![At the bottom of the third inning, the Lions are still scoreless. Rowe stands at home plate, preparing to bat, while Vandenbrink stands off to the side as the next batter up. Despite having the bases loaded, the team was unable to score any runs. “It’s just the beginning of the season. We’re just going to be playing out best by June, [and] that’s where champions are,” Rowe said.](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_3077-1200x900.jpg)
Due to low admissions and budget cuts in the West Linn-Wilsonville school district, one of three primary schools in the area is facing closure.
Among nine elementary schools in the district, Stafford Primary, Cedaroak Primary, and Bolton Primary are all at risk of being closed permanently, likely caused by the aftermath of the 2020-2023 pandemic.
“Oregon public school enrollment dropped substantially during the first year of the pandemic (2020) and has continued to decline,” said the Oregon Department of Education.
For current and past students, the possible closure of their school is a sad loss. Kesavi Rossington, sophomore, attended Bolton Primary from first through fifth grade.
“I think that a lot of families are usually drawn to bigger schools, but there’s a few that are looking for a smaller community like Bolton, and with the closure of Bolton they won’t have that as an option anymore,” Rossington said.
Although the closure of one of the smaller primary schools means attending students must relocate their education, it also means there are more staff and resources to support the other schools in the area.
Most primary schools aim to have between 400 and 550 students enrolled to keep the school running without being overcrowded. Willamette Primary School, located in the Old Town Willamette area, has 426 students. However, Stafford, Cedaroak, and Bolton, all have less than 350 enrolled students.
As Wilsonville is 9.4% cheaper to reside in than West Linn according to Best Places, and has generally lower housing prices according to Redfin, some families are moving to schools located in the Wilsonville area, including Boeckman Creek Primary, Boones Ferry Primary, and Lowrie Primary.
According to the West Linn-Wilsonville School district’s Enrollment Forecasts Report, the last time admissions increased was the 2017-18 school year when there was an increase of 29 students across all schools in the district.
Closing down one of the primary schools may have a negative effect on community members by forcing families with elementary-aged students to relocate, but it will also help to improve the education system. This proposal could allow for less budget cuts due to eliminating the upkeep of old schools and paying for staff as well as supplies for schools with low enrollment.
