Siletz Valley School faces possible closure as board reviews charter compliance

The Lincoln County School Board will decide April 14 whether to remove Siletz Valley School’s charter agreement, which would close the K-12 school at the end of the academic year, according to Underscore Native News and ICT. The school, located in Siletz, Oregon, serves 189 students, with more than 65% identified as Native. The board cited 12 compliance concerns, including financial reporting, attendance and test score performance. School leaders said they have addressed those concerns and submitted documentation for review. 

According to Underscore Native News and ICT, students, staff and community members spoke in support of the school during a March 31 hearing, highlighting its focus on cultural education, including language, drumming and Native food systems. The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians urged the district to keep the school open, stating its closure would disrupt cultural and educational support for Native students. The board’s decision will determine whether the school remains open beyond this school year.