want to do a lot of listening and a lot of learning when I first get there. That’s my first priority,” Woods said. “My next priority is to identify the areas we want to see improvement in so we can get a plan in place to start moving forward.”
Woods hopes to spend time in the community with the district’s employees, students and residents. He would like to learn as much as he can about the district and Yelm, and would also like to identify what the challenges are.
The new superintendent has worked at all three levels of education during his time as a public schools employee. He has taught multiple grades, including at the elementary school level. Woods was also previously the principal at Capital High School.
Woods said his role at the Thurston County Boys and Girls Clubs has helped prepare him for his role as superintendent.
“Those experiences were instrumental in getting to know staff at the City of Yelm, and certainly at the school district, and the many community members that stepped up to support the club in Yelm,” Woods said. “We have clubs all around Thurston County and we support seven school districts. My experiences allowed me to learn the great things that are working at other districts, while also allowing me to identify other challenges.”
Before Woods was selected for the position, pending final contract negotiations and background checks, the three finalists took part in a full-day of activities with staff members and the community. The other two finalists were Erin Murphy and Curtis Cleveringa.
“During the final interviews, each applicant had one day. It was a 13-hour day of interviews, including everything from district office staff, building administrators, to assistant principals and principals,” Woods said. “I saw the district leadership team, and got to meet and tour with high school students.”
Last week, he was able to visit five schools in Yelm and participated in staff and community forums at Yelm Middle School, which also included a two-hour interview with the school board.
“When it’s all said and done, it’s a pretty lengthy day. The board and support staff put in a tremendous amount of time to run a thorough process like this,” Woods said. “I enjoyed the whole day, really, because it was fun speaking to all the people who are so invested and passionate about the school district. You could really see the passion and commitment people have. Over and over, I kept hearing about the people and how the people are what make Yelm Community Schools special. That was consistent with every group.”
Woods said he was immediately interested in the position when he first saw the opening. He noted there were very few districts where he would like to take on the role, but said it became clear to him Yelm was the right location.
“This is a place I’d like to finish my career,” Woods said. “What I love about Yelm is how nice, committed everyone is. They make you feel comfortable and they really appreciate educators in that community. All of those things combined make it a really desirable place to be.”
Once Woods and his wife wrap up their careers and retire, he noted they would like to stay in the Yelm area.
Woods also thanked those who were involved in the interviewing and hiring process.
“More than anything, thank you for putting your trust in me and believing in me, and allowing me to come in and partner with them to continue the great work that is happening in Yelm Community Schools,” Woods said. “I don’t take the responsibility of being superintendent lightly, and I look forward to partnering with the school district and the community to continue the great work that’s already been done.”
During a Yelm School Board meeting on Thursday, April 20, Wharton said he looks forward to working with Woods, along with the school board, as he prepares for his new role.
