Oregon school board weighs closure of Siletz Valley School after compliance concerns

Dozens of students, teachers and community members gathered March 31 outside the Lincoln County School District offices to urge officials not to close Siletz Valley School, a K-12 charter school in Oregon facing 12 compliance issues, according to an article by Underscore Native News and ICT. The article reports that more than half the students at the school are Indigenous and many are citizens of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.

The public hearing, requested by acting superintendent Debra Barnes, addressed concerns including teacher licensure, attendance planning and required student programs. Barnes told the board the school has taken steps over the past eight months to address the issues and remains committed to meeting requirements. More than 60 people attended the hearing, with additional attendees in an overflow room. The Lincoln County School Board is expected to decide April 14 whether to revoke the school’s charter agreement.