WHEREAS, Native Americans are descendants of the original, indigenous inhabitants of 
what is now the United States, and are the first Americans; and 

WHEREAS, the Native Americans were the first stewards of our environment, contribute to the unique identity of the Pacific Northwest, represented the early voices for the values that define our country; and 

WHEREAS, Native Americans maintain vibrant cultural heritage, rich traditions and hold 
a deeply rooted sense of community; and 

WHEREAS, Oregon is home to over 100,000 Native American, Alaskan Native, and Indigenous persons representing tribes/bands from across the nation, some of whom are enrolled as students in the Lake Oswego School District; and 

WHEREAS, the Lake Oswego School District schools occupy the ancestral and traditional lands of the Kalapuya, Clackamas, and Clowewalla Peoples who are now part of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde; and 

WHEREAS, we cannot ignore nor erase the consequences of our country’s long and unfortunate history of violence, discrimination, and deprivation of the Native Americans, but we can commit to working together for a bright future; and 

WHEREAS, Native Americans make important contributions to our society in American government, law, public service, business, agriculture, commerce, education, the arts, science, and sports; and 

WHEREAS, Oregon has declared the second Monday of October to be Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an opportunity to reflect upon the ongoing struggles of Indigenous people of this land, to celebrate the thriving cultures and values of the Indigenous Peoples of our region, and to stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples elsewhere; and 

WHEREAS, understanding Native American history is an important part of celebrating Native American Heritage Month and creating a culture of belonging in our school communities; and 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Lake Oswego School District will celebrate the month of November as Native American Heritage Month and encourage our public schools to infuse instructional learning activities to incorporate the contributions of Native American, Alaskan Native, and Indigenous communities throughout the school year. 

APPROVED by the Lake Oswego School District Board of Education this 25th day of October 2022. 

Neelam Gupta 
School Board Chair 

Red Ribbon Week Proclamation 

Whereas, rising youth and adult opioid overdoses and deaths across our country are a public health crisis; and 

Whereas, accidental overdose or intentional self-poisoning by opioids is the most common cause of drug-related mortality in the United States and illicit fentanyl appears to be the primary driver of the increase in opioid overdose deaths; and 

Whereas, counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, which is tasteless, odorless, and too small to see with the naked and the amount the size of two grains of sand is enough to cause a deadly overdose, are flooding the Pacific and, in just one year Oregon, saw a 74 percent increase in fentanyl-related deaths; and

 
Whereas, our school district is committed to promoting health and resiliency by addressing social, mental, and physical health in a culture that models and values health and well-being; and 

Whereas, leading with a trauma-informed approach in support, services, counseling, and instruction fosters safer and healthier physical and emotional environments and provides access to health and wellness resources; and 

Whereas, October 23-31, 2022, has been designated National Red Ribbon Week to serve as a reminder that people across the country can make significant daily contributions to their communities by being the best they can be because they live drug-free; and

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Lake Oswego School District Board of Directors does hereby proclaim October 23-31, 2022, as National Red Ribbon Week in this school district to bring critical attention to the education and response required to protect the students and adults in our learning community against the opioid and fentanyl crisis.

 
APPROVED by the Lake Oswego School District Board of Education this 11th day of October 2022.  

National Teacher Appreciation Week Resolution 

WHEREAS, teachers mold future citizens through guidance and education; and 

WHEREAS, teachers encounter students of widely differing backgrounds; and 

WHEREAS, our country's future depends upon providing quality education to all students; and 

WHEREAS, teachers spend countless hours preparing lessons, evaluating progress, counseling and coaching students and performing community service; and 

WHEREAS, our community recognizes and supports its teachers in educating the children of this community. 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake Oswego School District #7J Board of Directors proclaims May 2-6, 2022, to be Teacher Appreciation Week; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Lake Oswego School District #7J Board of Directors strongly encourages all members of our community to join with it in personally expressing appreciation to our teachers for their dedication and devotion to their work. 

