Principal Bill Woodard of Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta, California, is JEA’s 2026 Administrator of the Year. He has served as principal since 2015, but before becoming an administrator, he was a professional sports journalist and later an English and journalism teacher and publication adviser who helped bring the school’s newspaper online. He will be recognized at the Fall 2026 JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention in Orlando this November.
Adviser John Dent has taught journalism at Dos Pueblos for more than two decades, and he said Woodard’s understanding of, commitment to and trust in student journalism are exceptional.
“Since becoming principal of Dos Pueblos High School, Bill has been a constant and unwavering supporter of our journalism programs,” Dent said. “Bill recognizes that this work is not merely promotional content for the school. It is journalism, and journalism sometimes requires students to examine difficult issues, ask uncomfortable questions and publish stories that may challenge adults or institutions.”
Dent said true support for student journalism is not measured when coverage is easy or celebratory, but when students address controversial subjects, report on institutional decisions or publish perspectives that may generate criticism.
“During those moments, Bill has consistently respected the distinction between administrative authority and student editorial independence,” Dent said. “He understands that protecting student voice does not mean agreeing with every story or opinion. It means supporting students’ right to engage in responsible journalism without censorship or intimidation.”
Newspaper adviser Kelly Savio said Woodard was supportive when her students published sensitive articles and editorials, including one about the district administration fumbling the way they handled layoff notices to teachers and another arguing that the community needs to do more to protect students from ICE activity in the area.”
“I am certain that Bill received admonishing communication from the district leadership and angry parent phone calls about the political nature of the editorial,” Savio said. “But Bill protected my students and our media program from those calls and never once asked me to talk to students about the topics they were choosing to cover. His commitment has allowed student journalists to produce meaningful work while developing the skills they will carry into college, careers and engaged citizenship.”
Broadcast adviser Douglas Caines said Woodard’s trust in the students and advisers helps students grow into thoughtful journalists who understand that press freedom must be matched by accuracy, fairness and accountability.
“Dos Pueblos High School’s receipt of the 2026 First Amendment Press Freedom Award reflects the strength of its student journalists and advisers, but it also reflects the environment Bill has helped create,” Caines said. “Student press freedom cannot thrive without administrators who understand it, protect it and resist the urge to control it.”