Tualatin HISTORY

Today, Tualatin is an economic hub steeped in rich Native American and early pioneer history. Its landscape is still marked by geological events that took place more than 10,000 years ago, at the end of the Ice Age. Over 200 miles away in the Canada/Montana region, an ice dam broke and several ancient 350’ deep oods swept the Tualatin region. The rich soils, abundant wildlife, and numerous rivers and streams throughout the Tualatin Valley provided an ideal home for the Atfalati tribe of the Kalapuyan Nation. Archeology dates the tribe’s history as far back as 9500 years ago. With the arrival of explorers in the 1700s, came a change in the way of life with the introduction of foreign goods and new economic trade. Disease was also introduced by explorers and settlers and by 1855, only 65 of the Tualatin Atfalati remained. Subsequent to a US Government treaty with tribes in the Willamette Valley in 1851, the Atfalati people were moved to the Grand Ronde Reservation. Permanent artifacts on display at the Tualatin Heritage Center tell of the tribe’s history and in uence on the area. After the rst settlers arrived in the mid-1800s, economic development and transportation systems began to pick up speed, moving from river tra c and overland trails to ferries, bridges, two railways, and eventually Highway 99 and then the Interstate 5, and Interstate 205 freeways.

On behalf of Tigard-Tualatin School District 23J (TTSD), welcome to Tualatin. It is my honor to serve as your superintendent and to lead the talented and dedicated group of educators we have here at TTSD. Tualatin is long known for its vibrant spirit of collaboration and investment in education. This is a community that cares deeply for our children and passionately supports public education and equal opportunities for all students.

In the true spirit of an inclusive community, student voice is strong in Tualatin. Students representing our high schools serve as representatives on our School Board, meet regularly with administrators and the Superintendent, and are formally engaged in all decision-making processes that impact our schools and our students.

Tualatin High School’s graduation rate in 2021 was 93%. The “Wolves” are well known for their competitive sports teams and performing arts, and o er comprehensive career and technical education programs that are preparing our students for the future.

We are proud members of the Tualatin Chamber of Commerce and are privileged to work in partnership with our business community. Their investments of time, talent, resources, and dollars through internships, job fairs, STEM supports, and more are opening doors and building a strong workforce for tomorrow. With their ongoing support and the commitment of our citizens, TTSD will continue to create paths to success in school and life for our students; building and maintaining rst-class educational facilities and collectively raising the next generation of community leaders and world-changers. Together we are clearing the way for all students to have a plan for their future, be it college, military service, or a wide range of technical and trade opportunities through our #WorkReady partnerships.

I am so happy to call this community home and look forward to meeting and working alongside you. I am often out and about so please don't hesitate to introduce yourself—my door is always open as I thrive on collaboration and community input.

Warm regards,

Dr. Sue Rieke-Smith Superintendent Tigard-Tualatin School District