Woodlake High offices, classrooms getting a modernization makeover

Rick Rodriguez, now in his sixth year as WHS principal, said the project could have started as soon as last October. The board of trustees decided to wait until winter break to cause less disruption. Now the entire office staff has moved to new quarters: in the adjacent Woodlake Library; in Room 10; Dr. Mike Burchette, assistant principal, moved to the Counseling Center; and Carmita Pena, coordinator of College and Career Programs, is temporarily housed in the Ag building’s office. Woodlake High offices

If all goes according to plan, the office makeover, along with the renovation of six classrooms, will be completed in time to return to brand new facilities for the 2020-2021 school year. In addition to the offices and classrooms, the Performing Arts Building will receive new restrooms.

According to Rodriguez, creating the best possible learning environment for his 654 students is still the district’s main goal and, more specifically, improving test scores. Woodlake High currently ranks third in Tulare County in English and has shown significant improvement in several subject areas.

Rodriguez credits his teachers and the Career Pathways program with keeping students engaged. This past semester, the Career Pathways program added an engineering curriculum.

In the above video interview, Rick Rodriguez, principal and Woodlake alum (class of 1989), who is now in his 25th year with the district, reveals his passion for his students and hints at what might be in store for his own career too. Woodlake High offices

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