School board approves service plan, postpones land‑bank repayment, refinances bond and affirms need for potential layoffs; two community members appointed to 3‑

The West Linn‑Wilsonville School Board on Tuesday moved through several financial and governance items that will shape the district’s budget planning for 2025–26.

Key votes included approval of the Clackamas ESD local service plan for fiscal 2025–26; a district resolution postponing a scheduled interfund payment to the land‑bank fund; authorization for refinancing Series 2015 bonds to capture projected taxpayer savings; appointments to the district budget committee; and a board determination that a reduction‑in‑force (RIF) among licensed staff is necessary, a step that triggers negotiated‑contract notice obligations.

Clackamas ESD local service plan Clackamas ESD Superintendent Larry Jett‑Wayne and board representatives presented the ESD’s annual local service plan, which outlines services and revenue the ESD provides to districts across the county. The packet included a fiscal year review showing more than $6.7 million in service value and more than $3.3 million in revenue that flowed to West Linn‑Wilsonville in 2023–24, the presenters said. After questions from board members, the board voted to approve the ESD local service plan 5‑0.

Interfund loan payment postponement The board approved Resolution 2024‑02, postponing the 2025–26 scheduled interfund capital loan payment that the district originally planned to remit to the land‑bank proceeds fund. The original loan—approved in 2020—was for $1.5 million with a 10‑year repayment plan; earlier board action already postponed 2023–24 and 2024–25 payments. The district’s business office said postponing the 2025–26 payment will improve near‑term cash flow while the district manages other competing priorities. The resolution passed unanimously.

Bond refinancing The board approved Resolution 2024‑03 to refinance Series 2015 bonds. District staff and its financial advisers said the refinancing will not change the bond maturity date (the bonds still expire in 2031) but will reduce interest costs and is estimated to save roughly $3 million for taxpayers over the remaining life of the debt. The board approved the resolution 5‑0.

Budget committee appointments Five community applicants were interviewed for two open seats on the district budget committee. After discussion, the board appointed Rachel Beavers to Position 1 and Ginger Fitch to Position 4. The vote to appoint each candidate was unanimous. The board thanked all applicants and encouraged those who were not selected to pursue other ways to serve on district committees.

Determination that a reduction‑in‑force (RIF) is necessary Under the district’s collective bargaining agreement with the licensed employee association (WWEA), the board may determine a RIF is necessary and direct the superintendent to notify the association; the contract calls for 90 days’ notice to the association when feasible. The board voted to determine that a reduction‑in‑force will be necessary for the 2025–26 school year and directed the superintendent to work with the WWEA to follow contractual and statutory procedures (ORS 342.934). Board members and the superintendent emphasized that specific numbers and affected positions will be provided to employees and the association before public release and that the district will continue advocacy and revenue‑preservation efforts while finalizing staffing decisions.

Context and next steps District staff reported that updated general‑fund projections include a higher property‑tax collection estimate and shifting of several staff FTEs to grant funds, and presented an estimated ending fund balance of about $12.7 million (approximately 9.2% of total revenue) for 2024–25. Staff and board members noted that state funding formulas and the interplay between local property tax collections and state school fund allocations can cause midyear adjustments; staff said they will continue to update the board as the Oregon Department of Education posts reconciliations.

Board members repeatedly urged transparency where possible and cautioned the public that specific staffing decisions must follow contract procedures and that impacted employees should learn of decisions first through the district’s formal notification process. Several public commenters asked the board for clearer reporting of administrative and non‑classroom reductions and urged the district to prioritize classroom positions if additional funds become available.

Votes at a glance - Consent agenda: Approved (unanimous). Recorded as: Director Shoemaker Aye; Director Sloop Aye; Chair Taylor Aye; Vice Chair Wyatt Aye; Director Vidal Aye. - Clackamas ESD local service plan (approve local service plan for 2025–26): Approved 5‑0 (same roll call). - Resolution 2024‑02 (postpone interfund loan payment to land‑bank fund): Approved 5‑0. - Resolution 2024‑03 (authorize refinancing Series 2015 bonds): Approved 5‑0; staff estimate up to $3,000,000 savings to taxpayers over remaining bond life. - Budget committee appointments (Position 1 and Position 4): Rachel Beavers (Position 1) — appointed; Ginger Fitch (Position 4) — appointed. Votes unanimous. - Determination that a reduction‑in‑force (licensed staff) is necessary for 2025–26 and direction to superintendent to notify WWEA under ORS 342.934: Approved 5‑0.

What the board did not decide tonight The board did not adopt specific staffing reductions or release lists of affected employees. The RIF determination triggers notice and negotiation steps under the licensed contract; staff said impacted employees will receive notice per contract timelines before any public announcement of names or specific layoffs.

Public comment Members of the public raised budget transparency concerns, asked for clearer reporting of administrative reductions, urged prioritizing teachers and classroom staff, and encouraged continued local advocacy in Salem to protect state funding. A Rotary representative also urged the district to permit a human‑trafficking awareness program in schools; that request will be considered separately by staff.