School board faces backlash over potential closure of Bolton amid budget concerns

The West Linn-Wilsonville School District held a Regular Board Meeting on January 13, 2025, where several pressing issues regarding school closures and budget concerns were discussed. The meeting featured public comments from community members who expressed their concerns about the district's plans.

The first speaker, Amanda Brookshire, raised questions about the rationale behind opening a new school while considering the closure of another. She emphasized the need for transparency and more concrete data regarding the district's financial situation, suggesting that boundary adjustments could be a more sensible solution than closing schools. Brookshire highlighted the importance of prioritizing student welfare and the potential negative impact on traffic and community dynamics if schools were closed.

John McCabe followed with comments on the Stafford School's accessory building and the implications of closing the school. He pointed out discrepancies in enrollment numbers and budget allocations, urging the board to address these financial issues more thoroughly. McCabe also criticized the district's handling of public records requests, calling for better transparency.

Zarath Irwin shared his perspective on the emotional nature of the discussions surrounding school closures. He acknowledged the biases present in the community but stressed the need for a thoughtful approach to decision-making. Irwin expressed concern over the rushed nature of the process and the potential consequences of closing schools without a clear plan.

Courtney Boudress sought clarification on how school closures would affect community boundaries and student distribution among schools. The board reminded attendees that public comments would not be followed by immediate responses but assured that questions would be addressed in future meetings.

The meeting underscored the community's apprehension regarding the district's financial decisions and the potential impact on local schools. As discussions continue, stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the board to ensure that the needs of students and families are prioritized in any forthcoming decisions.