Lake Oswego School Board Completes Superintendent Evaluation (Photo) -07/01/25

The Lake Oswego School Board has completed its annual evaluation of Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Schiele, commending her for exemplary leadership in a year marked by financial challenges and continued progress on district priorities.

 

“Dr. Jennifer Schiele exemplifies leadership, integrity, and compassion,” said Vice Chair Liz Hartman, who led the evaluation process. “She inspires administrators, staff, students, community members, and fellow board members to grow smarter, kinder, and better. The board has deep confidence in her leadership and her unwavering commitment to our district’s mission. We are truly grateful for her experience, steady guidance, and wholehearted dedication to the Lake Oswego community.”

 

The evaluation process reflected the board’s commitment to transparency and accountability. It included eight nationally recognized standards for superintendent performance and goals mutually established at the beginning of the school year. The review also incorporated Dr. Schiele’s self-evaluation and was based on collective reflection and consensus ratings from the board.

 

Board members expressed strong confidence in Schiele’s leadership, citing her ability to navigate significant funding reductions while advancing strategic initiatives in academics, student wellness, and operational effectiveness.

 

Schiele received an “Accomplished” (4.0) rating on five of the eight evaluation standards: Visionary District Leadership, Ethics and Professional Norms, Effective Organizational Management, Effective Financial Management, and Policy, Governance, and Advocacy. A score of 3.0 is considered “Effective.” She earned scores of 3.75 or higher, indicating “Highly Effective,” on three additional standards: Inclusive District Culture, Culturally Responsive Instructional Leadership, and Communication and Community Leadership.

 

The Lake Oswego School Board conducts an annual evaluation of the superintendent. Dr. Schiele was appointed superintendent in July 2021 and is currently in the second year of a three-year contract that began in July 2024, ensuring continuity and stability in district leadership.

 

About LOSD
The Lake Oswego School District is Oregon’s top-rated large K-12 public school district, dedicated to fostering a culture of belonging and educational excellence. LOSD serves approximately 6,800 students across 11 schools, supported by about 850 educators and staff. Located just south of Portland, Oregon, Lake Oswego is known for its vibrant community, natural beauty, and outstanding public schools.

 

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Lake Oswego School District And Teachers’ Association Reach Agreement, Preserving Programs And Positions -07/01/25

The Lake Oswego School District (LOSD) is pleased to announce that it has reached a new employment agreement with the Lake Oswego Education Association (LOEA). The LOEA membership voted to ratify the agreement, and the Lake Oswego School Board approved the contract at its public session on June 30, 2025.

 

The newly approved two-year contract takes effect July 1, 2025, and replaces the agreement negotiated last year. The contract includes a cost-of-living adjustment of 3.625% in year one with one furlough day on June 15, 2026, and a 3.25% in year two, balancing the need to remain competitive in retaining educators while staying within the district’s available budget.

 

This agreement helps avoid additional staffing reductions that could have significantly impacted students across the district. Without a resolution, the district had been preparing contingency plans that included returning middle schools to a 7-period daily schedule, combining classrooms at the elementary level, and further increasing high school class sizes. These measures would have eroded the quality of the student experience.

 

“Fortunately, we were able to reach a collaborative agreement that allows us to maintain our current middle school schedule and preserve the staffing necessary to support student learning,” said Dr. Jennifer Schiele, LOSD Superintendent. “While this agreement reflects a compromise, it protects the core of what makes our schools strong, our people.”

 

The district continues to operate under tight financial constraints. Despite an 11% increase in the State School Fund over two years, there was a rise in Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) costs and other employment-related expenses. LOSD faced a $10 million budget shortfall heading into the 2025–26 school year, prompting staffing reductions that were announced in March. Those reductions remain in effect, but this agreement prevents further cuts.

 

As part of its previously settled agreement with the Lake Oswego School Employees Association (LOSEA), LOSD will extend the same benefits included in the LOEA contract to all employees.

 

“Across Oregon, school districts are facing similar financial challenges,” said Dr. Schiele. “We must continue to advocate for increased, sustainable funding for public education. We’re grateful to our educators, families, and community members for their commitment to our students and for uniting in support of the schools we all value.”

 

LOSD and LOEA have long approached contract negotiations as a collaborative, solution-oriented process. This agreement is a testament to mutual respect and a shared commitment to providing high-quality education for all students.

 

About LOSD
The Lake Oswego School District is Oregon’s top-rated large K-12 public school district, dedicated to fostering a culture of belonging and educational excellence. LOSD serves approximately 6,800 students across 11 schools, supported by about 850 educators and staff. Located just south of Portland, Oregon, Lake Oswego is known for its vibrant community, natural beauty, and outstanding public schools.

 

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