APPROVED by the Lake Oswego School District Board of Education this 25th day of April 2022 

LAKE OSWEGO SCHOOL DISTRICT 
Classified Employee Appreciation Week Resolution 

WHEREAS, the education of youth is essential to the future of our community, state, country and world; and 

WHEREAS, classified employees are the backbone of our public education system; and 

WHEREAS, classified employees work directly with students, educators, parents, volunteers, business partners and community members; and 

WHEREAS, classified employees support the smooth operation of offices, the safety and maintenance of buildings and property, and the safe transportation, healthy nutrition and direct instruction of students; and 

WHEREAS, our community depends upon and trusts classified employees to serve students; and 

WHEREAS, classified employees, with their diverse talents and true dedication, nurture students throughout their school years. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lake Oswego School Board of Directors proclaims March 7-11, 2022, to be Classified Employee Appreciation Week; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Lake Oswego School Board of Directors strongly encourages all members of our community to join in this observance, recognizing the dedication and hard work of these individuals. 

APPROVED by the Lake Oswego School District Board of Education this 7th day of March 2022 

Kirsten Aird

School Board Chair

Lake Oswego School District 
Women’s History Month Resolution 

WHEREAS, the advocacy efforts of the National Women’s History Project led to an annual observance of Women’s History Month, which highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society and is celebrated during March in the United States; 

WHEREAS, women of every background have made significant and historic contributions to the growth and strength of our society in countless recorded and unrecorded ways;  

WHEREAS, despite these contributions, the role of women in history has been consistently overlooked and undervalued in literature, teaching, labor, business, and other sectors;  

WHEREAS, the 2022 theme for National Women’s History Month is "Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” which is both a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and also a recognition of the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided healing and hope throughout history; 

WHEREAS, women have been leaders, not only in securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial labor movement, the disabilities movement, and the modern civil rights movement; 

WHEREAS, for generations, women have resolved conflicts in their homes, schools, and communities, and they have rejected violence as counterproductive and stressed the need to restore respect, establish justice, and reduce the causes of conflict as the surest way to peace; 

WHEREAS, this year we have seen magnified, the strength, resilience, and breakthroughs women have made as well as the ways in which discrimination continues to be a part of all women’s lives, and so many women—nurses, aides, cleaners, grocery workers, doctors, agricultural workers, teachers, classified staff, and more—were on the front lines getting us through multiple crises; 

WHEREAS, additional education is needed to increase the knowledge of all citizens relative to the contributions of women and girls to the development of education and the larger society;  

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Lake Oswego School District will celebrate the month of March as Women’s History Month and encourage our public schools to infuse instructional learning activities to incorporate the contributions of women throughout the school year. 

Approved this 22nd day of February, 2022 
__________________________________ 
Kirsten Aird, School Board Chair 

LAKE OSWEGO SCHOOL DISTRICT
Recognizing and Honoring Black History Month

WHEREAS, Africans were first brought involuntarily to the Americas as early as the 15th century and were essential to the founding and development of this nation, both while enslaved and free, through countless contributions whether recognized, unrecognized, or unrecorded; and

WHEREAS, Oregon and Lake Oswego have a history of Black exclusionary laws, which prevented Black people from living in or owning property in this region, resulting in a majority white population with just over 2% of the state’s population and less than 1% of Lake Oswego’s population being Black; and

WHEREAS, despite the obstacles of slavery, discrimination, institutionalized racism, and Black exclusion laws, Black Americans have created lasting impacts on our country, our state, and our city as artists, scientists, educators, business people, influential thinkers, scholars, members of the faith community, explorers, inventors, political and governmental leaders, and more; and

WHEREAS, the month of February is the time that we, as a nation, recognize Black History Month and this year’s theme of “Black Health and Wellness,” which acknowledges the legacy of Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well; and

WHEREAS, not only during the month of February, but throughout the year, it is important that our district leaders, staff, and students and families learn, understand, and reflect upon the history, experiences, and contributions of Black Americans, in honor of those who have worked tirelessly and often without recognition for the advancement of humankind; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lake Oswego School District will celebrate the month of February as Black History Month and encourage our public schools to infuse instructional learning activities to incorporate the contributions of Black Americans throughout the school year.

