May 16, 2025 3:40 a.m.
On Wednesday, the Roseburg Public Schools Board of Directors voted to not renew its sponsorship of Phoenix Charter School, citing concerns over noncompliance with contractual obligations, and state and federal laws.
An RPS release said the unanimous decision follows the completion of the legally required charter renewal process under state law, which included a renewal hearing on April 9th. As part of the process, RPS secured a consultant from the Oregon School Boards Association to review the charter school’s academic, financial and organizational performance.
Superintendent Jared Cordon said following the review, OSBA Director of Board Development Kristen Miles recommended the board deny the school’s request to renew charter sponsorship. Cordon said in addition to legal compliance issues, the review found that the school has continually fallen far below standards in several academic areas, as well as attendance rates and graduation rates. That report can be viewed at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FwN6tzfUKSkp2fMITyaRzAi7syxEdFyZ/view
The release said RPS last renewed its charter agreement with Phoenix five years ago, with the current contract set to expire on June 30. Per the sponsorship agreement with Phoenix, school leaders have been providing updates to the Roseburg School Board three times per year to review progress with attendance, academic achievement, and students on track to graduate.
While the district sponsor’s Phoenix, charter schools in Oregon are considered independent, nonprofit organizations that have autonomy over their mission, strategic planning, budget, hiring, and the development and implementation of educational programs.
Cordon said as the charter school’s sponsor, RPS is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, and that the school is financially viable, maintains successful academic programs and is responsibly managed.
The release said the school district and board of directors do not have jurisdiction over whether the school remains open, whether the school continues operations under sponsorship from another district, or whether the school continues to function as a private organization.