Parents urge sustainability in district values; National Guard requests high-school outreach

Carrie Buie, a Milwaukee resident and member of the EcoSchool Network, told the North Clackamas School District board on Jan. 29 that the district should add the word "sustainability" to its core values. Buie said sustainability is a "through line" that helps protect equity over time and prepares students to navigate social, economic and environmental uncertainty. "Sustainability is how we protect equity over time," she said.

Buie noted that sustainability education supports civic engagement and long-term stewardship, and urged modest policy change — not an overhaul of curriculum — to add the term to the district’s stated values. The board thanked her for the comment; no formal action was taken during the meeting.

Also during public comment, Lt. Col. Eric Zimmerman of the Oregon Army National Guard described workforce and education opportunities available at the Guard’s local unit and asked the district to help publicize an open house for juniors and seniors on March 12. Zimmerman said the unit fields more than 600 positions with specialties ranging from nursing and emergency medical services to data and equipment operations, and that the Guard offers benefits including GI Bill and college-reimbursement programs. He asked the board and administration to share information with high schools so students can learn about enlistment and officer tracks, including pathways to four-year universities and academies.

The board accepted both comments during the public-comment period. There was no board vote on either request; staff and board members acknowledged the speakers and suggested follow-up through usual communications channels.