West Linn–Wilsonville superintendent presents reduced 2025–26 budget; community urges restoration, clearer communication

Superintendent Cathy Ludwig on Monday presented the West Linn–Wilsonville School District’s proposed budget for fiscal 2025–26, asking the newly formed budget committee to review a plan that rolls forward current programs while incorporating $15 million in reductions and projected revenues that leave the district with a tighter ending fund balance.

The proposal calls for a total budget across funds of $265,991,820, including a general fund of $158,035,887, a special revenue fund of roughly $31,000,683 (with supplemental items noted in the document), a debt services fund of $44,057,708 and a capital projects fund of $32,214,601. Ludwig told the budget committee the document reflects current law and best estimates but is subject to change as state and federal allocations are finalized.

Why it matters: the district projects a smaller cushion going into 2025–26 and faces continuing uncertainty from enrollment shifts, potential changes to state special education and high-cost disability funding, PERS adjustments and federal grants. School staff and the community told the board this week that the choices embedded in the plan—especially reductions to licensed positions—carry direct…