The Westland-Wilsonville School District welcomed Dr. Jen Hernandez as principal of Wood Middle School and recognized Maria Horton, director of the district’s Family Empowerment Center, during the Aug. 18 board meeting.
Dr. Jen Hernandez, who said she had been on the job a little over two weeks, told the board she is excited to be back in a school leadership role and looks forward to serving students, families and teachers. Barb Swayson and board members described Hernandez’s background as a dual-language teacher, assistant principal, principal in Hillsborough School District and district office roles focused on equity and ELD. “My joy is back,” Hernandez said in brief remarks.
Board members spent the meeting’s recognitions segment highlighting Maria Horton’s role leading the Family Empowerment Center (FEC), which was established in 2021 to connect families to resources, increase community partnerships and provide culturally responsive family support. Board members and FEC partners described the FEC’s annual back-to-school resource event, which this year served well over 500 families (presenters and Maria Horton said attendance has grown each year) and distributed backpacks and connected families to county and community partners such as Clackamas Community College, Clackamas County Human Services, TriMet and local rotary clubs.
Horton told the board the FEC’s work depends on community partners and volunteers and thanked donors and agencies that contribute to the event and ongoing services. Staff described FEC programs including McKinney-Vento support for unhoused students, adult education and partnerships with community colleges for no-cost classes and targeted outreach such as services embedded at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility.
Board members praised Horton’s community connections and the FEC’s role in reducing barriers to services and said the program exemplifies the district’s goals of culturally responsive support and family empowerment. No formal action was required for the recognitions; the board presented a plant and public thanks during the meeting’s recognitions segment.