LAKE OSWEGO, Ore. (Lake Oswego Review) — Lake Oswego Junior High School Principal Kevin Mills was arrested in West Linn on Friday night for suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxicants.
According to the West Linn Police Department, Mills was stopped while driving on Debok Road at around 10:15 p.m. Friday by Officer Adam Simms. No further details were immediately available, Public Information Officer Jeff Halverson told The Review.
Mills was booked into Clackamas County Jail and released on $7,000 bond Saturday after being charged with DUII.
Mills is in his first year as principal at LOJ after announcing in July 2018 that he was leaving his position as principal at West Linn High School to make the move to the Lake Oswego School District. During his 10 years in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District, he also worked as an assistant principal at WLHS and served for one year as athletic director.
Christine Moses, the LOSD’s director of communications, told The Review on Saturday night that district officials planned to meet with Mills on Monday morning and would have no comment until then.
Late Saturday evening, though, Mills emailed a letter of apology to the LOJ community that Moses forwarded to the entire district. Here’s what Mills wrote:
“I need to write and express my sincere apology about an incident that occurred Friday night that does not live up to the expectations I have of my character.
“Last Friday night, I was cited with a DUI by West Linn police. A breath test estimated my blood alcohol content at 0.10 (the legal limit is 0.08). There was no accident and I cooperated fully with law enforcement that evening. The district administration is aware and I have been in contact with them.
“Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense, and I understand the dangers and the irresponsibility of drinking and driving. At no point should I have gotten behind the wheel.
“I am disappointed in myself and embarrassed to have represented myself in this manner. As with any incident that occurs, it is important that we learn from our mistakes and grow as a person. I can assure you that this has been a life lesson for me.
“I understand that leading Lake Oswego Junior High comes with an expectation that you can trust your principal maintains the highest level of integrity. It is my commitment to continue to portray the strong characteristics that I believe I have as a leader and rebuild trust with our families and community.
“I love being a part of this community and look forward to continuing to support your kids.”
Contact Lake Oswego Review reporter Sam Stites at 503-479-2378 or sstites@pamplinmedia.com