Superintendent's Update

As we enter May, we are closing in on the final stretch of the school year. Across the District, staff and students are focused on finishing strong, with final units of study, performances, and celebrations ahead. It is a busy time, and I appreciate everyone staying focused on supporting our students through to the last day of school.

2025–2026 Proposed Budget

On April 23, 2025, the Centennial School District Budget Committee received the proposed budget for the upcoming school year. This proposal reflects a balance of maintaining essential programs, honoring our strategic priorities, and addressing a widening gap between revenues and costs.

While our District has strengthened its financial foundation in recent years, like most districts we are navigating financial pressures that require careful planning. State funding for public education is increasing, but not at a rate that fully accounts for rising costs. As a result, Centennial must navigate a projected budget shortfall of $3.5 to $4 million, or roughly 5 percent of our General Fund.

To preserve high quality instruction and student support, this proposed budget includes a planned drawdown of reserves, targeted reductions, and internal cost saving measures such as in-sourcing specialized services. Despite these pressures, our commitment to the goals outlined in Roadmap ‘27 remains strong. This includes maintaining investments that support student well-being, academic growth, and inclusive practices.

You can view the proposed budget and read my full Budget Message here. To watch the April 23 Budget Committee meeting, click here.

The next Budget Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Additional details, including a virtual attendance link, are available here.

Teacher Appreciation Week: May 5 to 9

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week, which is a time to recognize the important work of our licensed educators throughout our school district. Our licensed staff are essential in supporting student learning, growth, and success. Their skill, care, and commitment are essential to the strength of our schools and the success of our students.

On April 23, the Centennial School Board formally recognized the contributions of our teachers through a special proclamation, which you can view here.

Please take a moment next week to thank the educators who have shaped your child’s experience or contributed to your school community. Their work matters significantly, and your recognition means a great deal.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to our students and schools. Let’s make these last weeks of the school year a strong finish for everyone.

May is Asian American and Pacific Island (AAPI) Heritage Month. This month serves as an opportunity to celebrate the rich culture, history, and global achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across Centennial and the United States. Join us in celebrating the achievements and progress of the AAPI community.

National School Nurse Day is May 7, and May is National Nurses Month. National School Nurse Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness of the important role of school nurses in keeping our students healthy and safe. Thank you to our dedicated school nurses for caring for our Centennial students.

Centennial School District will observe Memorial day on Monday, May 26, 2025. All schools and offices will be closed. Classes will resume and offices reopen Tuesday, May 27.

Christina Anderson has been selected as the new principal of Pleasant Valley Elementary, effective July 1, 2025.

Christina brings a wealth of experience in instructional leadership, school improvement, and fostering inclusive learning environments. She currently serves as a principal in the Estacada School District, where she has led Clackamas River Elementary since 2020. Prior to her current role, Christina served as an Assistant Principal at Oliver Elementary in Centennial School District, making this a return to a district she is passionate about.

With over two decades in education, Christina has held various leadership and teaching positions, including roles as a classroom teacher, behavior interventionist, school improvement TOSA, and instructional coach. She is deeply committed to equity, student-centered learning, and strengthening relationships between schools, families, and the community. Her experience navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic as a principal has reinforced her belief in collaborative leadership, steady communication, and aligned goals to support student success.

Christina is excited to work with current Principal Holen Robie, Pleasant Valley staff, and the community to ensure a smooth transition.

April Olson has been selected as the new Director of Curriculum and Student Learning, effective July 1, 2025, filling the position that will be vacated by current Director Maureen Callahan following her retirement.

April brings 29 years of experience in education and currently serves as both the Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning and Director of Federal Programs in the Reynolds School District. In these roles, she has worked closely with educators to enhance instructional effectiveness, strengthen student engagement, and implement multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) with a focus on data-driven decision-making while also managing district-wide initiatives in school improvement, early learning, attendance, and community partnerships.

April’s career spans various leadership and teaching experiences. Prior to her current work in Reynolds, April served 13 years as the Director of Federal Programs in the Gresham Barlow School District. She has also served as an Assistant Principal at the middle school level, Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) focused on reading at the elementary level, 5th and 6th grade teacher, and Global Science and Biology teacher. Throughout her career, April has demonstrated a commitment to instructional excellence, professional learning, and leveraging resources to support equitable student outcomes.

