“It’s not always about a four-year college,” she explains.“It’s about making sure every student has a path—college, career, military, or entrepreneurship— and the skills to succeed in it.” At the center of Woodville’s culture is the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program, a relationship-based framework that teaches students communication, collaboration, conflict resolution, and empathy—skills that form the foundation for life and work. Meysembourg believes that modeling these behaviors is just as important as teaching them. “Strong interpersonal skills are the foundation of success, no matter what path a student takes,” she says. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT THAT LIVES IN THE WORK The district has built continuous teacher support into its daily operations. Weekly Professional Learning Communities allow educators to collaborate and grow together, while campus leadership development meetings help administrative leaders sharpen their instructional and management skills. Instructional coaches work directly with teachers who are new to the district or need additional support, and department coordinators ensure that specialized programs—like career and technical education— receive focused attention. Woodville also takes a thoughtful approach to work-life balance. Its innovative academic calendar includes week-long breaks throughout the year—fall, Thanksgiving, winter, February, and spring—allowing teachers and students alike to recharge. “Happy teachers mean thriving students,” notes Assistant Superintendent of Academics Ashley Weatherford. “Our calendar is designed around quality instruction and sustainable energy for our staff.” CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION BUILT FOR A REGIONAL ECONOMY Woodville ISD’s career and technical education (CTE) programs are tightly aligned with the regional job market, ensuring students are ready for high-demand, high-wage careers. The district’s pathways cover a wide spectrum, including health sciences, information technology, criminal justice, agriculture, culinary arts, teaching and training, welding, plumbing, automotive technology, and collision repair. Most CTE teachers come directly from industry, bringing professional experience and valuable connections that open real-world opportunities for students. Health science students rotate through hospitals, nursing homes, and therapy clinics, gaining practical exposure to patient care. Plumbing students earn apprentice certifications and have even been 403 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 WOODVILLE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
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