Trustees adopt heritage recognitions and raise safety concerns about nearby Joshua's House shelter

The Twin Rivers Unified Board of Trustees adopted two ceremonial resolutions and heard trustee comments raising neighborhood safety and communication concerns.

The board unanimously adopted Resolution No. 1401 recognizing November 2024 as National School Psychology Week, citing the district's 34 school psychologists and their role in student mental health supports. The board also adopted Resolution No. 1402 recognizing November 2024 as National Native American Heritage Month; Trustee Sandoval noted a related parade at the state capitol and praised district programs serving Native students.

During board comments, Trustee Sandoval said the county awarded roughly $1.5 million to a project called Joshua's House intended to complete a nearby homeless-shelter project and urged the district to assess zoning and mitigation measures for student safety. "The county has now given them a million and a half dollars to finish that project," Sandoval said, and asked whether the facility will be vetted for persons required to register as sex offenders given the site's proximity to Garden Valley Elementary.

Trustee Baker amplified the concern and said he could not find evidence that Joshua's House has applied as a medical facility with federal, state or county authorities. "I cannot find any indication that Josh's House is gonna be a medical facility," Baker said. "It is a homeless shelter. It is not a medical facility." Baker urged continued district engagement with county officials and emphasized staff and student safety near school campuses.

The board did not take formal action on the matter during the meeting; trustees asked administration to continue monitoring communications and mitigation measures and to keep the board informed of any developments.