The Gateway Unified School District (GUSD) serves approximately 2,200 children in Shasta County, including one of the largest per capita percentages of Native students. In late 2022 a new Board majority instituted a series of actions that have worried many in the community. Find our coverage here.
Bobbie Simpson is a Gateway parent who says she wants to ensure good policies in the District. She defeated an incumbent Moms for Liberty candidate to gain her new position on the local school board.
Recall proponents had only 10 days left to gather signatures when they announced they were discontinuing their efforts. They say they are pivoting towards supporting a qualified candidate to run for Gateway's open Board position instead. Their press release was timed to coordinate with a candidate announcement for that open seat, which will be filled by special election in November.
Thirty-two community members have signed intent-to-recall notices for two Gateway Unified School District Board Members. Here’s why some want to recall the married couple . . . and what to expect next.
During a four-and-a-half-hour public meeting Tuesday, Gateway’s four remaining Board members failed to come to agreement on any of the seven candidates who applied for the Board's vacant seat. They agreed to list the position one more time, in a final attempt to avoid an expensive special election.
The Board of Gateway Unified School District still needs to fill a vacancy left by the resignation of Board President Cherill Clifford in early February. On March 21, they'll consider another round of applicants for that position. They’ll also take another look at an expanded learning program run by County Supervisor Kevin Crye.
The Board's February 15 meeting held hints of normalcy not seen in many months, including reports from various school sites, spontaneous laughter, and kind words from Board members to both each other, and staff.
Henderson was one of three attorneys who interviewed to represent the Board’s legal interests last week. She says Board President Clifford guaranteed her three votes if she applied. Henderson was not chosen for the position. Clifford has not yet responded to multiple requests for comment.
The decision came just one day after the Gateway Citizens Committee filed a lawsuit against three of the Board members to compel them to follow Board policies.
At a newly-scheduled February 3 Special meeting the Board will interview legal services providers and consider approving a legal services contract. Among those being considered is Tracy Henderson, founder of California Parents United and the California Parents Union.
Board members chose to “bypass” their policy to allow them to discuss appointing a superintendent without having taken the required steps to recruit and select qualified applicants. After a somber warning from Acting District Superintendent Steve Henson, Board members chose not to move forward on appointing a new superintendent. Next steps in the superintendent recruitment and selection process are not yet clear.
Until Dec. 31, all donations will be doubled, and new donations will be matched 12x.
Thanks for putting the COMMUNITY in community news.
