The recent Lake Oswego School District 7J board meeting highlighted a range of exciting developments as the new school year approaches. Board members and student representatives expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming academic year, particularly noting the engagement of student organizations, such as the robotics teams, which have been actively preparing for the school year.

A significant focus of the meeting was the successful return of staff, who participated in four days of training and preparation before students arrive. The atmosphere was described as positive, with teachers sharing stories of their summer experiences. An all-employee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, featuring an ice cream social to foster community among staff.

The board also provided updates on the Champions program, which has seen an increase in enrollment from 515 to 560 children, indicating a growing demand for after-school care. The waitlist for the program is small, and efforts are underway to hire additional staff to accommodate more students.

Construction updates were a key topic, with progress reported on various projects, including the new Lake Oswego Junior High School. The school is on track, with visible advancements in classroom framing and electrical work. Notably, air conditioning retrofitting has been completed in several schools, providing relief from the summer heat, although some schools, like Lake Grove and Forest Hills, are still awaiting installation.

The meeting also celebrated academic achievements, with a record number of Advanced Placement (AP) tests administered this summer. A total of 2,390 tests were taken by 1,016 students, resulting in a commendable 92.42% pass rate. This marks a significant increase in participation compared to pre-COVID numbers, reflecting students' commitment to challenging themselves academically.

Transportation updates revealed that all bus routes are prepared for the new school year, with a fully staffed team of drivers, including a majority returning from the previous year. The district is also training drivers on new electric buses, which will be integrated into the transportation system, showcasing a commitment to sustainability.

Overall, the meeting underscored a strong sense of community and readiness as the Lake Oswego School District gears up for a promising school year, with various initiatives aimed at enhancing student experience and academic success.