Centennial School District 28j

The Board is composed of seven publicly elected community members who serve a four-year term.  Appointed members only finish the remainder of the term they are appointed to and then must register to run for election with Multnomah County if they wish to continue serving on the Board.  Elections occur every two years in May, in odd number years.

You must be a registered voter and you must have lived in the District for one year immediately preceding the election.  School district employees may not run for the Board.

Three Board Members reside in the zone they represent and four serve at-large representing the District as a whole (Board Zone Map).

School Board Members advocate on behalf of the District, the students, and the importance of learning.  Because they serve the community, Board Members must work with the public as they establish the mission and direction of the District. A Board Member must be a skilled decision-maker and team player, a public-education advocate, and willing to devote time and energy to this volunteer position.

The Board’s roles include:

• Adopting policy
• Establishing District vision and goals
• Highering and evaluating the Superintendent
• Adotping a budget and aligning resources to priorities
• Approving curriculum

School Board service is volunteer-based and involves a substantial time commitment — and remember, there’s no salary. The School Board typically meets one or two evenings a month. Before the regular meetings, Board Members need to study the materials (board packets) provided by staff, so they can make informed decisions. In addition, a substantial time commitment is required of Board Members beyond meetings and meeting preparation. There are committee meetings, work sessions and appearances on behalf of the District. 

Check out School Board Policy Section A/B Board Governance and Operations for more information on the work of a Board Member. 

The next election is May 20, 2025

Key Dates to be aware of:

• February 8, 2025 – Filing Period Opens
• March 20, 2025 – Filing Deadline
• March 24, 2025 – Deadline for Voter Pamphlet Submissions

Candidates must complete an application and file with the Multnomah County Elections Division

Special election filing forms, important dates and instructions can be found on the Multnomah County Elections Website. If interested, candidates or prospective candidates can schedule a 30 minute appointment with the Elections District and Candidate Specialist to discuss or review candidate and Voters' Pamphlet filings. If you are interested in meeting, please email kali.odell@multco.us.

The Oregon School Board Association (OSBA) offers workshops and conferences for potential candidates to learn about being a Board Member. The OSBA also equips School Board Members with the leadership training once they’ve been elected. 

Throughout the community, there are organizations who provide support to people who want to run for public office. Current Board Members also are available as resources.

Multnomah County Elections Division has also developed a 2025 District Candidate Guide for more detailed information.