APPROVED by the Lake Oswego School District Board of Education this 24th day of January 2022
___________________________________
Kirsten Aird
School Board Chair

Native American Heritage Month

WHEREAS, Native Americans are descendants of the original, indigenous inhabitants of
what is now the United States, and are the first Americans; and

WHEREAS, the Native Americans were the first stewards of our environment, contribute to the
unique identity of the Pacific Northwest, represented the early voices for the values that define our country; and

WHEREAS, Native Americans maintain vibrant cultural heritage, rich traditions and hold
a deeply rooted sense of community; and

WHEREAS, Oregon is home to over 100,000 Native American, Alaskan Native, and Indigenous persons representing tribes/bands from across the nation, some of whom are enrolled as students in the Lake Oswego School District; and

WHEREAS, the Lake Oswego School District schools occupy the ancestral and traditional lands of the Kalapuya, Clackamas, and Clowewalla Peoples who are now part of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde; and

WHEREAS, we cannot ignore nor erase the consequences of our country’s long and unfortunate history of violence, discrimination, and deprivation of the Native Americans, but we can commit to working together for a bright future; and

WHEREAS, Native Americans make important contributions to our society in American government, law, public service, business, agriculture, commerce, education, the arts, science, and sports; and

WHEREAS, Oregon has declared the second Monday of October to be Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an opportunity to reflect upon the ongoing struggles of Indigenous people of this land, to celebrate the thriving cultures and values of the Indigenous Peoples of our region, and to stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples elsewhere; and

WHEREAS, understanding Native American history is an important part of celebrating Native American Heritage Month and creating a culture of belonging in our school communities; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Lake Oswego School District will celebrate the month of November as Native American Heritage Month and encourage our public schools to infuse instructional learning activities to incorporate the contributions of Native American, Alaskan Native, and Indigenous communities throughout the school year.
APPROVED by the Lake Oswego School District Board of Education this 25th day of October 2021.
___________________________________
Kirsten Aird
School Board Chair

Whereas, school districts across our nation have been plagued by the numerous problems associated with drug and alcohol abuse; and

Whereas, there is hope in winning the War on Drugs and that hope lies in the hard work and determination of our communities to create a drug-free environment; and

Whereas, local leaders, in government, schools, and in the community, know that the support of the people in the neighborhoods is the most effective weapon they can have in their efforts to reduce the demand for illegal drugs and drive away the suppliers of those drugs; and

Whereas, success will not occur overnight, our patience and continued commitment to drug education and prevention are imperative; and

Whereas, the National Red Ribbon Celebration has been established by the National Family Partnership to help create awareness of the drug problems facing every community to develop parent and community teams to combat illegal drugs and to promote drug-free lifestyles for America’s youth; and

Whereas, October 23-31, 2021, has been designated National Red Ribbon Week, a celebration calling on all Americans to show their support for a drug-free nation by wearing a red ribbon during that week;

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Lake Oswego School District Board of Directors does hereby proclaim October 22-31, 2021, as National Red Ribbon Week in this school district and encourage all students, educators, citizens, businesses, public and private groups, media, and educational institutions to wear and display red ribbons throughout that week to join the rest of the nation in promoting the Red Ribbon Celebration and a drug-free America.

Kirsten Aird, School Board Chair

Whereas, Lake Oswego School District is committed to equitable educational opportunities by identifying obstacles to educational advancement and endeavoring to remove those obstacles; and

Whereas, Dyslexia is a neurological difference, often inherited, that makes it difficult for students to read, write, and spell, and may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience, which can impede vocabulary growth and acquisition of knowledge; and

Whereas, Dyslexia affects all segments of society, regardless of race, income, educational background, or ability; and

Whereas, Literacy is a critical skill needed for educational success, and students who do not read at grade level by third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school with a diploma; and

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Lake Oswego School District Board of Directors does hereby proclaim the month of October 2021 to be Dyslexia Awareness Month in the school district.

