K-8 school in Citrus Heights selected to develop ‘innovative’ program

By Sara Beth Williams–
The San Juan Unified School District announced on Tuesday that Woodside K-8 in Citrus Heights has been selected to be home to the district’s new innovative school program.

Details about the program have been vague, with the district acknowledging in an April 11 press release: “The question on everyone’s mind is, ‘What will the program be?'”

The news release says Woodside K-8 staff and the Innovative Schools team plan to collaborate and review feedback this spring and next school year in order to develop an innovative school program that is “based on the needs and interests of students, families and community members.”

“This is an opportunity to start fresh and create a brand new program that doesn’t have to do things the same way they’ve always been done before,” said District Superintendent of Schools Melissa Bassanelli in Tuesday’s release. ”I am excited to see the new ways of teaching and learning that the Woodside K-8 staff, the innovative schools team and the entire community build together.”

The district said selection of Woodside K-8 was made after an extensive process that included the creation of an innovative team, multiple community meetings at Citrus Heights school campuses, a review of enrollment, attendance and demographic data for each school site, and consideration of both the current site facilities and level of community support available at each school.

While only one school was selected, the district said each Citrus Heights elementary and K-8 school will continue to receive support focusing on building up strengths and areas of opportunity identified through the selection engagement process.

Woodside K-8 families will receive regular updates and can expect an invitation in the coming weeks to learn more about the process and development of the program. Community members who wish to stay informed about the process can sign-up for email alerts at sanjuan.edu/innovationalert.