Dr. Russell Evans with his family
Woodland Public Schools proudly announces their selection of Dr. Russell Evans as Principal of Woodland Middle School beginning in the upcoming 2022-23 school year. Evans accepted the position on Tuesday, May 24 when Superintendent Michael Green notified him of his selection.
Evans currently serves as the principal of North Beach Middle/High School for the North Beach School District in Ocean Shores, Washington. He started his career in education as a teacher of World Geography and U.S. History at Spring Branch School District in Houston, Texas. Since that time, he served in a variety of administrative roles including CTE Director and Assistant Principal. Evans earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography as well as both Master of Education and Doctor of Education degrees, all received from the prestigious Texas A&M University located in College Station, Texas.
Evans decided to pursue the Woodland Middle School principal thanks to the Woodland community. “I wanted to find a school district that fit my family and I just right with the opportunity to live and work in a vibrant community serving a large number of students and families,” he said. “Woodland felt like the perfect place for professional growth and for my children to have amazing educational opportunities.”
Woodland Middle School’s history of academic achievement and its dedicated staff also attracted Evans to the role. “I truly can’t wait to meet all of the students, staff, families, and community of Woodland,” he said. “I am looking forward to showcasing all of the great things happening at Woodland Middle School including meeting with the community and engaging with people on behalf of our students."
During his visits throughout the interview process, Woodland’s many possibilities as a destination for work and play made moving to the community even more enticing for Evans and his family. “There are so many individuals at all levels who have truly made Woodland their home, living and working in the school system for years and years,” he said. “This dedication speaks to the heart that Woodland holds for students and the greater community; that’s what my wife and I have looked for since we relocated to Washington from Texas years ago.”
For Evans, a career in education is a family tradition. “I come from a family of educators, so I wanted to make a difference in the lives of students from all levels,” he said. “I enjoy working with learners in the classroom as a teacher; supporting learning and instruction at high levels as a principal; and I also regularly work to support new teachers in post-secondary pathways as a college instructor.”
Evan’s family includes his wife, Stephanie, who currently serves as an elementary school principal, as well as his children: Zachary, who will be entering the fourth grade; Victoria, who’s entering second grade; Logan, who will be starting his academic career in pre-kindergarten; and their youngest, Declan, who is their first Washingtonian at one year of age.
When not working in the schools, Evans enjoys a variety of pastimes with his family including road trips, hiking, camping, sledding, skiing, spending time at the beach or just exploring their own backyard. “We have a lot of fun together and I’m always looking for an opportunity to cook in the kitchen, on the grill, or next to a smoker improving my Texas brisket recipe,” he said. Additionally, Evans is a huge fan of Star Wars, enjoys all genres of movies and music, and even finds the time to play video games ranging from classic retrogaming on consoles from the 1980s all the way to the modern consoles of today.
Woodland Public Schools