APPROVED by the Lake Oswego School District Board of Education this 27th day of September 2021
___________________________________
Kirsten Aird
School Board Chair

WHEREAS, from the early settlers of the New World to those still reaching for the American dream today, people of Hispanic and Latinx descent have shaped and strengthened our country; and

WHEREAS, the month of September 15 to October 15 was designated as Hispanic Heritage Month by the United States Congress in 1988; and

WHEREAS, Hispanic, Latino, Latina, and Latinx individuals are a diverse group that represent numerous ethnicities and geographic and political regions, identifying with a variety of terms including Latinx, Latino/a, Hispanic, Chicanx, Chicano/a, and country-specific terms, and may also trace their roots to the indigenous peoples of the Americas; and

WHEREAS, Hispanic students comprise 8% of the Lake Oswego School District student population; and

WHEREAS, September 15 was chosen as a date to commemorate the anniversary of the independence of five Latin American countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua) while September 16 commemorates Mexico’s anniversary of independence; and

WHEREAS, this year’s theme is “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope,” which invites us to celebrate Hispanic and Latinx Heritage and to reflect on how great our tomorrow can be if we hold onto our resilience and hope; and

WHEREAS, the huge and significant impact of Hispanic and Latino cultures and their rich traditions are manifested in the achievements, customs, and laws of this state and nation; and

WHEREAS, like so many other Americans, Hispanic and Latinx people have overcome great obstacles to persevere and flourish in every sector of our society; and

WHEREAS, Hispanic and Latinx Americans make important contributions to our society in American government, law, public service, business, agriculture, commerce, education, the arts, science, and sports; and

WHEREAS, understanding Hispanic and Latinx history is an important part of celebrating Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month and creating a culture of belonging in our school communities; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Lake Oswego School District will celebrate September 15 to October 15 as Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month and encourage our public schools to infuse instructional learning activities to incorporate the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans throughout the school year.

APPROVED by the Lake Oswego School District Board of Education this 13th day of September 2021
___________________________________
Kirsten Aird
School Board Chair

WHEREAS, Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when soldiers rode into Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended, that slavery had been abolished throughout the United States in January that same year with the passage of the 13th Amendment, and that all slaves had been freed with President Lincoln signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, nearly three years prior; and

WHEREAS, Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery, is also known as “Juneteenth Independence Day,” “Emancipation Day,” “Emancipation Celebration,” and
“Freedom Day;” and

WHEREAS, spontaneous celebration erupted throughout the country when Black Americans learned of their freedom, and Juneteenth continued to be recognized in Texas, with many former slaves and descendants making an annual pilgrimage back to Galveston on this date; and

WHEREAS, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s saw a resurgence of interest in Juneteenth, along with renewed community celebrations of the day; and

WHEREAS, observance of Juneteenth spread from Texas, where it became an official state holiday in 1980, to the neighboring states of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, as well as Alabama, Florida, and California, where many Black Texans migrated; and

WHEREAS, although the Juneteenth tradition has documented celebrations in Oregon dating back to the 1860s, it was reintroduced in 1945 by our state’s “mother of Juneteenth” and Kaiser Shipyard worker Clara Peoples, was recognized statewide in 2013, and made an official holiday federally in 2021; and

WHEREAS, Juneteenth offers us the opportunity to celebrate the many accomplishments and contributions of Black people throughout our nation’s history, and also provides us with the opportunity to learn about, teach, and reflect on the complex history of the United States, including the fact that not all Americans celebrated their independence on July 4, 1776; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Lake Oswego School District encourages our district’s employees, students, and families to join in celebrating Juneteenth, a day to honor and reflect on the significant role that African-Americans have played in the history of the United States.
APPROVED by the Lake Oswego School District Board of Education this 21st day of June 2021
___________________________________
Sara Pocklington
School Board Chair

