StorySchool board workshop covering high school construction, Spanish Immersion program evaluation, and board vacancy appointmentFebruary 7, 2025

School Board Reviews Construction Plans, Spanish Program

Meeting date: Feb 7, 2025
Published Nov 14, 2025

The Woodbury School Board reviewed major construction plans for Woodbury High School and conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the district's Spanish Immersion program during a workshop meeting February 6.

The high school renovation project, currently out for bid with construction planned for summer 2025 through summer 2027, includes a new kitchen and cafeteria addition, main office relocation, and security improvements. The project will be completed in phases to maintain school operations, with the western half of the building renovated in summer 2026 and the eastern half in summer 2027.

The Spanish Immersion program evaluation revealed strong community support and student success, with 100% of high school students earning the Seal of Biliteracy in recent years. The program serves 592 students across kindergarten through 12th grade, with high demand evidenced by hundreds of families on waiting lists. However, the evaluation identified challenges including staff turnover and the need for better K-12 coordination.

The board also discussed filling the vacancy left by Pat Driscoll's resignation. Following district procedure, the board reached consensus to appoint former board member Louise Hines to serve until the November election. The appointment will be voted on at the February 20 board meeting, with Hines taking her seat March 6 if approved.

Other business included first readings of policy updates, with most policies requiring no changes after annual review. The board made a minor correction to Policy 514 regarding bullying prohibition notice requirements.

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Summary

The School Board Workshop on February 6, 2025 covered three main topics: a construction update for Woodbury High School, a comprehensive review of the Spanish Immersion program, and discussion of filling a board vacancy. The meeting included detailed presentations on the high school renovation project, program evaluation results for Spanish Immersion, budget planning processes, and policy reviews.

Key Highlights

Action Items

Vote on appointing Louise Hines to fill board vacancy

Responsible: School BoardDue: 2025-02-20

Present revised budget to board

Responsible: Chris BlackburnDue: 2025-03-06

Identify K-12 bilingual literacy assessment tool

Responsible: Spanish Immersion Leadership TeamDue: 2025-06-30

Correct policy reference in 514 from paragraph D to paragraph E

Responsible: Policy CommitteeDue: 2025-02-20

People, Places & Organizations

Woodbury High School · SchoolSpanish Immersion Program · Educational ProgramLouise Hines · Former Board MemberPat Driscoll · Former Board MemberJulie Neelon · SuperintendentChris Blackburn · Director of Business ServicesKari Mahia · TeacherNovas Fronteras · Elementary SchoolWoodbury Middle School · SchoolWAL Architecture · Contractor

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