Woodburn Independent Online

Join me in welcoming new superintendent of Woodburn schools

• Published: 3/2/2010 10:12:05 AM

By Walt Blomberg
WSD Superintendent

The Woodburn School Board recently announced that David Bautista will be the next superintendent of the Woodburn School District (WSD). As you may be aware, David is no newcomer to Woodburn. From January 2002 until July 2007 he served as the district’s director of bilingual programs. His role was to ensure that our English language learners, who make up approximately 60 percent of the district’s student body, were served adequately and equitably. David, however, did not limit his efforts to only those students still mastering English. He was instrumental is helping the district move closer to its vision of “biliteracy for all students.”

Under his leadership, the district initiated the dual-language program, a research-based program that combines students whose first language is Spanish or Russian with English-dominant students.

Beginning in kindergarten, the students from these different language backgrounds learn to speak, read and write two languages as well the other core subjects of math, science and social studies.

Today, over 900 students, in grades kindergarten to sixth grade, are taking advantage of this rigorous and unique learning program.

While David left the Woodburn School District in 2007 to be the assistant superintendent in the Salem-Keizer School District, his ties to the WSD never ended. He continued to commute daily to Salem from Woodburn so he could keep his two teenage children in one of our small high schools, the Academy of International Studies, where they are both full International Baccalaureate diploma candidates. Not only does this speak to the respect that David has for the teachers and administrators in the district, but his commitment to ensuring the Woodburn School District serves all students at a very high level.

Please join me in welcoming David Bautista back to Woodburn as the next superintendent of Woodburn Schools. Based on my experience, I believe he will quickly earn your respect, as he did mine, with his educational knowledge, relentless work ethic and passion for seeing all students succeed.

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