Phoenix School Faces Setback, But Support for Students Remains Strong
Phoenix Charter School’s sponsorship by Roseburg Public Schools has ended, halting its high school program for now. But Phoenix School will continue to provide youth services and support, vowing to help students and families as they navigate their next steps.
ROSEBURG, Ore. - After decades of serving students across Douglas County, Phoenix Charter School has officially lost its sponsorship from Roseburg Public Schools as of June 30. While this marks the end of an era for the unique public high school, the heart of Phoenix - the nonprofit Phoenix School of Roseburg - remains steadfast in its mission.
Phoenix School, the parent nonprofit, is not closing. Instead, it will continue providing critical wrap-around services for youth throughout the area. These services include workforce readiness, support for physical needs, connections to social agencies, and life coaching. The organization’s leadership and Board of Directors are actively searching for new funding streams in hopes of one day reopening the high school doors.
In a heartfelt message, Executive Director Laurie Newton emphasized that the search for an alternative sponsor or new resources has not yet yielded a solution, and time is running out for students and families to find an alternative for this fall. Still, Newton assured families that Phoenix School’s staff are committed to supporting students through this transition.
“Phoenix is more than a school, we are a family,” Newton wrote. “We have no intention of leaving our kids high and dry.”
To support students, Phoenix School will keep counselors available throughout the summer, offering one-on-one and small-group guidance to discuss education options and access other wrap-around support. Students will continue to have access to trusted staff members, Lisa, AJ, and Joshua, who will be there to help every step of the way.
In her letter, Newton quoted Lisa, a beloved staff member: “This may be hard to do, but you can do hard things.” She urged families to look for further updates as the summer unfolds.
Despite the uncertainty, Newton ended on a hopeful note, envisioning the day Phoenix reopens its high school. “Phoenix School is too valuable for so many students to stay down for long. From the flames of current challenges, Phoenix will rise again,” she wrote.
For now, Phoenix School’s commitment to Roseburg’s youth remains unshaken, and its legacy of resilience endures.
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