Superintendent's Update

As we begin a new year together, January offers a chance to recommit to the shared work that anchors our schools and our community. This month invites us to recognize service and focus on the values that guide how we support students and families each day. At a time when many may be carrying questions or a sense of uncertainty, our schools continue to be places of learning, connection, and stability for every student we serve.

While the calendar year may be new, there are several topics that have been at the forefront of conversations across our District throughout this school year. You will find updates on several of these topics in this month's newsletter.

Licensed Employee Bargaining & Mediation Information

After 15 bargaining sessions, the Centennial School District and the Centennial Education Association (CEA) will enter state mediation on February 4, 2026. Mediation is a standard part of the bargaining process. During mediation school remains open, students continue to learn, and both sides continue to work toward a contract that supports strong classrooms and a stable future for the District.

In order to provide our community with more in-depth information about this negotiations process, we have updated our bargaining and mediation information webpage, which can be found at www.csd28j.org/ceanegotiations. We remain committed to achieving a contract settlement with CEA that supports strong classrooms and a stable future for the District, keeping our students at the center of everything we do.

Long Range Facilities Planning

As we continue to plan for the long-term success of the District, our next Long-Range Facilities Planning process is underway. Staff across schools and departments have recently participated in listening sessions, and over the next year we will continue to provide opportunities for all stakeholders groups in our community to share their feedback and perspectives on how to ensure that Centennial facilities are equitable, sustainable, and meet the educational needs of students long into the future.

The next step in this planning process is the formation of a Facilities Advisory Committee. Applications to participate in this Committee are now open; please see below for more information on being a part of this important work.

As we observe Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I am reminded of his words: “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” In Centennial, that responsibility shows up in how we care for students, partner with families, and plan thoughtfully for the future. The updates in this newsletter reflect that ongoing commitment and the work ahead.

It's School Board Recognition Month! Each January, Oregon’s 197 K-12 school districts come together to celebrate and honor our school board members for their service to students, families, and the community. These elected volunteers give their personal time and energy to the important task of overseeing school budgets, policies, and other critical management tasks.

We are so grateful for the efforts of our Centennial School District Board of Directors: Chair Pam Shields, Vice Chair Will Mohring, Rose Solowski, David Linn, Ronald "Jess" Hardin, Melissa Standley, and Michael Newman.

Please join us this month in thanking these amazing individuals for their dedication to our Centennial schools!

On Monday, January 19th, our District will observe the federal holiday designated to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Please note that all Centennial schools and District departments/offices will be closed on this date. Classes resume Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Last week, Mark Martens joined Centennial High School as our new Temporary Assistant Principal.

Mark brings more than 30 years of experience in education and has served school communities at Tualatin High School, West Linn High School, Canby High School, Northwest Cabarrus High School in North Carolina, Baker Prairie Middle School, and Forest Grove Middle School in Florida. Throughout his career, he has worked as an English teacher, Assistant Principal, Associate Principal, Athletic Director, and Intervention Specialist, supporting students both in and beyond the classroom.

Mark is passionate about supporting students and families and believes strongly in building welcoming, safe, and supportive school environments where students feel connected and empowered to succeed. His collaborative leadership style and commitment to community make him a strong addition to the Centennial High School leadership team.

The Centennial School District is forming a Facilities Advisory Committee as part of our Long-Range Facilities Planning process, and is seeking volunteer participants. Committee members will provide important feedback to ensure that our facilities are equitable, sustainable, and meet future educational needs. This Committee will also be involved in developing a long-range facilities plan recommendation for our Board of Directors, in an advisory capacity.

Members of the Facilities Advisory Committee will serve as representatives of their school, organization, and/or community. Participants are encouraged to engage in dialogue with others in the community and share that feedback in Committee meetings. Additionally, Centennial is seeking participants committed to considering the needs of all students and engaging in holistic thinking to address the needs of the District as a whole.

Members of the Facilities Advisory Committee will meet 3-4 times during Spring 2026, with at least two additional meetings in Fall 2026. Meetings will be scheduled during evening hours, and interpreter services will be available. The tentative schedule for Spring 2026 meetings is as follows:

• Thursday, March 5 - 5:00-7:30pm

• Thursday, April 2 - 5:00-7:30pm

• Thursday, April 30 - 5:00-7:30pm

• Thursday, May 28 - 5:00-7:30pm

If you are interested in applying to participate in the Facilities Advisory Committee, please complete the application at the link below (application form is also available in Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, and Vietnamese). Applications are due by 5pm on Friday, February 6. Selected Committee members will be notified by Friday, February 20. Please note that in the event we receive more applications than available committee positions, not all applicants will be selected. If you have questions about the Facilities Advisory Committee or the application process, please contact our Chief Communications Officer Christine Andregg at christine_andregg@csd28j.org.

