Supporters of Siletz Valley School are rallying community members to attend a special meeting of the Lincoln County School District board Tuesday where Siletz administrators will apparently push back on the possibility of closing the charter school.
The hearing by the Lincoln County district’s board is scheduled for 5 p.m. at district offices, 1212 N.E. Fogarty St., Newport.
The school district’s notice on Friday said that there would be an update on the charter school’s compliance issues and then a chance for public comment. The district’s notice did not provide any other material updating the compliance issues or who requested the hearing.
Under a previous Lincoln County School District notice, Siletz Valley School must show by April 14 that it has addressed 12 areas of concern brought – everything from having a plan for English language learners to accurately reporting its finances. If not, the school could close in June.
In addition, a superintendent hired in September with ambitious plans to correct issues was placed on leave this month and principal Debra Barnes named interim superintendent.
Siletz Valley School was founded as a charter school in 2003 after the Lincoln County district closed the building. The charter operates independently with its own board and a budget primarily funded from state and federal money and tribal grants. It currently has 188 students.
