The Woodland School District Board of Directors consists of five school board members, elected by ballot by the registered voters of the district. Except as otherwise provided by law, board members hold office for terms of four years and until their successors are elected and qualified. The terms of board members are staggered as provided by law.

The school board acts as the policy-making body of the district and is responsible and accountable for planning, policy, advocacy, and evaluation. Working within a framework of state and federal laws, the board provides direction for the district, approving policies, making financial decisions, determining building needs, and approving the budget. The board regularly reviews the progress of the district.

Meet Our Board of Directors

Group Picture

District #1

Sarah StuartSarah Stuart
sarah.stuart@woodlandschools.org

Sarah was raised in Woodland, attended Woodland schools K-12, and graduated in 2000. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Linfield College. Sarah and her husband have four children in Woodland Public Schools - one at Columbia Elementary, two at Woodland Middle School, and one at Woodland High School. "I have a passion for providing each and every child in our community the opportunity to receive an excellent education in a caring environment, preparing them for whatever their future might hold," she said. 

"It has been such a privilege to work alongside our educators with the goal of improving student achievement and well-being. I promise to work hard, make thoughtful decisions after seeking input from various diverse voices, and be an encouraging team player, always looking toward what’s best for kids."

District #2

Janice Photo

Paul McLendon
paul.mclendon@woodlandschools.org

Paul McLendon was born and raised in Woodland, attending preschool in the Presbyterian Church and spending his K-12 academic career in Woodland Public Schools. He lives in Woodland with his wife who is also a Woodland native. “I love everything about Woodland, especially seeing my classmates around town,” said McLendon. “I enjoy attending sports events that my grandchildren and the grandchildren of my old classmates participate in.”

McLendon chose to become a Board Director from his love of children, “I want to help ensure all students have a great school experience while getting a top-level education.” His goals also include: ensuring staff and students have the proper curriculum for educational success; help recruit and keep good educators and administrators; and to maintain open communications between the administrative team and the public.

District #3

Jeff PhotoJeff Wray, Board President
jeff.wray@woodlandschools.org

Jeff Wray attended and graduated from the Kennewick School District in Kennewick, Washington. After high school, he focused on his career before later earning a bachelor’s degree in education from Washington State University. Wray’s family, his wife, and two children moved to the Woodland area in 2017.

“I want a way to give back to the Woodland, a community that welcomed me with open arms. I love and appreciate the small-town feel Woodland offers, and serving on the school board seemed like a good fit with my skill set.”

District #4

Trish Huddleston PhotoTrish Huddleston
trish.huddleston@woodlandschools.org

Trish Huddleston graduated from Camas School District in Camas, Washington. Then, following high school, she moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from DeVry University. While Trish loved sunny Arizona, she moved back to Washington soon after graduation to be closer to her family.

She moved to Woodland in early 2020 with her immediate family, consisting of two children, both of whom attend Woodland Public Schools, and their father, who works within the Woodland community. They also have their beloved pets: four sugar gliders and two cats. 

“Education is the future of our country, and our kids are the leaders of tomorrow. I look forward to ensuring Woodland Public Schools continues its mission of ‘serving and supporting ALL children, ensuring EACH child has FULL access to, is engaged in, and obtains an excellent education that prepares them for responsible citizenship and a future of adaptability and success in life and their chosen endeavors.’”

District #5

Tom PhotoTom Guthrie
tom.guthrie@woodlandschools.org

Tom Guthrie and his wife, Kari, moved to Woodland in 2004. Their oldest daughter graduated from Woodland with the class of 2020, and their two younger daughters both attend Woodland Middle School.  

"For me and my family, we love the Woodland community. Woodland has excellent teachers who really want to see their students succeed, not just with an education but in life. Therefore, if there's any way that I can help our kids, I want to do it."

Our Student Representative

Cody Krieger PhotoCody Krieger
 
Cody Krieger is a dedicated student-athlete, passionate about both cross country and track while also starting to explore archery, as well.

“Being a school board representative is a great way for me to represent my school and my community, giving me the opportunity to grow my communication and leadership skills,” he said. “I desire to make an impact in the community where I live and attend school, and I believe the experiences I will have will help me understand the education system and empower me to take what I’ve learned to apply them to all of my future endeavors.”


Superintendent

Michael Smiling PhotoMichael Green
360-841-2700
greenm@woodlandschools.org

It is with mixed emotions that I am retiring from Woodland Public Schools at the end of June 2024.   Woodland Public Schools has been my professional home for seventeen years.  It has been a great place for my own children to grow and learn. It is a community that I have grown to love and make my home.  My driving goal throughout my tenure has been to see our school board's vision become a reality for each child.

I am deeply committed to public education. I am passionate about the purpose, mission, and work of public schools as a pillar of our democracy.   I have taught in a one-room schoolhouse in a remote Alaskan village, taught first grade in the Puget Sound area, and served as an elementary principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent.

I hold a bachelor's degree in Business, and another in education.  A Master's degree in Educational Leadership, and. I have completed extensive post-graduate education and hold a superintendent’s certificate.

I am married and together we are parents to two successful adult children, both graduates of Woodland High School.  We are also the grandparents of one (highly gifted) future Beaver.