The Siskiyou County Committee held a hearing in each school/community that would be affected.  The hearing in Forks of Salmon was well attended and everyone spoke against the unification for this community for reasons cited below:

  For our entire history our school board has been able to respond directly to our student and staff needs. 

 Historically our board has made responsible financial decisions in the best interests of our students. 

  If we became a very small fish in a hungry ocean, we would lose this decision making process directly affecting our children.  We don’t want to lose that.

  Forks of Salmon is an hour and half from Etna on a good day.  Weather and roads, variable from year to year, create conditions that can make it dangerous or prohibitive to travel early morning, late afternoon, or even in the middle of the day.

  Shared services – due to time and distance we would be unable to share cafeteria, transportation, maintenance, special teachers such as art and music, technology and other services

  Feeder to the High School – since 1980 of the approximately 85 graduates from Forks of Salmon Elementary,  less that 40% of those students have gone to Etna High.  A main problem is that the commute is difficult or impossible.  Families must board out their children or move.

  Board representation –  At best even  one representative of five or possibly no representative of five on that new board would mean little support for local Forks of Salmon School needs or issues.  We would have no assurance our voice is heard and needs honored.  Further, our board members are able to get to meetings and home again safely.  Our board members live in our immediate community.  Our parents are able to attend board meetings and return home safely. 

Currently, the Forks of Salmon School District Board of Trustees, with the support of the Siskiyou County Superintendent of Schools,  has  sent a Resolution to the State of California Board of Education requesting to “opt” out of the Unification.  We are very hopeful that their decision to approve that Resolution will allow the Forks of Salmon Elementary School District to maintain independence….at least for now.

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