City Council and West Linn-Wilsonville School District Board of Directors Hold Planning Meeting
The Wilsonville City Council hosted a special joint meeting with the West Linn-Wilsonville School District Board of Directors on Feb. 27 at City Hall to share information between the two local governmental bodies and to facilitate long-range planning and promote on-going mutual cooperation.
After a brief welcome by Wilsonville Mayor Tim Knapp together with Board Chair Keith Steele, Dr. Kathy Ludwig, Superintendent of the West Linn-Wilsonville School District, presented a report on the School District’s 2016-17 Board Goals. She said that goals are focused to “grow student achievement,” “align integrated systems of professional growth, assessment, accountability feedback and growth mindset,” “engage our families and community partners,” and to “successfully open Meridian Creek Middle School.” Specifically, school district staff provided an update on the construction of Meridian Creek Middle School that is located off of Advance Road east of the Wilsonville/Stafford Road intersection and is on schedule to open this fall.
City staff then shared financial estimates on the how urban renewal impacts the district’s local option levy and also discussed how the City can manage the closure of current urban renewal areas to minimize the financial impact on school funding. City staff also presented upcoming transportation projects to improve traffic congestion, plans for the Frog Pond West neighborhood and housing projections. Members of the City Council affirmed intention to renew a three-year lease with the district’s Arts & Technology High School that is located in a City-owned facility until the district is able to find a permanent home for the school.
The meeting concluded with additional comments from members of both the Board and City Council confirming the positive and collaborative relationship that exists between the School District and the City along with pledges to continue working together for the betterment of students and the community.
