Centennial School Board votes to suspend policy BCB, delays officer elections to July 30

The Centennial School Board voted 3–2 on July 9 to suspend board policy BCB and postpone the election of board officers until the July 30 meeting, a move supporters said would allow newly sworn members to participate and opponents said may set an unwanted precedent.

The motion to suspend policy BCB was made by a board member who opened the discussion by saying the district had two members absent for personal reasons and that delaying the officer vote would allow the newest board member to be sworn in and participate. Director David Lin expressed concern about the timing and precedent, saying, “I have not only questions, but concerns that this is setting kind of a new precedent.”

The maker of the motion cited guidance from the Oregon School Boards Association and an Oregon Revised Statutes reference as the basis for suspending the policy so the appointment could occur with full board participation. The motion was seconded and the chair called for a voice/hand vote; the chair announced the result as 3–2 in favor.

A subsequent exchange clarified that while certain officer elections require a four‑member majority, the board’s staff member observing the conversation said a four‑member quorum is required for some elections but not for the procedural motion to suspend the policy. The board logged the suspension and scheduled the officer elections for July 30.

Also at the meeting, four board members took oaths of office. Michael Newman, David Lin, Director Morin and Pam Shields were sworn in during the session by Superintendent Owens.

The board also approved the June 18, 2025 minutes (four ayes, one abstention) and moved forward with routine confirmation items. The July 30 meeting will include the delayed officer elections and is expected to include a contract approval and additional agenda items noted during tonight’s discussion.