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Community Testifies as Roseburg School Board Holds Hearing on Phoenix Charter Renewal
Summary
The Roseburg School Board convened a public hearing to gather testimony on Phoenix Charter School's request for renewal. Dozens of students, parents, staff and community members spoke for and against renewal; no vote was taken at the hearing and the board is scheduled to vote on the statutory renewal criteria on May 14.
A Roseburg Public Schools public hearing on the renewal request for Phoenix Charter School drew a large and emotional turnout, with parents, students, staff and community members delivering two-minute statements both supporting and criticizing the charter.
Oregon School Boards Association director of board development Kristen Miles opened the hearing and told the board the proceeding was held to gather public input under ORS 338.0655(c). Miles reminded the board that no decision would be made at the hearing and outlined the next steps: she will prepare a report and the board is scheduled to vote on the statutory renewal criteria under ORS 338.0658(a) on May 14.
Proponents described Phoenix as a small, relationship-driven alternative that serves students who struggle in larger schools. “Phoenix School has become a critical part of Douglas County,” said Rick Wiesenberg, who urged the board to renew the charter. Parents and students testified that the school provides individualized attention, mental health supports, and programs not available at larger campuses. One parent told the board, “No crying in the morning… he loves his school,” and several students and family members described improved grades and attendance after enrolling at Phoenix.
Other speakers questioned Phoenix’s academic outcomes and compliance with agreed performance goals. Sarah Markle, identifying herself by profession during her remarks, cited state accountability measures and several performance indicators in urging the board not to renew. Markle said Phoenix’s records show “21% of students that attend regularly, 11 percent of students who claim to be going to college, [and] 30% on‑time graduation,” and she referenced the Every Student Succeeds Act accountability designation that she described as “level 1 out of 5 across all areas.” She urged the board to deny renewal, calling the persistent low ratings “educational malpractice.”
Board and staff observers repeatedly reminded speakers that the hearing was limited to public comment on the renewal request; Miles and Assistant Superintendent Michelle Nee reiterated the process and two‑minute time limit. Several speakers representing Phoenix — including a current Phoenix board member and the school’s dean of students — said the school serves students with high needs, noting services such as individualized behavior support, food, showers and laundry access, and help connecting families to community resources.
Kristen Miles concluded the hearing by reiterating the statutory timeline: she will compile the record and provide a recommendation to the board and superintendent, and the board must vote within 30 days or by the date agreed between the district and the charter school. If the board approves the renewal, the district and charter school will have 90 days to negotiate a contract; if denied, the charter school may appeal.
The hearing was adjourned after roughly the allotted 30-minute public comment period; board business proceeded afterward. The board itself did not take a vote on the renewal at the hearing.
Votes and next steps: the board will vote on the renewal criteria on May 14. Miles said her report compiling the hearing testimony and other materials will inform that vote.
