YCS welcomes three new administrators to join district in 2026-27 school year

Yelm Community Schools (YCS) Superintendent Chris Woods gave a warm welcome to three new administrators set to join the district for the 2026-27 school year during a YCS Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, May 21.

First, Woods welcomed Brandon Pontius, who is set to become the new principal at Lackamas Elementary School for the 2026-27 school year and beyond.

“What I heard about Brandon, number one, from the students, this was their first choice. He connected with them,” Woods said. “They felt like he really cared about them. They felt like he was somebody that they could talk to and go to. The other thing that came out, from the staff, that connection on a personal level as a human being. They felt this is somebody they could go to and talk with and work with, have hard conversations, have fun conversations and everything in between. They also felt like he was somebody who would be a part of their team. I was really impressed with Brandon.”

Pontius, who grew up in the​ Thurston County region and even competed against Woods in high school athletics, said he appreciates the opportunity to lead Lackamas Elementary School as principal and looks forward to being part of the Yelm community.

“I have some great passion to help kids and help staff,” Pontius said. “One of my things is to help make it easier for people. It’s easier said than done sometimes, but that’s my goal always. I sure appreciate this opportunity.”

Woods then welcomed Kaiya Burgess, who will serve as Ridgeline Middle School principal for the 2026-27 school year and beyond.

“It was really fun watching Kaiya go through this process. Kaiya is pretty amazing,” Woods said. “Some of the things I heard, number one, the students were very impressed with her. They felt like they connected with her. Her attention to detail, her drive, her focus, her attention to systems — everybody was very excited about that. They felt like they could have one of the best teams around in their building with Kaiya.”

Woods added that Burgess has done all the right things since being selected, and noted she’s made the effort to meet with, connect with and build relationships with students and staff at her new school.

“I am so honored to be the new principal of Ridgeline,” Burgess said. “I’m excited about working with the community and building back better. We’ve got a huge opportunity in Yelm and I am really committed to see that success continue at Ridgeline. I’m so excited to get to work.”

Finally, Woods introduced Felicia Stenbakken, who was selected to become the new YHS assistant principal, beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

The superintendent noted that Stenbakken has “done everything” in YCS these last couple years. She was an elementary school teacher, a special education teacher and then eventually hired as Dean of Students at YHS and the Yelm Extension School.

“She’s been just about everywhere,” Woods said. “The thing about Felicia, if you talk to anybody in this district who knows Felicia, they will tell you that she passionately cares about people. Students, staff, families — she makes the most challenging conversations seem easy because she cares so much about people. She is not very good at giving herself credit and recognizing her gifts and talents, but everybody else who knows her sees them every day. We are all very excited that she’s going to be assistant principal at the high school next year.”
Stenbakken said she began her career in the district as a volunteer and eventually became a paraeducator.

“I am truly blessed to be able to stay at the high school with the families and the students that I love so much,” Stenbakken said. “A lot of people in this room have supported me every step of the way. I’m looking forward to many many more years supporting everyone back. Thank you for this opportunity.”