West Linn-Wilsonville (WLWV) School District leadership reached out to let WAIC know about their recent actions that display a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. We’re sharing it here in support and for awareness.
Letter from our School Board
Good afternoon WLWV Community,
At the start of this school year, our School Board set a goal to research, develop, and adopt an anti-racism policy. Last week, we collectively passed a resolution to reflect that work and reaffirm a value that I believe runs deep in our district: that everyone belongs here. I want to share with you, on behalf of the School Board, what we’ve learned through this process, what our work entailed, and what changes our students, staff, and community can expect next school year.
What We Heard from the Community & Student Feedback
This year, we spent time listening. We met with students, staff, families, and members of our Education Equity Advisory Committee. We heard powerful stories, some difficult, some hopeful and more importantly, each story helped us better understand the experiences of our BIPOC students and families. These conversations made one thing clear: incidents of bias and racism are happening, and we have work to do.
The student sessions especially stayed with the School Board. They didn’t just talk about what wasn’t working, they asked for real solutions. They advocated for more education, more awareness, and more tools to help each other grow. They asked for a school environment where mistakes are met with learning and where respect is built into every hallway, classroom, bus ride, community, and sporting event.
What’s Changing in West Linn-Wilsonville
Based on what we heard and what the community needs, several updates will roll out in the 2025-26 school year:
An updated administrative rule (AR) supporting Board Policy ACB
A revised Student Rights & Responsibilities handbook
Continued “Speak Up at School” interrupting bias training for all WLWV Staff members (that began in 2024-25)
Revised bias education and learning opportunities for all WLWV students that apply the “Speak up at School” strategies
Updated complaint forms for students, staff, and community members
A clear, easy-to-follow Bias Incident Response Roadmap for reporting and resolution
These steps reflect our effort to create consistent processes and offer real support when bias occurs. We want every student and staff member to know where to turn and what happens next. You can expect to see more details and information regarding these changes from district staff leading up to next school year.
Moving Forward Together in West Linn-Wilsonville
We know this work isn’t finished. It’s ongoing. Our commitment as a Board and as community members is to keep showing up, keep listening, and keep doing better. I’m grateful for everyone who shared their voice with us this year and helped move this work forward. On behalf of the School Board, thank you! Please take a moment to read the full resolution we passed. I believe it reflects the kind of district we’re striving to be one where everyone is seen, valued, and belongs.
Sincerest Regards,
Louis Taylor, Chair, West Linn-Wilsonville School Board
Kirsten Wyatt, Vice Chair
Kelly Sloop, Director
Maegan Vidal, Director
Dan Schumaker, Director
Dr. Kathy Ludwig, Superintendent