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Centennial outlines timeline and selection criteria for new District Equity Committee; aims for 10–15 diverse members
Summary
District staff presented a plan on Jan. 8 to form a District Equity Committee required by Oregon education rules. The presentation outlined purpose, duties, a selection timeline, a requirement to appoint a committee member to the budget committee when there is a vacancy, and outreach plans to ensure representation of historically marginalized pop
On Jan. 8, Centennial School District staff presented a plan to the Governing Board to form a District Equity Committee to meet Oregon Department of Education expectations and to advise district leadership on equity-related policies, programming and climate.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Katsuda and district staff designee Denise told the board the committee’s purpose is to inform and advise the superintendent and school board on the experiences of historically underserved student groups, educational equity impacts of policy decisions, district climate, and whether issues are unique or systemic. The committee would review disaggregated student data, provide input into long-term strategic planning and, when appropriate, participate in curriculum-adoption review processes.
Staff recommended a committee of about 10 to 15 members to reflect the district’s diversity, and outlined an outreach and application process intended to surface students, parents, staff and community members from historically marginalized groups. The planned timeline: outreach and application collection through February; application review and superintendent recommendations March–May; board appointments in late spring; orientation and a June welcome; and regularly scheduled meetings during the 2025–26 school year (proposed Thursdays, 5–7 p.m.).
The presenters said the district must select at least one committee member to serve on the district budget committee when a budget committee vacancy occurs; guidance from the Oregon Department of Education was cited and staff said they would confirm whether that equity committee representative would be a voting budget-committee member. The presenters also explained that Division 22 expectations and other state guidance inform the requirement.
Staff said materials for outreach are prepared in multiple languages, and that the district has developed an interest form, a screening rubric and a communications plan. Board members asked explicit questions about logistics: whether childcare would be provided to reduce barriers (staff said it is on the planning list), whether committee members could be compensated (staff said it was being considered), and whether students of different grade bands could serve staggered multi-year terms to provide continuity. Staff said they have consulted districts that have already implemented similar committees and will continue that outreach.
Board members raised concerns about safety and potential controversy. Dr. Katsuda and Denise said larger districts’ experiences have shown the need to plan for safety protocols, to clarify public-record obligations and to write application language that seeks applicants committed to productive, constructive work toward equity rather than to sabotage. Staff emphasized that the committee is advisory.
Questions about budget-committee membership and voting status will be confirmed by staff before final appointments. Staff also reiterated the committee will receive orientation on responsibilities and district context before beginning work.
No formal board vote was taken on Jan. 8; staff asked the board for feedback on the proposed approach and timeline and to authorize the outreach and selection process described in the presentation.
