Central SD 13J students complete criminal-justice capstone; program reports certifications, ORPAT passes and growing enrollment

Central School District 13J students who completed this year’s criminal-justice capstone told the school board that the program produced industry-recognized certifications and physical-ability test passes and that enrollment is expanding for 2025–26.

In a presentation to the board, Rosanna Larson, a staff member who introduced the capstone completers, said 11 students finished the capstone this year and together logged more than 500 hours of professional learning and hands-on experience. Larson said nine students earned FEMA certifications at the 100 and 200 levels, three students passed the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT) required for law-enforcement applicants, and three students already have cadet placements with local agencies. Larson told the board next year’s capstone will enroll about 25 students and that more than 250 students have expressed interest in the introductory course.

The capstone presenters described classroom and field work that included FEMA coursework, ride-alongs, defensive-tactics practice and interview preparation with Monmouth and Independence police departments. Student Hannah Gilbert said the FEMA coursework — the Federal Emergency Management Agency modules — and ORPAT preparation were included in class time and that the ORPAT was administered by a certified instructor. “We got papers that we can then take to law-enforcement agencies if we want to become a cadet,” Gilbert said.

Student speakers also described hands-on learning with local agencies: practicing traffic stops, using police radios, participating in defensive-tactics drills and visiting court. Student Haley (last name not provided) told the board the capstone helped her enter a local cadet program and complete multiple ride-alongs; she said the application process for the cadet program required multiple interviews and a lengthy written component.

The district credited local law-enforcement partners — including Monmouth and Independence police departments and retired Marion County staff who helped build the capstone — for supporting student instruction and providing placement opportunities. Joel Everett, the program instructor praised by the board, was singled out by administrators for his role in delivering the coursework.

Board and district officials described the capstone as a growing pathway that has persuaded several previously undecided students to pursue careers in public safety. Larson and district staff said the program will expand next year and that the district plans additional course offerings and partner activities.

Meeting context: the board received the student presentations during the program reports portion of the June 9 meeting; the capstone segment included several student speakers and district staff and drew questions from board members about program scale and next steps.