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Forest Grove High staff publicly endorse Brian Burke for principal
Summary
At the Feb. 25 board meeting Forest Grove High School teachers and staff delivered letters and public comments endorsing Brian Burke for principal, citing leadership, equity work and support for teachers.
Multiple Forest Grove High School staff told the board on Feb. 25 they support Brian Burke for the school’s principal position, delivering testimonial letters and public remarks at the start of the meeting.
A member of the high school’s English Learner (ELD) department read a statement saying the ELD staff “enthusiastically recommend Brian Burke for the position of principal,” and described Burke’s work to expand the dual‑language program and to include teachers in program development. The speaker, identified at the podium as a staff member from the ELD department, said Burke “treats us with respect and trust” and praised his approach to instructional leadership.
Two additional staff members read excerpts from a larger staff petition supporting Burke. Laura Lewis, a teacher who said she has taught at Forest Grove High School for 20 years, read a letter reporting “letters totaling about a hundred signatures” from high‑school staff and outlined reasons staff describe Burke as a student‑focused leader who supports equity, restorative approaches and staff collaboration. Another teacher, Travis Toker, said the letter collection was organized by staff and not by Burke and reiterated broad staff support.
Why it matters: public comment is advisory to the board but gives trustees a record of community and staff sentiment as the board proceeds with any staffing decisions or candidate interviews. The board received the comments during the unscheduled public‑comment period and did not take action on personnel during the meeting.
What was said (selected): "He values linguistic diversity and recognizes the importance of creating an inclusive environment where all students feel supported and celebrated," an ELD department speaker said. Laura Lewis read that staff believe Burke is "the leader we need, the leader we want, and the leader who will make Forest Grove High School an even better place to learn, teach, and grow." The speakers asked the board to consider the staff letters as part of its process.
No hiring action or vote occurred at the Feb. 25 meeting; the remarks were received as public comment and recorded in the meeting minutes.
