Shasta County supervisors unanimously back letter supporting Simpson University's proposed Reagan student leadership program

The Shasta County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a letter in the staff report supporting a proposed partnership between Simpson University and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation to host a regional student leadership program and related civics activities.

Simpson University officials said the multi-year, nonpartisan initiative would bring middle- and high-school students to campus for leadership training, scholarships, debate competitions and internships. "We're we're here for a very exciting opportunity," Dr. Dan Sloan, chair of Simpson's business department, told the board, outlining plans for a leadership summit, scholarships and a speech-and-debate competition scheduled April 11.

"We are in — we like to think of ourselves as Redding's hometown university," Jerry Grimshaw, Simpson's dean of enrollment and marketing, said as he asked the board for an affirmative vote to show community support.

The board took public comment before the vote. Some speakers criticized the proposed affiliation with the Reagan Foundation, saying the foundation and the Reagan legacy have controversial elements and raising concerns about partisan associations. Christian Gardiner said the program was "hardly a nonpartisan proposition" and recited historical criticisms of former President Ronald Reagan. Other speakers urged the board to support programming that promotes civic knowledge and leadership among youth.

Chairman Krai moved to accept the letter in the staff packet; Supervisor Kaelstrom seconded. A roll-call vote recorded "yes" from Supervisors Long, Kaelstrom, Scribe, Harmon and Plummer. The motion passed 5-0.

Why it matters: The board's letter is not a funding commitment; it signals local government support to a private university and a national foundation considering the project. Simpson representatives said the project would be funded in part by private foundations and would create scholarships and local internships.

What the board did and did not decide: The board formally approved sending a letter of support. It did not approve program funding, contracts, or any county fiscal obligation. The Simpson presenters said they were close to finalizing commitments from partner foundations and expected to finalize details within weeks.