Board debates March international festival amid safety and cost concerns

The Woodland Hills School District’s superintendent proposed reviving the international festival on March 12, 2026, at a cost not to exceed $10,000, asking the board to give students greater control of programming and to retain the event as a district-owned celebration.

Doctor Wilson said the district would invite longstanding partners such as the University of Pittsburgh but would set clearer financial and personnel expectations for outside partners. “We’re gonna own it,” Wilson said, adding that if partners do not commit funding the district would still aim to celebrate students’ international diversity.

Board members and public commenters raised concerns about the political climate and safety of large public events. Some suggested keeping the festival inside school buildings to limit exposure and offering students internal events instead; others urged continued public engagement, noting the event draws hundreds of families. Doctor Wilson said last year’s event drew roughly 450 families through the door and more than 250 people in the auditorium, and he described cultural performances and student tables as core elements.

Public supporters argued the fair provides educational and cultural value and can be scaled to fit budget constraints; one board member suggested a threshold approach in which external fundraising would be required before the district committed the full $10,000. No final decision to hold or cancel the festival was recorded during the meeting; board members asked for further planning and potential budget caveats.