Thank you for your interest in serving on the Facilities Advisory Committee!

As is common with our breaks during the school year, Winter Break provided an opportunity for important capital improvement projects to be completed at two of our schools.

Parklane Elementary School: Covered Play Area

A new 4000 square foot covered play area was completed at Parklane Elementary School to better support student wellness and daily activities. This structure allows students to continue enjoying outdoor recess during rainy weather while also providing critical shade and sun protection during periods of high heat. The project improves safety, expands usable outdoor space year-round, and reduces the need for indoor recess disruptions. Staff and students can look forward to enjoying the structure for many years.

Centennial High School: Gymnasium Sound System Upgrades
Also during Winter Break, the Facilities and Technology teams replaced decades-old sound system equipment in the gymnasiums at Centennial High School. The equipment had become unreliable and difficult to maintain. The new digital sound system provides significantly improved clarity, consistency, and dependability for daily use and large events. It offers the flexibility to broadcast the same audio across all three gymnasiums or operate each gym independently with separate sound and music simultaneously. This upgrade enhances athletic events, assemblies, and school functions while reducing maintenance issues and ensuring the system can meet current and future needs.

Last year, our District put together a cohesive process to engage stakeholders and develop the work our of Profile of a Graduate, part of our Roadmap '27 strategic plan. As we enter the next phase of implementing the Profile elements, this year each school will be selecting a program or activity to pilot aligned with the objectives of the Profile.

On Wednesday, December 17, teachers and administrators participating in these pilots met for the first Profile Pilot Leaders meeting. These meetings, which will continue throughout the rest of the school year, gives participants a chance to connect, collaborate, and align their pilots with the components contained within the Profile of a Graduate.

In the coming months, our schools and District will be sharing highlights and progress of these pilot programs with you, as our ongoing implementation of the Profile of a Graduate comes to life in our classrooms and through our instructional practices.

On October 22, 2025, the Centennial School District Board of Directors adopted a revised version of Policy JFCEB, which outlines our District’s policy for personal electronic devices. This policy adoption aligns with Governor Kotek's Executive Order No. 25-09, which requires that all Oregon school districts have a policy in place that restricts the use of personal electronic devices.

Important Components of the Revised Policy JFCEB:

• Device use is prohibited each day from the start of school until the end of school.
• Device use is prohibited when students are under the supervision of school staff other than a bus driver. This includes off-campus field trips.
• Personal electronic devices may be kept in school or classroom lockers or backpacks, but may not be stored on the student’s person or in the student’s clothing.
• Discipline for possession or use of a personal electronic device may not include loss of instructional time for the student, but could other disciplinary measures.

Each of our schools have implemented the changes to Policy JFCEB with consideration to age-appropriate practices and current school rules. In some of our schools, the new policy will look and feel very similar to existing practices that were already in place at the start of the 2025-26 school year.

For more information on the revised Policy JFCEB, as well as frequently asked questions, please visit our Personal Electronic Device Policy webpage at the link below:

Centennial School District is excited to announce that we have partnered with Propio Language Services to create dedicated phone lines for families who prefer to communicate in:

Ukrainian, Karen, Dari, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Arabic

When families call these numbers, they are immediately connected with an interpreter who can help them communicate with their child’s school. This service allows families to ask questions, share needs, and receive support without language being a barrier.

Families who speak Russian or Spanish should continue to contact their school’s bilingual liaison directly for assistance.

Language line numbers:

• Ukrainian: 503-748-0763

• Karen: 503-455-7721

• Dari: 503-987-3554

• Cantonese: 503-966-9916

• Vietnamese: 503-751-8377

• Arabic: 503-809-5141

This new resource is an important step in strengthening communication and ensuring that all families feel welcomed, informed, and supported across our district.

If you have questions or need help accessing these services, please contact your school’s front office.

Don't forget - February 25, 2026 is the deadline for required student vaccinations this year. There will be no walk-in clinics available, so families wanting to make vaccination appointments at a Student Heath Center are encouraged to make their appointments as soon as possible!

For more information about required vaccines, visit MESD's Immunization webpage here. For a list of required vaccinations (available in multiple languages), visit our District's immunization webpage here.

To view this flyer in Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese, or Somali, click here.