Dr. Alexa Pearson named principal of Centennial High School

The Centennial School District introduced Dr. Alexa Pearson as the district's incoming principal at Centennial High School, effective July 1. Superintendent Owens highlighted Pearson's more than 25 years of leadership in school and state education roles and said she will return to the high school community where she previously taught and led departments.

The appointment was presented to the board as part of introductions at the March 11 meeting. Superintendent Owens described Pearson's work at the Oregon Department of Education, where she led statewide teaching and learning strategies and supported early and adolescent literacy, multilingual learners, and instructional materials. Owens said Pearson "brings more than 25 years of experience leading, teaching and learning at the school, district and state levels."

Dr. Alexa Pearson, who was introduced to the board and community, said she was "thrilled to be back at Centennial" and described the decision to return as a heartfelt one. "I always thought when I left Centennial that I would return someday," she said, adding that she appreciates the warm welcome and is "happy to answer any questions."

Board members offered congratulations and noted Pearson's experience working with state systems and local school leadership. The superintendent said the district and Principal Marin Miller are collaborating on a transition plan ahead of Pearson's July start.

No formal vote was recorded in the transcript for the announcement itself; the introduction was described and questions were invited during the meeting. The next procedural board steps for any formal personnel action were not specified during the public portion of the meeting.

What's next: the district will continue transition planning with current school leaders and bring any required personnel items forward to the board as appropriate.