Woodland Public Schools announced last week the departure of Athletic Director Paul Huddleston, who has accepted a “dream opportunity” to become the dean of students at Cascadia Tech Academy, a cooperative partnership of 10 school districts formerly known as the Clark County Skills Center, the school district stated in a release.
According to the release, Huddleston has been “an integral part of the Woodland educational community” since 2010.
“This was the only job I would consider leaving Woodland [for] as my other passion is the trades, and this opportunity would probably not have come open again for me, so I had to go for it,” Huddleston said in the release. “I will finish my admin[istration] degree this year while working there and plan to become an assistant director in the future as I know the incredible opportunities that program offers its students. I’m excited to be a part of their administrative team and help them grow their already outstanding program.”
During Huddleston’s tenure as athletic director, Woodland Public Schools athletics have flourished, “capturing the hearts of students, parents, faculty and the entire community,” the release stated. Huddleston’s passion for “nurturing talent, promoting teamwork and instilling lifelong values through sports has left an indelible mark on the Woodland community,” the release adds.
“My dad was a teacher and administrator for Woodland High School, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” Huddleston said.
Huddleston started his education career by first earning an endorsement to teach K-8 as well as a K-12 endorsement in technology. He also holds a master’s in educational technology and is halfway through earning his administrative credentials, the release states.
“Paul’s unwavering dedication to our students and their holistic development has been truly inspiring,” Superintendent of Woodland Public Schools Michael Green said in the release. “While we are saddened to bid farewell to such an outstanding leader, we understand that great opportunities come knocking at the right time. Paul’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape our athletic programs for years to come.”
During Huddleston’s tenure, the athletic department achieved a number of milestones, with student-athletes excelling both on and off the field, the release stated. He implemented initiatives that “fostered a culture of sportsmanship, discipline and growth, earning Woodland Public Schools recognition for its exceptional athletic achievements.”
Woodland Public Schools has begun its search for a new athletic director.
