Woodland, WA. — The Woodland School District is celebrating a significant financial boost that will directly enhance student safety and protect aging school facilities, following the award of a $600,000 state Urgent Repair Grant program.
Stacy Brown, Executive Director of Business Services, notified Facilities Director Neil Brinson and Superintendent Asha Riley of the award, which district leaders described as a welcome and unexpected success. Brown had applied for a similar grant last year without success, making this year’s approval a notable turnaround.
The funding will support two high-priority infrastructure projects:
Woodland Middle School will receive a full upgrade to its fire alarm system, bringing it up to modern safety standards.
Columbia Elementary will undergo roof replacement and repairs to address deterioration and prevent future damage.
“These repairs would have been out of reach without this grant,” the district said, noting that the funding allows critical work to move forward without diverting classroom resources.
Superintendent Riley emphasized the long-term importance of the investment. “We have worked hard to preserve our buildings so they can continue to serve generations of students,” she said. “Major capital projects, like replacing roofs at the end of their lifespan, are difficult to take on.
We are thrilled and deeply grateful to receive this $600,000 award.”
District leadership credited persistence for the outcome, highlighting Brown’s decision to reapply after a prior denial. With funding secured, Superintendent Riley and the facilities team are moving into the planning phase to ensure both projects are completed efficiently, strengthening safety and learning conditions for Woodland students.
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