Woodland School Board And High School Teachers Honored For Pioneering Washington’s First Civic Seal (Photo) - 06/04/26

WOODLAND, WA - At the May 28, 2026, school board meeting, the Woodland School District was officially recognized for its trailblazing leadership in civic education. Bill Basl, representing the Civic Learning Council (CLC), attended the meeting to present a commemorative plaque to the board and special certificates to the Woodland High School Social Studies Department for launching the very first Civic Seal program in the state of Washington.
 

A Legacy of Civic Engagement

Before presenting the awards, Mr. Basl shared the rich history behind the Civic Learning Council. Its origins trace back more than 20 years to the Access to Justice Education Committee, which evolved into the Council on Public Legal Education (CPLE). Originally directed by retired Court of Appeals (Division I) Judge Marlin Appelwick and former Superintendent of Public Instruction Judith Billings, the council focused on educating Washington residents about their legal rights and responsibilities.

Today, the Civic Learning Council specifically addresses gaps in civic education. The organization focuses on the policies, resources, and structural support necessary to provide meaningful, effective civic learning for all Washington youth across K-16 schools and youth development programs.
 

Recognizing Leadership and Teacher Excellence

Mr. Basl voiced his deep appreciation for the board’s forward-thinking leadership and presented the celebratory plaque to Superintendent Asha Riley. While acknowledging the board's vital role in approving the program, Basl noted that "the real work for the project started after the approval".

To honor that hard work, Basl presented certificates of recognition to the four dedicated teachers who comprise the Woodland High School Social Studies Department: Shari Conditt, Kyla Keefer, Julia Stepper, and Katie Klaus.

Real Impact for Woodland Seniors

The innovative pilot program has already yielded tangible results. In its inaugural year, five Woodland High School seniors successfully completed the rigorous requirements necessary to earn the state's first-ever Civic Seal.

As a reward for their dedication to understanding and participating in their democracy, these five graduates will receive a special medal to wear at graduation and will have this historic accomplishment permanently stamped on their high school diplomas.

Through the vision of the school board and the tireless efforts of its social studies educators, Woodland has set a high standard for civic literacy that the rest of Washington state can look to emulate.