WLWV School Board Briefs
April 23, 2019
The West Linn-Wilsonville School Board held a public meeting on Monday, April 22. The following are select highlights from that meeting.
Doris Wehler Receives 2019 Volunteer Appreciation Award
Doris has helped create multiple iterations of the District's Long Range Plan, has played a role in three successful Capital Bonds, and has also served on the District's Bond Oversight Committee. Additionally, Doris has been a strong supporter of WLWV schools and students throughout the years, attending countless sporting events and performing arts productions while always advocating for continued student success.
The 2019 Volunteer Appreciation Award was awarded to Doris Wehler during National Volunteer Appreciation Week. Community volunteers have spent a total of 33,406 hours in West Linn-Wilsonville schools during the 2018-19 school year. Thank you, Doris, and thank you to all of our volunteers!
Superintendent Dr. Kathy Ludwig Gives 2019 Budget Message
The budget is based on an $8.87 billion state school fund for K-12 schools, put forward by the state’s Co-Chairs of the Ways& Means Committee. At this level of funding, West Linn-Wilsonville would need to make a $3.5 million reduction in expenses in 2019-2020 in order to maintain a balanced budget.
While $8.87 billion is an increase from the past biennium ($8.2 billion), it is not enough to accommodate “roll up” costs to maintain current programs and personnel. And it is well below what is needed to adjust for increases to PERS (Public Employee Retirement System) next year. The West Linn-Wilsonville School District expects a $3.5 million PERS increase in each year of the upcoming biennium.
As school districts across Oregon are submitting their school budgets for next year, state officials and legislators are still considering ways to increase K-12 funding for the next biennium and longer term. It is likely that any of these proposals, if passed by legislators, will be referred to voters, deferring the planning or use of any additional funds. In the meantime, school districts are charged with submitting a budget based on the current revenue information.
The Budget Message outlines district priorities in funding “key investments” while making necessary reductions for next year. The expense reductions will largely impact personnel: reducing licensed and classified staff and an administrative position; suspending new curriculum renewals and the implementation of state-mandated increased PE/Wellness hours in primary schools; reducing professional development opportunities; and reducing educator conference attendance.
In the event that state legislators are able to increase funds for public schools to impact the 2019-2020 school year, we would restore back the staffing reductions and suspensions of programs. Read Dr. Ludwig's full budget message or view the proposed budget on the district website.
The Budget Committee will review the 2019-20 Proposed Budget over the next several weeks before their next Budget Committee Meeting on May 13. That meeting is open to the public.
Wilsonville High Senior Kayla Bolnick Honored
Kayla has lettered in track three times, cross-country three times, and swimming twice at Wilsonville High School. She has won five All League Awards during her time in high school and won the Sports and Spokes National Athlete of the Year in 2016. She also received the All American High School Courage Award in 2018.
In addition to her accomplishments in track, cross-country, and swimming, Kayla has also made an incredible impact on the West Linn-Wilsonville School District. Her advocacy during her 10-plus years in the district for increased accessibility for both students and student-athletes has helped WLWV to continue to improve its practices and facilities.
Congratulations, Kayla!
Long Range Planning Committee Makes Capital Bond Recommendation
Over the past several months, the Long Range Planning Committee reviewed district enrollment forecasts, recalculated school learning space capacity, analyzed facility needs, and completed an updated 10-year Long Range Facilities Plan and Capital Improvement Plan. The LRPC also relied on community feedback from Possible High School Forums in December, Online survey feedback, input from the Bond Summit in February, and polling responses from 400 community members conducted by Patinkin Research Strategies.
Following the completion of that work and analysis of that feedback, the Long Range Planning Committee recommended the School Board submit an initiative outlining a capital bond that includes all seven of the proposed projects described in the Capital Improvement Plan.
Read the Long Range Planning Committee's full recommendation on the district website.
Bond Oversight Committee Provides Q1 Report for 2014 Capital Bond
Of note, the track at Wood Middle School will be replaced, softball field lighting will be implemented at Wilsonville High School, a new music room will be remodeled at Bolton Primary, and generators will be replaced at Cedaroak Park and Stafford primaries among other projects.
Read the full list of projects and Q1 Report on the district website.
Board Opens Long Range Planning Committee Vacancies
The openings will be advertised in the coming weeks with the selection members likely in June. Interested community members can apply on the district website.
Board Chair Ginger Fitch Receives Juvenile Law Advocacy Award
Chair Fitch received the award for her rare ability to advocate at the trial level as well as in the Oregon appellate courts, taking complex cases for individual clients while improving the collective performance of all through her unselfish willingness to share and assist colleagues. Congratulations, Chair Fitch!
Upcoming Dates and Events
April 24: FULL DAY OF SCHOOL — Wednesday, April 24 will be a full day of school for all West Linn-Wilsonville schools and students. April 24 was previously scheduled as a Professional Growth Wednesday.
Regular School Board Meeting: May 6 — The West Linn-Wilsonville School Board will hold a public meeting on Monday, May 6 beginning at 6 p.m. in the District Office; 22210 SW Stafford Road, Tualatin.
No School, Full Professional Growth Wednesday work day: May 8 — Wednesday, May 8 will be a full Professional Growth Wednesday. There will be no school for students.
Budget Committee Meeting: May 13 — The West Linn-Wilsonville Budget Committee will hold its first meeting on Monday, May 13 beginning at 6 p.m. in the District Office; 22210 SW Stafford Road, Tualatin. This meeting is open to the public.
About West Linn-Wilsonville
Email: kilstroa@wlwv.k12.or.us
Website: www.wlwv.k12.or.us
Location: 22210 Southwest Stafford Road, Tualatin, OR, USA
Phone: 503-673-7012
Facebook: facebook.com/wlwvschools
Twitter: @wlwvdistrict