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One school, nine students. CA pays over $100,000 per kid to keep small schools open
The school’s high costs and low enrollment have fueled merger talks, though officials say it remains a community hub and serves high-needs students.
- Orick School serves nine students at a cost of $118,000 per pupil annually, prompting scrutiny over its viability. Superintendent Justin Wallace defends it as an essential equity resource for low-income families in the rural community.
- Declining enrollment across California has prompted debates over school consolidation and efficiency. Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget includes a 20% funding boost for "necessary small schools" meeting specific size criteria to support rural districts.
- Maintaining the facility consumes most of the budget, with heating bills costing $1,100 monthly. Transportation expenses remain high as older students travel 40 minutes daily to McKinleyville for high school.
- State officials have proposed merging Orick School District with nearby Big Lagoon Union Elementary District, but consolidation would save less than $200,000 annually due to high transportation costs across 30 miles.
- Carrie Hahnel, senior associate partner at education research nonprofit Bellwether, questions whether states should guarantee a school in every community. The facility remains vital for Native American students, offering robust cultural education.
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14 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Center
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources are Center
57% Center
L 29%
C 57%
14%
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