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Woodburn School Board rescinds prior vote and adopts ‘Safe and Welcoming Schools’ resolution after extensive public comment
Summary
After more than an hour of public testimony from students, parents, educators and community groups, the Woodburn School Board rescinded its Feb. 25 action and adopted Resolution 25-1—"Reaffirming Safe and Welcoming Schools for All"—by a roll-call vote (three yes, one abstention) on March 11, 2025.
The Woodburn School District Board of Directors voted March 11 to rescind its prior action and adopt Resolution 25-1, titled "Reaffirming Safe and Welcoming Schools for All," after sustained public comment and board discussion about the impact of the earlier no vote.
Students, teachers, parents and community organizations urged the board to pass the original version of the resolution, saying the earlier rejection had increased fear, absenteeism and anxiety among immigrant families. "This has caused families and children to not feel safe in their schools," a student speaker said during public comment, urging the board to "reconsider passing this resolution." Community leaders and educators echoed that plea, arguing the resolution would formally reaffirm protections already provided under Oregon law.
Several speakers tied heightened local concern to federal immigration actions. Kevin Carr said, "The situation stems from one thing — President Trump's executive order targeting undocumented students and their families through their schools," and urged the board to vote yes now that state agencies had reviewed the language. Gillian Del Rio (statement read at the meeting) said, "Reaffirming sanctuary status is not a political statement; it's a moral obligation to protect children," and called the prior no vote harmful to students' well-being.
Board members said they were balancing community reassurance against uncertain federal funding consequences. Chair Noami Legaspi (speaking during deliberations) recorded concerns about potential fiscal risk, saying she "remains concerned about the potential harm of passing either proposed version of this resolution" because of uncertainty about federal funding consequences. The board ultimately moved to "resend the action previously taken on Resolution 25-1 (Feb. 25, 2025)" and brought the item back for a new vote.
On the re-vote, the motion to adopt Resolution 25-1 passed with three members voting yes and one abstention; the abstention was recorded with a statement expressing concern about drawing the district into a political fight that could risk funding. The chair announced the motion carried and the resolution was adopted.
The meeting record shows the decision followed extensive public testimony from students and community organizations, testimony that referenced Oregon's sanctuary statute and compared Woodburn to nearby districts that had already passed similar resolutions. Several speakers and organizations asked the board to prioritize students' safety and mental health over hypothetical funding risks.
The board did not change district policy as part of this action; supporters and board members described the resolution as a formal reaffirmation of existing district practice and state law. The board indicated it will follow up with staff and the superintendent on communication and implementation steps to reassure families and staff. The board proceeded to other agenda items after the vote and adjourned at 8:31 p.m.
