Coos Bay Public Schools

Dear Coos Bay School District Staff, Families, and Community,

It is with great pride and optimism that I officially step into the role of Superintendent of the Coos Bay School District. I am grateful to move beyond the interim designation and honored by the trust placed in me to lead our district forward. As a proud product of Coos Bay Schools, this role is deeply personal. I love this community, value the rich history of our town and schools, and take great joy in celebrating what makes Coos Bay such a special place to live, learn, and grow.

Having previously served as a principal in our district, I have had the privilege of working alongside many of you. I am continually appreciative of the support, collaboration, and shared commitment that define our work together. It is clear that we are united by a common purpose: ensuring the success and well-being of every student we serve.

Over the past year, we have built a strong foundation for continued progress. Together, we made meaningful strides in student learning, strengthened collaboration across schools, and kept students at the center of our decisions. Our elementary and middle schools demonstrated positive academic growth, while our collective focus on keeping students on track to graduate continued to gain momentum. At the high school level, we are especially proud that our Advanced Placement (AP) passing rates exceeded the state public school average; evidence that more Coos Bay students are accessing rigorous, college-preparatory opportunities that support their future goals.

These accomplishments reflect the strength of our Coos Bay Promise: each student is known by name, strengths, and needs, and all students graduate with a plan: Enrolled, Employed, or Enlisted (the 3Es). This promise remains our guiding principle as we move forward.

At the same time, we recognize that meaningful progress requires focus and persistence. Attendance and early literacy continue to be critical priorities, and we remain committed to ensuring every student reads proficiently by third grade. At the elementary level, we are strengthening foundational literacy through targeted instruction and progress monitoring. In our middle schools, we are prioritizing math achievement, student engagement, and readiness for high school success. At the high school level, we are focused on improving graduation rates, expanding AP access, and strengthening post-secondary planning so every student graduates with a clear, meaningful path, college, career, or service. These key performance indicators will guide our work and ensure alignment across all schools.

The 2025–26 school year presents an exciting opportunity to deepen our impact. I look forward to continuing this work alongside our dedicated staff, supportive families, and valued community partners as we build on our successes and rise to meet the needs of every learner in Coos Bay.

With appreciation and shared purpose,

Gary Roberts

Superintendent

Coos Bay School District