Message from Superintendent Chris Woods
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I am very excited to be joining YCS as your new superintendent. After spending over 25 years serving students in Olympia and Tumwater, I feel honored to be part of the amazing staff at Yelm Community school (YCS).
As I researched YCS to determine if this was the place I wanted to be part of, I heard one consistent theme. The one thing I heard repeated was that YCS was special because of the people. In my short time here, I have met many staff who are willing to do whatever it takes to help students be successful, lend a hand to colleagues, show up with a great attitude, and give their best each day.
Every new school year brings hope, excitement, opportunity, and a chance to set new goals. Two areas of focus for YCS this school year will be High Academic Achievement for All and Creating a Culture of Belonging.
Through rigorous and consistent instruction for all students, we can ensure High Academic Achievement for All, regardless of the school they attend and the challenges they face.
By Creating a Culture of Belonging, we can ensure an environment where all students and staff feel welcomed, accepted, and safe. When we feel a sense of belonging we are more willing to engage in learning.
I look forward to an outstanding school year partnering with our staff, families, and community to help our students reach their full potential.
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Chris Woods, long-serving Thurston County educator and school administrator, was named Superintendent of Yelm Community Schools beginning July 2023. Chris was formerly the CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County, where he brought to the position a long history of commitment to youth and community collaboration through his experiences as teacher, principal, coach, and district administrator.
Previous to his time at the Boys & Girls Clubs, Chris was the Assistant Superintendent in the Tumwater School District. Chris started his career in the Olympia School District as a teacher, where he taught first, third, and seventh grades before moving into school administration. He received his first opportunity in school leadership as an assistant principal at Reeves Middle School then became the principal at Pioneer Elementary School before returning to his alma mater as principal at Capital High School.
Chris earned a B.A. degree from Central Washington University in K-8 Elementary Education and K-12 Special Education. His credentials also include an M.A. in School Administration and Principal Certification from City University and Superintendent Certification from Seattle Pacific University.
Chris’ family includes his wife Julie, and three children, Conner, Tyler, and Hadley.
Chris currently serves on the Thurston County Economic Development Council Board. He has also served as a board member for the Briggs YMCA and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western Washington; has coached with Thurston County Youth Football League, South Sound Baseball, and the YMCA; and has volunteered with Young Life and Olympia Rotary.
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Chris Woods
Superintendent
Executive Assistant:Debbie StillwellPhone:360.458.6139Fax:360.458.6178
Superintendents Roundtable on TCTV
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See Yelm Superintendent Chris Woods on TCTV as part of the Superintendents Roundtable program. The program is hosted by Deborah Vinsel and features four Thurston County superintendents discussing our local schools. Catch these shows on Channel 26 or 77 or view them online.