REPORTS TO THE BOARD

Human Resources Report

To: Asha Riley

From: Vicky Barnes

Date: October 15, 2026

Subject: Human Resources and Communications Board Report

Human Resources

Preparing for the School Year & New Educator Onboarding

Following the conclusion of the school year, we shift our focus to hiring and onboarding for the upcoming school year. We welcomed 4 new teachers to the district, with 3 attending our annual New Educator Training hosted in August.

To welcome our new educators, local community businesses generously donated gifts, gift cards, and raffle items. We are grateful for the investment they make in our schools.

• Woodland True Value
• Burgerville
• Luckman Coffee Co. Inc 
• Woodland Eye and Vision
• Starbucks
• Red Leaf Coffee
• Dairy Queen
• Columbia Bank
• Daddy D’s BBQ
• The Corner Store
• Lewis River Dental
• Bell Imaging
• Street Treats and Coop and Catch

Classified Staff Development & Substitute Recruitment

• Fundamental Course of Study: In August, mandatory training hours were conducted for classified staff to meet state compliance and support professional development.
• Substitute Coverage: I worked throughout September and October on recruiting and onboarding. We interviewed and processed 43 new substitute staff members to ensure comprehensive coverage across district classrooms and operations.

Recruitment Outreach & Community Engagement

I presented to graduating teaching candidates at Washington State University (WSU). This outreach helps elevate Woodland’s visibility within the regional teaching community, encouraging upcoming graduates to apply for district openings or join our substitute pool.

Professional Development & Legal Compliance

To ensure district HR practices align with evolving compliance standards and best practices, recent training participation includes:

• Comprehensive workplace and student investigations
• Mandated reporting protocols
• Regional Legal Conference updates

These sessions directly inform district administrative procedures, risk management strategies, and operational responses.

Communications 

District Newsletter

The October 2026 issue of Together We Grow Excellence highlights our core focus for the school year, celebrating student and staff successes across all campuses while emphasizing our collective commitment to continuous academic growth, belonging, and community connection.

Fall 2026 - Together We Grow Excellence October 2026 Newsletter

Riley Reports

The latest Riley Reports highlight Superintendent Riley’s ongoing outreach and community engagement. The October 2026 edition offers an accessible, transparent look inside our boardroom discussions, outlining district initiatives, policy updates, and strategic goals. Meanwhile, the September 2026 feature spotlights student perspectives, capturing their excitement, energy, and personal aspirations for the new school year.

Superintendent Riley welcomes you into our boardroom Oct 2026

Superintendent Riley Asks Students what they are most excited about this school year Sept 2026

District News

Our recent district news coverage spotlights key events, student achievements, and our commitment to financial transparency. Highlights include the successful community-wide Back to School Bash, recognition of Woodland High School spring athletes for balancing athletic grit with classroom excellence, classroom civic engagement projects honoring Constitution Day, and an update on our ongoing commitment to thoughtful, transparent stewardship of community resources. A recent Facebook post celebrated our middle schoolers who support the local Senior Enrichment club.

Back to School Bash

WHS Spring Athletic Programs Prove GRIT Leads to Academic Excellence

Honoring Constitution Day: Empowering Students and Inspiring Community Action

Help Us Continue to Make Thoughtful Choices With Our Community’s Resources

Facebook: Bridging Generations: WMS Students and Woodland Senior Enrichment Group Build a Powerful Community Partnership