South Coast ESD

OSSA Names 2025–26 Superintendent of the Year

The Oregon Small Schools Association (OSSA) has selected Eric Milburn, Superintendent of Central Curry School District, as its 2025–26 Superintendent of the Year. The award will be presented at the Annual COSA Conference on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Seaside.

Milburn was recognized for measurable gains in student achievement, strong community partnerships, and sustained statewide advocacy for small and rural schools. Highlights of his tenure include raising elementary ELA performance from below to above the state average in a single year, completing a bond project under budget, establishing an early childhood center at Riley Creek Elementary, and expanding CTE programs in digital arts, horticulture, and food science.
A longtime OSSA Board member and former Board Chair, Milburn has served as a legislative advocate and mentor for superintendents across Oregon for more than a decade.

As we recognize Licensed Employee Appreciation Week, I want to express my sincere appreciation for the skill, commitment, and care our licensed professionals bring to their work every day. Across SCESD, licensed staff contribute in many different ways through instruction, evaluation, consultation, therapy, coaching, professional learning, and more. Much of this work requires deep expertise, thoughtful judgment, and strong relationships built over time. You apply that expertise in the service of students, families, and districts with consistency and professionalism. What stands out to me is the way this work is carried out, with respect for individuals, attention to complex needs, and a steady focus on doing what best supports learning and well-being. Whether your role is highly visible or behind the scenes, your contributions shape the quality and credibility of the services we provide across the region. To all of our licensed professionals, thank you for the care you bring to this work. Your efforts matter, and they make a meaningful difference for those we serve and for one another. With heartfelt appreciation, - Paul

Warning: attending Gift of Literacy at Southwestern Oregon Community College may cause unexpected joy, spontaneous book envy, and a sudden desire to learn to read all over again. First graders are not playing around.
#GiftOfLiteracy #SWOCC #TinyReadersLoudImpact #EveryChildReads

As we celebrate Classified Appreciation Week, the EAC wants to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you. The truth is simple: our ESD could not function without the steady support, skill, and wisdom you bring to your work every day.
Whether you’re assisting students, supporting programs, keeping our systems running, or ensuring our schools and offices operate smoothly, your efforts make a profound difference. Your dedication shows up in countless ways—often behind the scenes—and it strengthens the success of both our students and our entire organization.
Please take a moment this week to acknowledge the impact our classified staff has in our workspaces. And to everyone across SCESD: we encourage you to say thank you whenever you can. A small gesture of appreciation goes a long way.
Thank you for your hard work, your commitment, and the care you put into everything you do. We are truly grateful for you - Employee Activities Committee

THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL DISTRICTS WILL IMPLEMENT A 2-HOUR DELAYED START ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH :

MYRTLE POINT SCHOOL DISTRICT
PORT ORFORD-LANGLOIS SCHOOL DISTRICT

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN!!!!

2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year Program Seeks Exceptional Educators

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with Oregon Lottery, invites regional districts to participate in the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year program by nominating exemplary educators who are making a difference in their communities.

Log in here to nominate your Teacher of the Year: https://oregonteacheroftheyear.org/nominate/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Nomination Deadline: February 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Our Superintendent and Board Members enjoyed this wonderful performance by Beaverton School District students at the OSBA Annual Conference in Portland! Building bridges to student success—together with districts across Oregon. #OSBAConference #OregonEducation"

Day 1 at OSBA's Annual Convention!
🎓 Superintendent Peterson and Board members are here learning alongside educators from across Oregon. Excited to bring back insights that will help our students succeed. #BuildingBridges #OregonEducation

🌞 Headed to the Wednesday Market in downtown Coos Bay? Be sure to stop by the Healthy Families booth!

We’ll have fun activities, free parenting resources, and a welcoming team ready to share how we support families with little ones—from pregnancy through the toddler years. 💕

👶 Expecting? Have a newborn? Chasing after a toddler? We’re here for YOU.

🧺 Stroll the market, soak up the sunshine, snag some local goodies, and say hi to Healthy Families!

📍 Downtown Coos Bay
📅 Wednesday
🕙 9 AM – 2 PM

#HealthyFamilies #ParentingSupport #CoosBayMarket #FamilyFirst

🎤 AMA with the Boss! 🎤

Well, here’s your chance! Join us for an Ask Me Anything with Superintendent Peterson on Tuesday, September 1st, from 3:30–4:30 PM. Log into the Zoom link: https://scesd-k12-or-us.zoom.us/j/83377950142

👉 Mark your calendars, bring your curiosity, and get ready to ask away!

Healthy Families will be at the Wednesday Market in downtown Coos Bay—and you definitely want to swing by!

We’ve got fun activities, helpful parenting resources, and friendly faces ready to chat about how we support families with young children—all totally free. Whether you're expecting, have a newborn, or a toddler on the move, we're here to connect and support YOU.

🧺 Come explore the market, enjoy the sunshine, grab some goodies, and don’t forget to stop by the Healthy Families booth—we’d love to see you!

📍 Downtown Coos Bay
📅 Wednesday
🕙 9 AM to 2 PM

#HealthyFamilies #SupportForParents #DowntownCoosBay #WednesdayMarket

Happy Fourth of July from all of us at South Coast ESD!

We want to remind everyone that South Coast ESD will be closed on Thursday, July 3rd, and Friday, July 4th, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. We'll be back to regular hours on Monday, July 7th.

We hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend!

🌟 Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 🌟 To our incredible licensed staff—thank you for your passion, dedication, and tireless work shaping the future. Your creativity, compassion, and commitment make a difference every single day in the lives of students and families across our region. This week (and every week), we celebrate YOU. 💙 #TeacherAppreciationWeek #ThankYouTeachers #SouthCoastProud

🌸 Spring Break Alert! 🌸 March 24–28, South Coast ESD will be running on a skeleton crew as many staff take a well-earned break!

🍀 Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at South Coast ESD! 🍀 May your coffee be strong, your Wi-Fi be stable, and your lucky streak last at least until Friday! If you find a pot of gold, we accept donations in the form of snacks and office supplies. Stay lucky, stay green, and may the only pinching today be from your stapler! #LuckyToBeHere #ShamrockinAtESD #NoPinchZone

🚨 School Closure Alert – March 17th 🚨 Due to inclement weather, Powers School District and Myrtle Point School District will be closed Monday, March 17th. We will continue to provide updates as other districts assess flooding and road conditions. Stay safe, and check back for the latest information!

Happy Classified Employee Week! This week, we celebrate our incredible classified employees - the backbone of our schools and programs. Your dedication, hard work, and support create welcoming, safe, and thriving learning environments. Your impact extends beyond our schools, enriching our entire community. On behalf of South Coast ESD, thank you for all you do. We appreciate you! With Gratitude, Paul Peterson