The news comes as a welcome surprise to district leadership
WOODLAND – Woodland School District is celebrating a major financial win that will directly improve student safety and school infrastructure. Stacy Brown, executive director of Business Services, recently notified Facilities Director Neil Brinson and Superintendent Asha Riley that the district has been awarded $600,000 through the state’s Urgent Repair Grant program.
The news comes as a welcome surprise to district leadership. Brown had applied for a similar grant last year but was denied, making this year’s successful application a “wholly unexpected” victory for the community.
Vital projects get the green light
The $600,000 award is earmarked for two high-priority projects:
- Woodland Middle School: A full upgrade of the fire alarm systems to ensure modern safety standards.
- Columbia Elementary: Replacement and repair of a section of the building’s roof.
“These repairs would have been out of reach without this grant,” the district noted, emphasizing that these funds allow the district to protect its physical assets without pulling resources away from the classroom.
Persistence pays off
The successful award highlights the importance of persistence in school business operations. By reapplying after a previous denial, Stacy Brown and her team secured the necessary capital to address infrastructure needs that have been on the district’s radar for some time.
Asha Riley noted, “We have worked hard to preserve our buildings so they can continue to serve generations of students. However, time and daily use inevitably take their toll, and major capital projects, like replacing roofs that have reached the end of their intended lifespan, can be difficult to take on. We are thrilled and deeply grateful to receive this $600,000 award. Ensuring our students have a safe, dry, and secure learning environment is our top priority, but large-scale projects such as the Columbia Elementary roof and the Middle School fire alarm upgrades are a massive undertaking. Stacy’s persistence in pursuing this grant truly made the ‘impossible’ possible.”
Superintendent Asha Riley and the facilities team are now moving forward with the planning phases to ensure these repairs are completed efficiently, providing a safer and more secure environment for Woodland students.
Information provided by the Woodland School District.
Also read:
- Opinion: ‘Teachers and administrators who even SUSPECT child abuse must report to law enforcement’
Lars Larson argues that school officials in Longview failed to follow mandatory reporting laws after allegations of rape at Mark Morris High School. - CCSO investigation of deceased female located in the woods leads to arrest
A Clark County Sheriff’s Office investigation into a deceased woman found on forest land has led to the arrest of 66-year-old Andrew Brunette on murder and related charges. - Clark County Council Chair Sue Marshall will not seek reelection
Sue Marshall announced she will not run for reelection to the Clark County Council, citing family, farm life, and other priorities as she completes her final 10 months in office. - Opinion: The Democrats’ conduct was ‘downright disgusting and offensive’
Ken Vance criticizes Democratic lawmakers for refusing to stand during a State of the Union pledge and calls their conduct “disgusting and offensive.” - No cops hired so far with WA’s new $100M grant program
Washington’s new $100 million police hiring grant program has not yet distributed funds, as local officials cite technical issues and bureaucratic hurdles - Six individuals indicted after allegedly transporting more than 500 workers across border
Federal prosecutors announced indictments against six individuals accused of obtaining fraudulent H-2A visas and transporting hundreds of farmworkers to Washington state. - Opinion: The upside-down world of Washington Democrats
Nancy Churchill criticizes Washington Democrats over HB 2034, LEOFF 1 pension funds, and a proposed income tax, urging residents to oppose the bill ahead of a Feb. 26 hearing.
