As we step into a new year, Corvallis faces a defining moment. The choices we make now will shape the future of our schools—and the opportunities our children will have for years to come. For generations, Corvallis has valued strong public education, open dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving. These values have made our schools a source of pride and a district of choice for families.
But today, many families, educators, and community members feel those values are slipping away. Recent decisions by the school board have left our district less transparent, less stable, and less focused on students.
That’s why Save Corvallis Schools, a coalition of parents and community members, has come together. Our mission is simple: to restore trust and ensure that every decision is clear, centered on students, and designed for long-term viability.
Every child deserves a school system that is safe, fair, and academically strong.
Our vision is for a district that listens, plans responsibly, and works with the community it serves. We want welcoming, well-supported schools where every student has the resources to thrive. To get there, we stand on five core principles:
- Transparent governance
- Fiscal responsibility
- Student-centered academic excellence
- Safe and accessible schools
- Meaningful community engagement
Unfortunately, recent Corvallis School Board actions have undermined these principles. Families and educators have faced unclear communication, flawed data, and limited opportunities for input on major decisions—school closures, instructional changes, facility planning, and even administrative compensation. These patterns have eroded trust and created instability at a time when stability is essential.
After months of concern, we have concluded that the current board is no longer providing the leadership our district needs. Filing recalls is not a step we take lightly. It is a last resort—a tool communities use when waiting for the next election would allow harm to continue unchecked.
The issues prompting these recalls are serious and well documented:
Academic performance declines: Corvallis high schools once ranked among the best in the state. Today, our high schools rank 29th and 53rd, while neighboring Philomath ranks 12th. This decline is not the result of teacher effort or commitment. Corvallis educators consistently go above and beyond for students, often without adequate staffing, time, or support. Instead, these outcomes reflect district-level and board-approved decisions. Benchmarks have been lowered rather than pairing struggling students with meaningful academic support. Promotion policies—set by administrations and governance, not classroom teachers—allow students to advance without mastering foundational skills. This masks learning gaps rather than closing them and deepens inequities across the system. Teachers are asked to implement policies they did not design and to compensate for structural choices they do not control. When rigor is replaced with compliance, the responsibility lies with leadership and governance, not the professionals in our classrooms.
Financial mismanagement: Despite clear enrollment declines, the board championed the investment of nearly $200 million in facilities upgrades and expansions under the 2018 Capital Improvement Bond. While a number of building upgrades were necessary to meet safety and seismic codes, expansions ignored demographic realities, mismanaging public funds. Buildings that received millions of dollars in updates will be shuttered, while Benton County taxpayers will continue to pay over the next decade.
School closure chaos: The current approved school-closure process was marked by confusion and conflicting data, shifting explanations, and a highly compressed timeline that prevented community participation. Families repeatedly asked for clarity, data, and alternatives. Instead, they encountered inconsistent messaging and a limited narrative, deepening frustration during one of the most disruptive decisions in recent district history. With the currently approved plans, the community is still uncertain about district-inflicted transportation and capacity issues.
Misaligned priorities: A substantial raise for the superintendent was motioned and approved by the board when spending cuts resulted in classroom staffing shortages, programming reductions, and families were told closures were unavoidable. The board approved a compensation increase that appeared disconnected from district realities and community expectations. Recently, a board member raised the topic of compensation for board members.
Taken together, these decisions reflect a pattern of governance that has left families without confidence in the board’s ability to lead responsibly or plan effectively.
This recall effort is about accountability and restoring responsible leadership. Corvallis deserves a school board that listens, communicates openly, and puts students first.
A new year offers a chance for renewal. Let’s seize it. Join us in building a future where our schools are strong, transparent, and guided by the community they serve. Together, we can restore trust, strengthen our schools, and ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Want to learn more or get involved? Join us for a Town Hall—Jan. 29 at the Benton County Library Main Meeting Room at 6 p.m.—or email us at savecorvallisschools@gmail.com.
Our children deserve nothing less.
By Heather Louderback. She is affiliated with Save Corvallis Schools. The organization’s self-description: A coalition of parents and community members committed to transparent governance, responsible planning, and student‑focused leadership in the Corvallis School District.
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