Yelm Education Association (YEA) has formally submitted a vote of no confidence in Yelm Community Schools Superintendent Chris Woods. 77.7% of voting YEA members voted in favor of the no confidence measure.
According to YEA, its executive board met with Woods on Tuesday, Jan. 6, to inform him of the results. The vote itself was held in December 2025 prior to winter break. Also in attendance at the meeting with the superintendent and YEA were members of his cabinet — Teri Melone, Shannon Powell, DeeDee Buckingham and Dr. Lisa Cadero-Smith — as well as YCS board members Casey Shaw and Ryan Jewell.
YEA currently has 273 members and 206 of them voted, the press release stated. According to YEA, even if the members who didn’t vote were to cast a “no” vote, the total percentage of no confidence votes would still remain at 66%.
In an email to the Nisqually Valley News in the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 6, the YEA cited several reasons for the overwhelming vote of no confidence, including: lack of transparency and communication; disregard for educator and staff input; questionable fiscal and administrative practices; negative impact on morale and retention; and failure to prioritize student well-being and achievement.
“At this time, Superintendent Woods has not demonstrated the qualities necessary to lead Yelm Community Schools effectively or responsibly,” YEA wrote in its letter of no confidence. “This vote represents our collective conclusion that Superintendent Woods has lost the confidence of the educators, staff, and community members essential to effectively leading Yelm Community Schools. We respectfully urge the board of directors to take immediate and appropriate action to restore trust, stability, and effective leadership within our schools.”
Following the vote of no confidence, the YEA said it remains committed to the success of Yelm students and to the integrity of the district’s educational mission.
“It is our sincere hope that the Board will act in the best interests of the district by addressing this leadership crisis swiftly and decisively,” YEA wrote.
This story will be updated as it continues to unfold.
