Angie Woyak

Kelsey Tobin

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Angie Woyak left Wisconsin and stepped into the role of Westside Elementary School’s principal 11 years ago. In that time Westside has earned a Blue Ribbon and maintained reputation of local excellence.

“I have always hoped that through my service, I might create opportunities for children so that they can become the absolute best citizens and future leaders,” Woyak said. “So I approach most things as, is this good for kids?”

When it comes to education, Woyak’s philosophy includes a mindset focused on service to children, family and the community.

As Westside’s principal she has also made a commitment “to cultivate a positive, productive school culture focused on students and their learning every minute of every day.”

When she first came to Westside her staff already had this mindset — they’ve just taken it further.

“I am so thankful for the framework and the model of professional learning communities within the district, because that has been the vehicle that has driven Westside success, that has created the culture that we have,” Woyak said.

She is grateful for the driven staff’s curiosity, commitment and dedication, she added.

In the opinion of Park County School District 1 Board Chair Kim Dillivan, while Woyak valued education, when he saw her interact with students and family members he would also see Woyak demonstrate care for the person as a whole.

“It wasn't just about academics," he said. "It was …  What can I do? What can the school do? What can this district do to [help these students] become the very best people they can be?”

Earning the Blue Ribbon, a national recognition of a school’s excellence, was a highlight of her time at Westside — the award affirmed the collective efforts of the staff and students and was evidence of the value they place on education. 

Staff and students consistently exceed expectations on things like the state accountability standards, she said, but she’s more proud of the citizenship skills the students model.

“None of that would be possible without support of families, and that's one thing Powell has in large supply are families and parents who support their public education systems,” Woyak said, adding, “I have enjoyed getting to know parents and having conversations with them, and I have treasured the fact that parents have placed their trust in us."

Now, Woyak is heading to Marathon City, Wisconsin where she will fulfill a long held goal of becoming a superintendent. The community has some of the same values as Powell and is a small district with roughly 800 students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

“What I will say is that she will be missed, and I have absolutely no doubt that she is going to be an amazing superintendent … her calm, experience, it's just been a steady presence at Westside since I've been here,” Superintendent Jay Curtis said. “So it's hard to imagine Westside without her, but I'm proud of her and so pleased for her that she gets opportunity that she does to be a superintendent and to be back with her  family in Wisconsin when she's doing it.”

A lot of things factor into a career decision like this, Woyak said, adding that she is a lifelong learner. Over the past 18 years she has been a school psychologist, a director of student services and a principal (both in Wisconsin and Powell).

“I believe in growth, and it is time for me to to grow and to lead a system from a position of greater influence, but also return home and be with family,” Woyak said.  “Because I like to say here all the time, family first.”

Fifth grade teacher picked to lead Westside

Kelsey Tobin, a fifth grade teacher at Westside Elementary School, will be stepping into the role of the school’s principal.

Tobin, an experienced teacher, has been in the district for over a decade.

Her move to principal was officially approved by the Park County School District 1 Board of Trustees during their May 27 meeting.

“From what I’ve heard, what people have told me, she’s going to be a real district star just like Mrs. Woyak was,” Board Chair Kim Dillivan said. “Everybody’s going to miss Mrs. Woyak. But I think the understanding  in the district is that, in terms of Westside leadership, the building’s going to be in good hands.”