My Commitment to Our Students
“Excellence in education, grounded in strong academics and focused entirely on students. These are my guiding principles developed over a long career as a teacher and as Vice President of the Grossmont Union High School District Governing Board. I am proud to have helped lead a transformation that is positioning Grossmont as one of California’s most advanced and award winning public school districts. We have launched high-paying career pathways, secured $1 billion in modernization funding, and reduced waste and inefficiency, returning $27 million to East County taxpayers. I remain committed to community values, fiscal responsibility, transparency, student safety, and preparing every student for ethical leadership in tomorrow’s workforce.”
-Gary Woods
Grossmont Union High School District, Vice President
Strengthen partnerships with parents and families
Students thrive when their families are informed, engaged, and supported. I believe parents deserve timely information when their children are struggling academically or mentally, and schools should equip families with tools that encourage student success. Creating safe campuses, including strong anti-bullying efforts remains one of my highest priorities.
Expand career technical education across every campus
Students learn best when they see a clear pathway to their future. While Grossmont has launched exceptional programs in aerospace, biotechnology, construction, and more, not every school has access to these opportunities. We must continue hiring inspiring, industry ready teachers and ensure every student can pursue a high wage, high skill career.
Grow athletics and extracurricular programs
Research is clear: students involved in sports, band, cheer, and performing arts are more motivated, more connected, and more likely to graduate. Coaches and mentors play a powerful role in shaping student character and confidence. Expanding these programs strengthens school culture and student success.
Gary has worked for you
Dr. Gary Woods approved construction of the following state-of-the-art buildings: science classrooms, theaters, weight rooms, lunch facilities, community centers, advanced computer labs, CTE classrooms for Aerospace, Biotechnology, Cybersecurity, Drone Engineering, Entrepreneurship, esports, robotics, welding, as well as agricultural business, automotive, construction trades, etc.
Dr. Gary Woods approved modernizing every campus including turning classroom at El Cajon Valley, El Capitan, Granite Hills, Grossmont, Helix Charter, Monte Vista, Mount Miguel, Santana, Steele Canyon, Valhalla, West Hills into energy-efficient, state-of-the-art classrooms and saving millions of dollars in utilities.
Dr. Gary Woods approved installing solar that will save GUHSD and taxpayers over $70 million over the next 25 years.
Dr. Gary Woods supported compensation and benefit increases for District educators beginning in 2022, subject to collective bargaining agreements, Board approvals, payroll records, and applicable public-disclosure requirements.
Dr. Gary Woods increased stipends for coaches, sports, ASB, and extracurricular opportunities and equipment.
Dr. Gary Woods authorized matching grants for new construction with Proposition U and Measure BB.
Dr. Gary Woods returned taxpayer money to taxpayers and providing East County with more affordable housing by voting against raising developer fees and property taxes.