Centennial School District 28j

Superintendent James Owens

The Centennial School District Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint James Owens as the District’s Superintendent effective July 1, 2021, succeeding Dr. Paul E. Coakley who accepted a position as Superintendent of Multnomah Education Service District.  

During his tenure, Centennial’s accomplishments have included:

• Completing 2020 Capital Bond projects
• Converting Oliver Elementary School into Oliver Middle School
• Transitioning 6th grade from the elementary to the middle school level
• Planning and implementing a Comprehensive School Boundary Adjustment
• Conducting a District-wide Equity Audit
• Developing the District’s Four-Year Strategic Plan: Roadmap ‘27

Previously, Mr. Owens successfully served as Centennial’s Assistant Superintendent/ Director of Human Resources for five years, from 2016-2021. Additionally, he served as Principal at Butler Creek Elementary School from 2012-2016 and an elementary school teacher in the Reynolds School District, teaching grades K-4, from 2005-2012.

Mr. Owens has a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Oregon State University, a Master of Arts in teaching and Professional Administrator License from Lewis & Clark College.

Owens is a proud Centennial High School graduate and is committed to the success of each student in the Centennial School District.