Dear Bethel Families,

I’m reaching out to share an important update following tonight’s Bethel School Board work session. During the meeting, Board members continued their discussion about the district’s budget challenges and the steps needed to address them. After careful consideration, the Board reached consensus to close Shasta Middle School at the end of the 2025–26 school year (June 2026) as part of Bethel’s long-range facilities plan.

This decision was not made lightly. It comes after months of study, discussion, and reflection by the Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee, and is made with deep appreciation for Shasta’s history and the many relationships that have shaped this school community.

As some of you know, Bethel has been facing ongoing budget challenges over the past several years. Even with careful planning, strategic reductions, and the use of reserves, the district continues to face a $1.8 million shortfall each year. This is largely due to declining enrollment, rising costs, and limited state funding.

At tonight’s meeting, the Bethel School Board reviewed a recommendation from the Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee to close Shasta Middle School at the end of the 2025–26 school year and combine middle school programs across the district. After discussing timelines, impacts, and benefits for students and staff, the Board agreed that this plan is the most sustainable option for Bethel’s future.

This decision will help strengthen programs in our remaining middle schools, address long-term financial stability, and prevent deeper staffing reductions across the district.

What this means for Bethel families:

• No staff will lose their jobs as a result of this decision. Shasta staff will be reassigned to other Bethel schools, ensuring that students continue to be supported by the same caring, familiar educators.

• Current Shasta students and incoming 6th graders who would have attended Shasta will attend Prairie Mountain, Meadow View, or Cascade, depending on where they live in the district. When possible, family preference through the in-district transfer process will be considered.

• The district will work closely with families and staff to create a smooth, well-supported transition for every student.

What’s next:

• The district will host community targeted  listening sessions for Danebo, Irving, and Shasta families in the coming weeks. We will gather feedback, answer questions, and plan together for the transition.

• Families will also have the opportunity to submit questions and feedback electronically through surveys or email.

• We will share updates regularly as plans and timelines are finalized.

We know this is not easy news, and we want to thank you for your continued care, support, and partnership. The heart of Bethel has always been its people—the teachers, staff, students, and families who show up each day for one another. We’ll continue to face this next chapter together, thoughtfully and with heart. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me directly.