WHEREAS, the month of June is a time to celebrate the identities and contributions of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual and/or Ally (LGBTQIA+) community, raise awareness of quality services, and foster a dialogue to promote a healthy, safe, and prosperous school climates and communities for all; and  

WHEREAS, the first Gay Pride March was held in June 1970 to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, and the celebration of LGBTQIA+ Pride Month is rooted in that history of resistance and struggle for equal rights as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution; and 

WHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ people in the United States have made, and continue to make, vital contributions to the United States and to the world in every aspect, including in the fields of education, law, health, business, science, research, economic development, architecture, fashion, sports, government, music, film, technology, literature, civil rights, and politics; and  

WHEREAS, there is a need to focus on efforts that support LGBTQIA+ youth including student and school resources that focus on positive behavioral interventions and support, resources on school climate that address bullying and parent engagement, and tools for student health and wellness; and  

WHEREAS, we are working to cultivate positive and safe school environments to empower youth with confidence and knowledge to successfully navigate and improve the ever-changing world; and  

WHEREAS, by recognizing Pride Month, we reaffirm our commitment to a supportive environment that promotes trust, growth, achievement, and equal treatment of all people regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity; and 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Lake Oswego School District will celebrate the month of June as LGBTQIA+ Pride month and encourage our public schools to infuse instructional learning activities to incorporate the contributions of LGBTQIA+ communities throughout the school year. 

APPROVED by the Lake Oswego School District Board of Education this 7th day of June 2021 

Proclamation of the Lake Oswego School Board supporting both in-person, full time, five days a week and an online option

for the 2021–2022 school year

WHEREAS, the Lake Oswego School Board (hereinafter “the Board”) has adopted a Mission for the school district to be dedicated to creating a culture of belonging and educational excellence;

WHEREAS, the Board is committed to disrupting systems of racism, and eliminating opportunity and achievement gaps, and strives to ensure each student in our District is provided the best educational opportunities so that all children will succeed personally and as citizens of our community, state, and nation pursuant to School Board Policy IA – Instructional Goals;

WHEREAS, there are undeniable educational setbacks to all students as a result of school

closures, and for many students those setbacks continue in a limited in-person model, particularly for students of color, students with disabilities, English learners, lower-income students, and other historically marginalized groups;

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) instructs us that “safe in-person instruction gives our kids access to critical social and mental health services that prepare them for the future, in addition to the education they need to succeed”;

WHEREAS, the COVID vaccine is the greatest tool available to overcome COVID and its variants, and Clackamas County currently has 39.2% of the eligible population having at least the first dose, and all people eligible for the vaccine who want it will have access by July of this year;

WHEREAS, the CDC has provided an evidence-based roadmap to help schools reopen safely and remain open for in-person instruction with 3 feet of physical distancing, mask wearing, optimal ventilation, and other mitigating factors;

WHEREAS, our community has submitted letters of testimony and a Change.org petition signed by over 1,200 people requesting students be permitted to attend in-person five days a week and full time;

WHEREAS, our community has submitted letters of testimony in support of an online curriculum option for the 2021–2022 school year to provide more time for a vaccine to be available for children under the age of 16;

WHEREAS, on November 4, 2020, the Lake Oswego School District signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Lake Oswego Education Association (LOEA) regarding instructional time, planning and preparation time, and health and safety precautions following Ready Schools Safe Learners, which is in effect until June 30, 2021;

WHEREAS, in response to the March 2021 updated Ready Schools Safe Learners guidance, the Superintendent proposed, and LOEA declined, amending the MOU to allow in-person learning on Wednesdays;

WHEREAS, the Board appreciates Superintendent Dr. Lora de la Cruz consistently fighting for our students and working under exceptional circumstances to bring students back five days a week this spring, to maintain a high quality online option for students, and to take action to prepare for five days, full time in the 2021–2022 school year.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board remains steadfast in the expectation that the superintendent and the administration continue to plan and prepare for ensuring that during the 2021–2022 school year, the Lake Oswego School District will offer both an in-person, full-time, five day a week option as permitted by the Oregon Department of Education, and an online curriculum option, and that both curricula are committed to the high standards, mission, and values of the Lake Oswego School District.

