The Future of WLWV Schools
Small School Big Questions
PSA: Solutions Forum
By: West Linn-Wilsonville Education 4 All
Date: Wednesday, January 8th
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: West Linn Lutheran Church
Unlike previous meetings, this event will focus entirely on solutions to our district’s budget and enrollment challenges. Expert and community panelists will lead the discussion, ensuring a collaborative and constructive approach. I am looking forward to presenting on Full Service Community Schools.
Several board members will also be present to listen and engage with our shared vision for a stronger, united school district.
Children are welcome, as this work is ultimately for them.
Now on to our regularly scheduled programming:
Cedaroak Small School Task Force Report
In recent months, the West Linn-Wilsonville School District (WLWV) has found itself at the crossroads of history and modern challenges. With a looming budget deficit, declining enrollment, and a heated debate over the fate of its beloved small schools, parents and community members are asking a critical question: How do we balance financial realities with what’s best for our kids?
A recent report by Amy Friday, Rachel Beavers, and Tracy Johnson—parents from Cedaroak Primary and former members of the Small Schools Task Force—takes a deep dive into the district’s financials, enrollment trends, and the educational and social-emotional value of small schools. Their findings shed light on the challenges ahead and the potential for innovative solutions.
The Budget Deficit: Beyond Small Schools
At the heart of the district’s challenges is a projected $14.5 million budget overspend for the 2024-25 school year. The causes? A combination of post-COVID enrollment declines, discontinued federal funding, rising costs, and a district debt service that’s ballooned by 50% since 2017.
But here’s the surprising finding: small schools aren’t the main financial culprits. While costs have risen across all educational levels, high school programs and administrative expenses show the most significant increases. For example, the addition of 29 high school staff positions over recent years has outpaced enrollment growth. Yet, primary schools are often the first on the chopping block.
The authors call for a holistic approach to the budget—examining not just instructional expenses but also administrative spending and high school costs, especially as high school enrollment is expected to decline by 400 students over the next decade.
Declining Enrollment: The Ripple Effects of Policy
Enrollment trends paint a stark picture. Since 2017, primary and middle school enrollment has dropped by 17% and 8%, respectively, in both West Linn and Wilsonville. The decline accelerated in 2019 when Oregon changed laws around inter-district transfers, significantly affecting schools like Bolton, which previously drew 25% of its students from outside the district.
Despite these challenges, primary school enrollment is stabilizing, with small schools poised to remain a vital resource for their communities—if they are allowed to thrive.
Why Small Schools Matter
Small schools are more than just quaint relics; they’re powerhouses for academic and social-emotional success. National and local research cited in the report underscores their value:
Stronger Relationships: Students in small schools experience closer teacher-student bonds, fostering a stronger sense of belonging.
Better Outcomes: Small schools consistently outperform larger ones in attendance, behavior, and academic achievement.
Equity: Disadvantaged students thrive in small school environments, which mitigate some of the barriers they face in larger institutions.
In WLWV, Bolton Primary leads in metrics like sense of belonging and growth mindset, and Stafford Primary consistently ranks above average. Yet, these schools face an uncertain future due to financial pressures.
The Bond Conundrum
The district’s 2019 bond promised $216 million for construction and renovation. While the funds built new facilities like Riverside High School (which currently serves just 112 students), critical maintenance projects at existing schools have taken a backseat. Rising construction costs post-pandemic exacerbated the issue, leading to underutilized facilities and deferred maintenance on aging buildings.
The report urges the district to prioritize “mission-critical” projects—those necessary to keep existing schools safe and functional—over expansion. With a nearly 50% rise in debt service costs, the community cannot afford to fund unnecessary projects while neglecting the schools they’ve already invested in.
A Path Forward: Preserving Small Schools
The debate over small schools isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s about community values. These schools are lifelines for families, offering personalized education and a tight-knit sense of community that larger schools often struggle to replicate.
But there’s a larger risk: closing small schools could erode trust between the district and the community, making future bond measures harder to pass. With WLWV already planning for another bond, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The authors propose a balanced path forward:
Transparent Financial Oversight: Provide clarity on how past bond funds were used and how ongoing costs affect the General Fund.
Support for Small Schools: Recognize these schools as assets that enhance educational equity and community cohesion.
Strategic Enrollment Management: Redraw boundaries and expand dual-language or specialized programs to boost enrollment.
Prioritize Maintenance: Invest in existing schools before building new ones, ensuring every child learns in a safe and equitable environment.
Join the Conversation
The future of WLWV schools is at a tipping point, but the community holds the power to shape what comes next. The debate over small schools isn’t just about preserving buildings; it’s about preserving the values that make West Linn and Wilsonville unique.
One again for the people in the back.
The Group West Linn Wilsonville Education 4 All is hosting a Solutions Forum THIS Wednesday, January 8th 6:30-8:30pm at the West Linn Lutheran Church.
If you would like to read the full report for yourself, you can find it below.
