Woodland superintendent departs early for medical procedure

Longtime Woodland School District 50 Superintendent Joy Swoboda had planned to depart the district in mid-April to correspond with an elective medical procedure. But coronavirus concerns led the date of the surgery - and her last day on the job - to be moved up.

Swoboda, who is now recovering from home after the operation, said her farewells to staff on Wednesday before the surgery on Thursday.

"We're so excited for her," said Lori Casey, who has been colleagues with Swoboda for about 20 of Swoboda's 25 years in the district and was selected by the school board to replace her as superintendent last year. "She's been waiting for this surgery, and when she got the news it could be moved up we were thrilled."

Swoboda used a walker, and though Casey did not get into specifics about the surgery, she said it was related to Swoboda's mobility. Casey said the surgery was a success.

Swoboda sent a letter informing the community of her departure last week.

"I have seen firsthand how much our families support the school district," Swoboda wrote. "I have enjoyed experiencing how engaged families are with their children's education. I will miss many supportive professional colleagues, lifelong friends and those smiling faces of our students."

Casey said Swoboda's legacy was her ability to improve services over the years while the district weathered dire financial situations.

"She always put children first, with her that was not just a saying it is something that always happened," Casey said. "She is a very compassionate and caring person."

Casey said she intends to continue that legacy.

In her letter to the community, Swoboda said she was humbled and honored to have served as superintendent.

"Thank you for entrusting me with the community's greatest asset - your children, our community's future," she wrote.