After six years of leadership marked by transformation, resilience, and community-building, Wilsonville High School Principal Kelly Schmidt is stepping down from her role to reunite with her family in Bend, Oregon. In a heartfelt farewell letter shared with students and staff, Schmidt reflected on her time at Wilsonville with gratitude and pride.
“For the past six years, it has been my privilege to serve as the Principal at Wilsonville High School,” she wrote. “This time has been filled with joy, professional growth, and pride.”
Schmidt has accepted a position as a middle school principal in the Bend-La Pine School District, a decision she made to live full-time with her husband, who resides in Bend. “As a family, we’ve decided that it’s time for us to live in the same city,” she explained.
Her departure comes after a period of significant progress and change at WHS. Under Schmidt’s leadership, the school navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, implemented a new bell schedule, expanded career and technical education (CTE) offerings, and grew the school’s high school dual language program. She also oversaw the launch of standards-based grading and played a key role in promoting inclusion and support for all students.
“Every bit of this work has been student-centered and focused on expanding possibilities for our kids,” Schmidt wrote. “I leave WLWV knowing that the people here care deeply for students in a way that elevates ALL. I am better for this experience.”
Students reacted to the news with a mix of curiosity, respect, and cautious optimism about the school’s next chapter.
“I don’t think it impacts me personally,” said junior Emily Worthen, “but I’m curious to see who will be new and stepping in. I wonder if the vice principal will step up.” She added that the next principal should be proactive and ready to address school-wide issues: “Someone who’s willing to stop the things that shouldn’t be happening — all the vaping. They should be outspoken individuals and willing to stand up for themselves.”
While the district has not yet announced who will succeed Schmidt, her absence will undoubtedly be felt by both staff and students. Her emphasis on student voice, equity, and continuous improvement has shaped WHS’s identity in recent years.
In her closing words, Schmidt expressed confidence in the strength of the team she leaves behind: “One thing I know is that we have incredible leaders here at WHS and I am confident they, with you, will continue to move our vision forward.”
Her parting words? A fitting tribute to the school spirit she championed throughout her tenure: “Go Cats!”
As Wilsonville looks ahead to a leadership transition, there is one certainty—Kelly Schmidt’s legacy of commitment, inclusivity, and resilience will not be easily forgotten.