Dr. Nicolas Wade is the Superintendent of Columbia Union School District often working in a number of diverse environments and various positions in his 18 years of experience in public education.  Dr. Wade started out as a high school English teacher and served as an advisor for his school’s debate team, student government, and newspaper.  He started his administrative career as a high school assistant principal before becoming an instructional leader at the district level.  Over the years, he has brought about changes to his schools and districts that include, but not limited to, college and career pathway articulation, restructuring elementary programming, widening special education and English Learner services, embracing blended learning, pursuing capital improvements, and realizing fiscal prudence.  

Dr. Wade has additionally served on a number of committees and workshops at the local, regional, and state level that include state funding, data governance, vocational education, and special education.  He is currently part of the California School Boards Association’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force.  Dr. Wade has presented nationally on organizational leadership, stakeholder communication and engagement, transformative programming, and blended learning.

As a student who received special education services, he is passionate about ensuring that all students have access to an impactful education and have opportunities to explore their interests and feel supported.  

In his spare time, Dr. Wade enjoys spending time with his family and friends.  He has two (2) boys who love to play baseball and golf, try new restaurants, go hiking, and attend events.  He is also married to a wonderful wife who entertains his passion for movies, Batman, and making a mess in the kitchen for all the wonderful meals he prepares.  Dr. Wade also pretends to play golf.

Rebekah Wood is the Principal of Columbia Elementary School.  She has been a part of the Columbia Elementary staff since 2009, teaching kindergarten through fifth grade.  She began her teaching career in 2001 at Prunedale Elementary School in North Monterey County and moved back home to Tuolumne County in 2003 with her husband to raise their children in the community in which they grew up.  

Throughout her years of teaching, she has been passionate about creating connections with her students and families and bringing about academic and socioemotional growth in the lives of her students.  She has had extensive training in Conscious Discipline and Restorative Practices and has successfully implemented both in her classroom.  Currently, she is working with staff to implement these practices schoolwide.  She also prioritizes connecting students with their local environment and making connections with community organizations to provide opportunities for students.  Mrs. Wood was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2020 and received “The Hope of America” award in 2008.

As the principal, Mrs. Wood strives to support students, staff, and families to help make Columbia Elementary School the best place it can be.  She intends to work with all stakeholders to create an environment where students and staff are successful and want to be.  She has an open-door policy and believes that communication is key to creating and maintaining positive relationships.  She is committed to ensuring that Columbia Elementary has a positive climate that meets the needs of all students and staff through a supportive environment and strong connections.

In her spare time, Mrs. Wood enjoys spending time with her husband and their four sons.  As a family, they enjoy being outdoors as much as possible.  They like to camp, hike, kayak, snowboard and play games.  Mrs. Wood also enjoys running, reading, spending time with friends, cooking, laughing, and going to church.