APPROVED by the Lake Oswego School District Board of Education this 26th day of April 2021

WHEREAS, for over a century, Arab Americans have been making valuable contributions to

virtually every aspect of American society: in science, medicine, law, business, education,

technology, government, military service, culture; and

WHEREAS, Victor George Atiyeh, who served as the 32nd Governor of Oregon from 1979 to

1987, was the first Arab American elected as Governor of a State; and

WHEREAS, since migrating to America, people of Arab descent have shared their rich

culture and traditions with neighbors and friends, while also setting examples of model citizens

and public servants; and

WHEREAS, Arab Americans have also enriched our society by sharing in the entrepreneurial

American spirit that makes our nation free and prosperous; and

WHEREAS, the history of Arab Americans in the United States remains neglected and

individuals are harmed by misconceptions, bigotry, and anti-Arab hate in the forms of crimes

and speech; and

WHEREAS, Arab American issues, such as civil rights abuses, harmful stereotyping, and

bullying must be combated in the forms of education and awareness; and

WHEREAS, Arab Americans join all Americans in the desire to see a peaceful and diverse

society, where every individual is treated equally and feels safe; and

WHEREAS, the contributions and heritage of Arab Americans have helped us build a better

state and nation;

WHEREAS, additional education is needed to increase the knowledge of all citizens relative to the contributions of Arab Americans to the development of education and the larger society; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Lake Oswego School District will celebrate the month of April as Arab American Heritage Month and encourage our public schools to infuse instructional learning activities to incorporate the contributions of Arab Americans throughout the school year.

APPROVED by the Lake Oswego School District Board of Education this 26th day of April 2021

WHEREAS, Asian and Pacific Americans have lived and worked in Oregon for more than 200 years, contributing to the state’s rich history, economy, and culture; and

WHEREAS, Asian and Pacific Americans have helped advance our community’s prosperity through their contributions to all fields of education, business, the arts, economic development, science, and technology; and

WHEREAS, Asian and Pacific American history is marked by a struggle for freedom, equality, and justice, prevailing over the adversity of exclusion, persecution, incarceration, and disparities; and

WHEREAS, Many Asian Pacific Americans have experienced the injustices of exclusionary acts, and denial of citizenship and land ownership as well as internment in relocation

camps; and

WHEREAS, the vibrant history and diverse cultures of Oregon’s Asian and Pacific Americans are here to be honored as a central part of our state’s story and shared across all Oregon communities;

WHEREAS, additional education is needed to increase the knowledge of all citizens relative to the contributions of Asian and Pacific Americans to the development of education and the larger society; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Lake Oswego School District will celebrate the month of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and encourage our public schools to infuse instructional learning activities to incorporate the contributions of Asian and Pacific Americans throughout the school year.

APPROVED by the Lake Oswego School District Board of Education this 26th day of April 2021

Recognizing and Honoring Black History Month

WHEREAS, Africans were first brought involuntarily to the Americas as early as the 15^th century and were essential to the founding and development of this nation, both while enslaved and free, through countless contributions whether recognized, unrecognized, or unrecorded; and

WHEREAS, Oregon and Lake Oswego have a history of Black exclusionary laws, which prevented Black people from living in or owning property in this region, resulting in a majority white population with just over 2% of the state’s population and less than 1% of Lake Oswego’s population being Black; and

WHEREAS, despite the obstacles of slavery, discrimination, institutionalized racism, and Black exclusion laws, Black Americans have created lasting impacts on our country, our state, and our city as artists, scientists, educators, business people, influential thinkers, scholars, members of the faith community, explorers, inventors, political and governmental leaders, and more; and  

WHEREAS, the month of February is the time that we, as a nation, recognize Black History Month and this year’s theme of “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity;” and

WHEREAS, not only during the month of February, but throughout the year, it is important that our district leaders, staff, and students and families learn, understand, and reflect upon the history, experiences, and contributions of Black Americans;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lake Oswego School District hereby officially recognizes February as Black History Month in honor of those who have worked tirelessly and often without recognition for the advancement of humankind. 

