There was no quorum of the Plumas Office of Education/Plumas Unified School District meeting Nov. 12. JoDee Johnson was absent. District 5 board member elect Matthew De La Montanya attended the meeting, but will not be sworn in until the December meeting, once the Nov. 4 election is officially certified.
Board member Chelsea Harrison opened the PCOE meeting at 4:30 p.m. Members approved routine items by simple majority. The approval of minutes from the September and October meetings had to be tabled due to lack of quorum.
Richard DuVarney, the state-appointed county administrator, opened the PUSD board meeting at 5:30. Superintendent Andrea White updated attendees on the community listening meetings being held this month around the district. The meetings are to gather feedback so that any decisions reflect the values of district staff and the community, she said. She encouraged people to attend the sessions, and to reach out to her directly with their concerns about the upcoming district cutbacks.
DuVarney and White then entered a closed session to discuss and approve an expulsion. They provided no additional information.
Plumas Charter School petitions for renewal
Taletha Washburn, executive director of Plumas Charter School, presented a petition to renew the charter for another five years. Washburn has been with the charter school for 20 years, 13 as director, she said.
“Plumas Charter was one of the first charter schools in California, starting in 1998,” said Washburn. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
The charter school has learning centers in Quincy, Greenville and Chester. Quincy currently has 230 students, Greenville has 80 to 90 and Chester has 50, said Washburn. The school’s programs for students include attending classes at the learning centers, a hybrid program with both independent study and in-person attendance or — for older students — attending Feather River College, and independent study.
Ryan Schramel, director of Indian Valley Academy in Greenville, presented charts of data of learning achievements and whether targets were met.
No action for approval was taken by administrator DuVarney at this meeting. A staff report and recommendation for board action will return at a future meeting within the required timeline.
Other business
Stephanie Shatto, interim chief business official, gave her monthly cash flow report, projecting solvency through the 2026 school year. In September 2026, PUSD will once again need to draw on the state loan, she said.
A resolution was presented recommending the district grant Pacific Gas and Electric Co. a utility easement across district property. The easement would be located at 559 Main St. and 205 Grand St. in Greenville, where PG&E aims to install and maintain underground electrical lines and related facilities. The resolution was approved by DuVarney. A public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. during the next regular school board meeting at the district office in Quincy.
Four short-term teaching contracts approved
DuVarney approved four short-term staff permits for the 2025-2026 school year. The permits include a general education limited assignment permit at Portola Junior-Senior High School for Berenice Coronado, a special education limited assignment permit at Greenville Elementary School for Lauren McIntyre, a provisional intern permit at Quincy Junior-Senior High School for Ryan Nielsen and a provisional intern permit at Portola High for Brittany Naastad.
Principal recognizes Greenville student
Nicki Rodriquez, principal at Greenville Elementary, presented sixth grader Sean McCutcheon with a Principal’s Recognition Award. Jennifer VanAcker, sixth grade teacher, said Sean is an outstanding student who is respectful, responsible and hardworking. He treats everyone with kindness and has a strong work ethic and positive attitude. Sean is also the associated student body president and reads the Monday morning announcements. He participates in sports and 4-H. Sean is a shining example for Greenville, added VanAcker. Matt and Shawna McCutcheon, Chelsea McCutcheon and other members of Sean’s family attended the award ceremony.
