07/09/2025
July 7, 2025
Dear Phoenix students and families;
My heart is broken.
On June 30, the sponsorship of Phoenix Charter School by Roseburg Public Schools officially came to an end. Our parent non-profit corporation, Phoenix School of Roseburg (known as “Phoenix School”), however, is not closing and remains dedicated to providing wrap-around services to youth in Roseburg and Douglas County including workforce readiness, physical needs, connections to social services, and life coaching.
At Phoenix School of Roseburg, administrators and Board directors have been searching to find alternative funding to continue operating Phoenix as a public high school. Unfortunately, no new sponsor has surfaced, and other resources take considerable time to acquire. Although we will diligently continue to search for a way forward, decisions must be made soon by students and families to continue a high school education this fall without Phoenix as an option.
Phoenix is more than a school – we are a family. We have no intention of leaving our kids high and dry. To that end, we are keeping counselors on staff through the summer to meet with Phoenix students individually or in small groups to discuss options for their future education and how to access wrap-around services. Lisa, AJ, and Joshua will be available to provide support and guidance. Watch for future correspondence with details. As Lisa says to her students when things get tough, “This may be hard to do – but you can do hard things.” Phoenix School will be here to help you.
I envision the phenomenal day when Phoenix reopens - after a semester, year, or maybe more. Phoenix School is too valuable for so many students to stay down for long. From the flames of current challenges, Phoenix will rise again.
Sincerely,
Laurie Newton