April is excited to collaborate with the Centennial community to further strengthen instructional practices and create engaging learning environments that empower all students to succeed.

Marin Miller, current principal at Centennial High School, has been selected as the new Director of Human Resources, effective July 1, 2025.

Marin’s dedication to fostering a supportive, high-performing environment for staff and students alike makes him an excellent fit for this new position. He brings with him nearly two decades of administrative experience and a deep commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment that supports both staff and students. Marin’s leadership experience extends across all educational levels, having previously served as principal at Powell Butte Elementary, Saghalie Middle School, and Twin Lakes Elementary, as well as assistant principal at Lakota Middle School in Federal Way, Washington. Marin’s work has consistently focused on developing effective instructional systems, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

In addition to his school leadership roles, Marin has been actively involved in district-level initiatives, serving as an administrative representative on key committees, including Licensed and Classified Negotiations, the Bond Oversight Committee, and the Equity Steering Committee. His experience in labor relations, staff development, and strategic planning will serve the District well in his new role as Director of Human Resources.

On Thursday, May 1, many of our Nutrition Services staff dressed as super heroes in honor of School Lunch Hero Day. Created in 2013 by the School Nutrition Association, School Lunch Hero Day celebrates the diligent work of Nutrition staff in serving healthy meals that align to strict nutrition standards.

For many children, school lunch is the most important and nutrient-rich meal of their day. All Centennial students have access to free breakfast and lunch Daily, where fresh local products, Farm-to-School options, and students favorites are a part of our daily offerings. Thank you to our dedicated Nutrition Services heroes for fueling our students each and every day!

Our Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program -- operated in collaboration with the City of Portland -- continues to grow, in large part thanks to our new SRTS Coordinator Ian Rees. This position is funded by a multi-year award from the Oregon Department of Transportation, and is focused on collaboration with community partners to promote education and increase alternative transportation safety for students in our District who walk, bike, or otherwise travel "on foot" to school.

Since joining the Centennial School District this year, Ian has worked quickly to get the growth of the SRTS program going. In April, Ian coordinated with Angie Darby of Pollin Hotels to facilitate a bike giveaway for approximately 47 first, second, and third grade students. Additionally, on April 16th, a Pedestrian Safety Training was provided to all elementary school PE teachers across the District. This will ensure that all elementary students will receive pedestrian safety education as a part of the regular school schedule.

There several upcoming events this school year connected to the SRTS program, including a Parade of Nations walking event at Parklane Elementary and a bike rodeo at Meadows Elementary, with plans for even more events next year District-wide.

Check out the new Traffic Playground at Davis Park in Gresham, opening May 30. Traffic playgrounds are fun spaces for kids (and adults) to learn the rules of the road away from street traffic. There are travel lanes, crosswalks, stop signs and places to visit like parks, businesses, schools and neighborhoods. Bring bicycles, scooters, wheelchairs or feet! For more information, visit https://www.greshamoregon.gov/services/parks-and-recreation/traffic-playgrounds/

We are pleased to announce that we will once again be running a summer program for Centennial students, in collaboration with our partners at SUN. Our summer program will be held July 7th-25th. Dining services will be providing meals, and transportation for students on bus routes will be available.

Watch your school's newsletter in the coming weeks for registration information and more details!

We are excited to announce that the new location of the Centennial Transition Center (CTC) will be opening this June. The new building on SE 160th Ave. will provide a permanent, District-owned home for the CTC, allowing for more students to be served at that location.

In preparation for opening, the building has undergone significant renovations, funded by the Board Reserve Fund for one-time capital improvements. These renovations are designed to best support CTC students including moving walls, creating multiple instruction spaces, all new flooring, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, fire life safety systems, and life skill teaching areas.

The CTC serves students with Individualized Education Plans (or IEPs) who have graduated with alternate diplomas as they transition to life after high school. The key focus of CTC is to help young adults build independence and quality of life with an emphasis on preparing students for independent living, employment, and linking them to appropriate community and adult services. We are excited to open our permanent location soon for this important program!