YCS superintendent honors Lackamas principal with distinguished leadership award

Yelm Community Schools Superintendent Chris Woods honored Starla Watson, Lackamas Elementary School Principal, with the distinguished leadership award ahead of her departure to North Carolina during a meeting on Thursday, May 28.

Woods told the audience and board members that Watson stepped into a challenging situation upon her hiring at Southworth Elementary School in 2022. According to the superintendent, she quickly got to work to build trust and community through strong communication, school events and opportunities for families and staff to connect.

“Many of you know Starla is leaving us at the end of the year to join her family across the country. We are going to miss her,” Woods wrote. “She is a recipient of our distinguished leadership award and she’s an excellent choice for Yelm Community Schools as a distinguished leader. She has a real gift of bringing people together and creating a school culture where students and staff feel cared for, supported and connected.”

Prior to becoming the principal at Lackamas Elementary School, Watson served as a teacher at the school and worked as a district administrator and instructional coach.

“She helped create a warm and welcoming environment where people feel included and invested in the success of this school,” Woods said. “What stands out most about Starla is how much she genuinely cares about people. She listens, answers with kindness and always keeps students and staff at the center of her work.”

Additionally, Woods said that Watson has worked hard to expand opportunities for students and to support the staff at Lackamas Elementary School. He claimed she’s helped staff feel encouraged and valued in their work.

Additionally, because of Watson’s leadership, Woods said that Lackamas Elementary School has become a stronger and more positive school, the climate has improved around campus, student engagement has grown and the local community has benefitted by the programs and traditions the principal has helped build.

“She also worked alongside other principals and served on district committees focused on helping our students and staff be successful, showing her commitment to the whole Yelm Community Schools family,” Woods said. “Starla leads with heart, strength and true team spirit. She has made a lasting difference at Lackamas and her leadership will be missed at both the school and district levels. While we are sad to see her leave for North Carolina to be with her family, we’re incredibly grateful for all she has given to our district and wish her nothing but the very best in the next chapter.”

Watson, along with several other administrators set to leave YCS at the conclusion of the 2025-26 school year, will be honored at the district’s award night on Thursday, June 4.