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Centennial plans expanded summer learning with $813,000 ODE grant; explores Rockwood partnership
Summary
Superintendent James Owens told the Centennial School Board May 14 the district will run a two‑week, academically focused summer learning program July 7–25 supported by an $813,000 allocation from Oregon Department of Education summer learning grants (HB 5047).
Superintendent James Owens on May 14 summarized district plans for summer learning, partnerships and community outreach.
Owens said Centennial will operate a comprehensive summer learning program Monday–Friday from July 7 through July 25 with academic support and enrichment for grades K–12. The program includes literacy and math camps for elementary and middle school students, STEM enrichment such as Camp Invention, summer recovery and a ninth‑grade transition program at the high school. Owens told the board the district’s portion of Oregon Department of Education summer learning grants totals $813,000 for 2025, funds established under House Bill 5047 intended to support evidence‑based summer learning focused on literacy and academic gains.
Programming will be staffed by Centennial educators and Sun Partners and offered at Butler Creek, Centennial Middle School and Centennial High School. Transportation and staffing are included in planning, Owens said, and district staff reported active interest from educators about summer positions; the program will prioritize students identified for literacy support under the ODE grant requirements.
Owens also described a recent meeting with Brad Ketch, CEO of Rockwood Community Development Corporation (RCDC), to explore collaboration around housing stability, health services and food access. The superintendent said RCDC’s programs — housing transitional populations, health fairs and food systems work — align with district supports and that staff will continue to pursue partnerships to strengthen services for families.
The board discussed grant timing and staffing challenges. Owens said the 2025 allocation provides multi‑year visibility but final district allocations depend on ODE formulas; he and staff will follow ODE guidance. Director Callahan noted the grant’s eligibility rules require focused enrollment on students most in need of literacy supports rather than an open‑door model.
Owens also described Centennial’s role hosting an East County Building Bridges series on violence prevention and community belonging with partner agencies; the series runs weekly through early June and includes events for adults and youth.