APPROVED by the Lake Oswego School District Board of Education this 25^th day of January 2021

RESOLUTION OF THE LAKE OSWEGO SCHOOL BOARD REGARDING PLANNING FOR A RETURN TO SCHOOL

WHEREAS, the Lake Oswego School District is a learning community dedicated to creating a culture of belonging and educational excellence; and

WHEREAS, the Lake Oswego School District prioritizes becoming an antiracist organization, creating a culture of belonging, achieving equitable academic outcomes, promoting health and resiliency, and teaching and practicing sustainability; and

WHEREAS, the Lake Oswego School District endeavors to make decisions that are informed by and centered around students; and

WHEREAS, there are undeniable educational and mental health setbacks to all students as a result of school closures, but disproportionately to students with disabilities, Black, Indigenous and students of color, students experiencing financial hardships, and students who haven’t yet mastered the English language; and

WHEREAS, elementary school students are mastering foundational learning skills that will be required for success in secondary grades and beyond, and the impacts of prolonged distance learning may impede their ability to do so; and

WHEREAS, our communities have requested students be permitted to attend in-person schooling if doing so can be done safely; and 

WHEREAS, Superintendent Dr. de la Cruz and her administrative team have already taken significant steps to advocate for and plan toward a safe, thoughtful and phased approach to returning students to school buildings; and 

WHEREAS, best practices following science exist and are attainable in Lake Oswego School District to safely support the return of teachers, staff, administrators, and students in our care; and

WHEREAS, the Lake Oswego School District is committed to ensuring that the provision of special education services and accommodations for students experiencing disability is in full compliance with Individual Education Plans and 504 Plans for all students experiencing disabilities, including timely identification and assessment of at-risk students currently not identified and receiving services.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake Oswego School Board directs Superintendent Dr. de la Cruz to prioritize in-person instruction and services for students bearing the disproportionate impact of school closures, as noted above, to the extent practical while taking appropriate steps to mitigate transmission of COVID-19 among teachers, staff, administrators, and students in line with state guidelines; and

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake Oswego School Board directs Superintendent Dr. de la Cruz to accelerate planning efforts for a safe return to school buildings for all grades with immediate planning for K through 5, within state guidelines, while taking appropriate steps to mitigate transmission of COVID-19 among teachers, staff, administrators, and students.

ADOPTED this 19^th day of October, 2020

RESOLUTION OF THE LAKE OSWEGO SCHOOL BOARD REGARDING STATE GUIDANCE

WHEREAS, the Lake Oswego School District is a learning community dedicated to creating a culture of belonging and educational excellence; and

WHEREAS, the Lake Oswego School District prioritizes becoming an antiracist organization, creating a culture of belonging, achieving equitable academic outcomes, promoting health and resiliency, and teaching and practicing sustainability; and

WHEREAS, the Lake Oswego School District endeavors to make decisions that are informed by and centered around students; and

WHEREAS, there are undeniable educational and mental health setbacks to all students as a result of school closures, but disproportionately to students with disabilities, Black, Indigenous and students of color, students experiencing financial hardships, and students who haven’t yet mastered the English language; and

WHEREAS, elementary school students are mastering foundational learning skills that will be required for success in secondary grades and beyond, and the impacts of prolonged distance learning may impede their ability to do so; and

WHEREAS, our communities have requested students be permitted to attend in-person schooling if doing so can be done safely; and 

WHEREAS, Superintendent Dr. de la Cruz and her administrative team have already taken significant steps to advocate for and plan toward a safe, thoughtful and phased approach to returning students to school buildings; and 

WHEREAS, best practices following science exist and are attainable in Lake Oswego School District to safely support the return of teachers, staff, administrators, and students in our care; and

