A Lake Oswego school principal was arrested Friday on suspicion of drunken driving.

Kevin Mills, Lake Oswego Junior High principal, wrote in a message to families that West Linn police cited him for driving under the influence of intoxicants. His blood alcohol content was .10, according to a police spokesman.

The legal limit is .08 percent.

An officer stopped Mills on Debok Road at 10:15 p.m., the police spokesman said. Police haven’t released details about why Mills was stopped.

He was booked into Clackamas County Jail on Saturday and released on his own recognizance the same day, according to sheriff’s office records.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense, and I understand the dangers and the irresponsibility of drinking and driving,” Mills wrote in his message, which was sent to all parents and district administrators. “At no point should I have gotten behind the wheel.”

Mills is in his first year as principal of Lake Oswego Junior High, according to the Lake Oswego Review, which first reported the arrest. He previously served as principal at West Linn High School.

Mills is still employed by the Lake Oswego School District, according to a district spokeswoman. She didn’t immediately respond to a follow-up question asking whether Mills was put on leave because of the incident.

Superintendent Michael Musick said he takes the arrest “very seriously.”

“I want the community to know that this is very disappointing and unacceptable behavior for any of our employees especially when it involves one of our principals,” he said in a statement.

He said that he’d gotten “a number of responses” to Mills’ message — many of which gave him “advice as to (his) next steps.”

“As always, I value and appreciate parental input and suggestions,” Musick said in his statement. “With that said, we need to take time for self-reflection and discussions with our children and families so we can collectively learn from these mistakes. This is a part of restoring trust, but also providing space for our grace and kindness toward the individual who transgressed.”

Read Mills’ full statement below.

January 12, 2019

Dear Lake Oswego Junior High School Families,

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 the 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.

Sincerely,

Kevin Mills

Lake Oswego Junior High

Principal

— Jim Ryan; jryan@oregonian.com; 503-221-8005; @Jimryan015

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