Welcome Back to School!

As we begin a new school year, I want to extend a warm welcome to all of our students, families, staff, and community members. We are excited to embark on another year of learning, growth, and opportunity, with a continued focus on ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed.

This summer has been a busy and productive one across the Willits Unified School District. One of our most significant projects was the long-awaited replacement of several roofs at Willits High School. New roofing has been completed on the high school auditorium, the boys' and girls' locker rooms, and the woodshop shop building. These important facility improvements will help preserve our schools and provide safe, reliable learning environments for years to come.

Professional learning was also a major priority this summer. Teachers, counselors, administrators, and school psychologists from both Baechtel Grove Middle School and Willits High School attended a three-day Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) conference. Participants explored effective instructional practices, strategies for addressing challenging classroom behaviors, and ways to strengthen social-emotional learning as an integral part of daily instruction. MTSS is a framework that helps us meet the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of every student, and it will continue to guide much of our work throughout the year.

As your superintendent, I have established several district priorities that will guide our work this year. We will strengthen our Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) so educators collaborate more effectively, share responsibility for student success, and continuously improve teaching and learning. We will continue expanding our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to ensure every student receives the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support they need to thrive. We are also committed to building stronger vertical and horizontal alignment across grade levels, departments, and school sites so that students experience a seamless, high-quality education throughout their years in Willits Unified. Above all, we will focus on improving the quality of instruction in every classroom by implementing research-based practices, maintaining high expectations, and actively engaging students in their learning. These efforts will be supported by cultivating a positive district culture where every student and employee feels valued, respected, supported, and proud to be part of Willits Unified School District.

We are also pleased to welcome many outstanding new staff members to our district. Several teachers have relocated to Willits to join our educational community. This year we are strengthening our music program by adding a full-time high school music teacher, and we are expanding student health services with the addition of a full-time licensed school nurse. We have also welcomed new teachers at both the elementary and high school levels, a new counselor at Brookside, a College and Career Counselor, and many other dedicated employees whose work will positively impact our students every day.

Preparing our campuses for the first day of school is truly a team effort. I want to express my sincere appreciation to our maintenance, grounds, custodial, transportation, and technology for their hard work throughout the summer. Their dedication behind the scenes ensures our schools are clean, safe, welcoming, and ready for students and staff.

We know that the strongest schools are built through meaningful partnerships with families and our community. I encourage parents and guardians to stay connected with their child's school, attend school events, communicate regularly with teachers, and become active participants in their child's educational journey. Working together, we can create the best possible learning environment for every student.

I would also like to thank our dedicated teachers, classified staff, administrators, Board of Trustees, families, and community partners for their continued commitment to the students of Willits Unified School District. Education is truly a shared responsibility, and our students benefit when we work together with a common purpose and a shared belief in their potential.

On behalf of the Willits Unified School District, welcome back to school! We look forward to an outstanding year filled with learning, achievement, and success for every student. Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and support as we work together to provide every student with the opportunities they deserve.

I am honored to serve as your superintendent and excited for what lies ahead. Together, we will continue building schools where every student is supported, inspired, and prepared for a successful future. Here's to a wonderful 2026–2027 school year!

John Baker, MS. Ed.
Superintendent
Willits Unified School District