WHEREAS, the Lake Oswego School District is committed to ensuring that the provision of special education services and accommodations for students experiencing disability is in full compliance with Individual Education Plans and 504 Plans for all students experiencing disabilities, including timely identification and assessment of at-risk students currently not identified and receiving services.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake Oswego School Board wishes to thank Governor Kate Brown for reevaluating the metrics that have been put into place to determine whether students may return to Oregon public schools; and

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake Oswego School Board encourages Governor Kate Brown to prioritize a return to school buildings for students bearing the disproportionate impacts of school closures across all grade levels, as noted above, through the establishment of an exception process, provided that appropriate health and safety protocols are implemented to mitigate transmission of COVID-19 and are approved by the Local Public Health Authority; and

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake Oswego School Board encourages Governor Kate Brown to prioritize the return of all elementary students in grades K through 5, with an ultimate goal of returning all students to school, by establishing metrics that align with our neighboring states, or delegating authority to local school districts to decide when it is appropriate for these students to return to school.

ADOPTED this 19^th day of October, 2020

A Resolution Of The Lake Oswego School Board Of Directors Condemning Racism And Committing To Being An Anti-Racist School District

WHEREAS, members of the Lake Oswego School Board, as well as the Lake Oswego School District staff, are saddened and outraged by recent events that demonstrate the prejudice and injustice that persists in our country;

WHEREAS, racism and hate have no place in our schools or our society, and we must protect the Constitutional rights of every person who lives, works and learns in our community;

WHEREAS, we cannot be silent. We urgently must act to stop the racial injustice that harms and anguishes people of color and black students in particular, who are our family, friends, neighbors, students, staff members, and fellow community members;

WHEREAS, systemic racism and racial oppression have long led to physical, political, legal, economic, and environmental harm on people of color in the United States and Oregon, specifically; 

WHEREAS, we must lead. Each of us, individually and collectively, is responsible for creating and nurturing an anti-racist learning environment where every child is respected and valued for who they are, regardless of their skin color. We must actively acknowledge, address and prevent racial bias;

WHEREAS, students, parents and community members in our district have consistently reported experiencing and witnessing racism and hate speech in our schools;

WHEREAS, the Lake Oswego School District is working to be a leader on educational equity, including critically analyzing our current system, policies and practices, but we also recognize that the district has not done enough to combat racism or proactively teach anti-racism, and as a result, our students of color, and black students in particular, still regularly experience racism in our schools; 

Now, therefore, be it resolved on this 22nd day of June 2020, by the Board of the Lake Oswego School District, that, the district condemns racism, racial violence, white supremacy, hate speech, and bigotry in all forms inside and outside of our schools and community, and stand steadfast in our commitment to foster an inclusive educational environment where every student, staff member, parent, and community member is treated with dignity and respect, as well as our commitment to continue fighting for racial justice and human and civil rights for all, and

1. The district reaffirms commitments in the LOSD Equity Policy and will continue to strive to implement the policy; and
2. The district will work to be actively anti-racist and dismantle systemic racism in our schools and empower people of color; and
3. The district affirms the importance of culturally responsive practices, literature, curriculum and assignments that represent the diversity of our world, and that accurately honor the contributions of historically marginalized communities, and we acknowledge our current curriculum does not achieve this yet; we commit to using an equity lens for all future curriculum adoptions and course development, as required in board policy; and 
4. The district commits to continuing to require schools to track and report racist incidents in our schools in a way that both complies with privacy laws and increases transparency; and
5. The district commits to dedicating time in schools for professional development, culturally responsive training, book studies, for celebrations of diversity on behalf of people of color, for critical conversations among staff and with students, and establishing community partnerships to support this work; and
6. The district believes that having a diverse faculty and staff reflective of the demographics of the community, country and world, provides significant value to students of color and all students and adults, and will commit to put practices in place that will lead to a more diverse workforce.

ADOPTED this 22nd day of June, 2020