Yreka superintendent urges county review of student mental health after arrest; Board proclaims Mental Health Awareness Month

Matthew Dustan, superintendent of Yreka Union High School, told the Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors on May 5 that a recent arrest of a student on an attempted murder charge followed earlier behaviors that he said were not recognized or acted upon. Dustan asked the County to investigate school mental health supports and coordination that might prevent similar incidents.

The Board adopted a proclamation declaring May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month. Health and Human Services Agency Director Sarah Collard and Behavioral Health Services Board member Donnie Forsyth described the role of the Behavioral Health Services Board and services available through county programs. During discussion Supervisor Ray A. Haupt asked staff to bring back a future agenda item examining interactions between Behavioral Health, local law enforcement (the Sheriff and the Yreka Police Department) and schools in light of the incident at Yreka High School.

Board members and staff discussed recent administrative changes to state mental‑health program naming: funding and services changed when the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) became the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) on January 1, 2026, and the conversation included an overview of contracts and services the Behavioral Health Division provides to local schools. The Board approved the proclamation and directed staff to prepare the requested agenda item for future consideration.