Modoc County Community School Lead

A Message from Modoc County 

From the lava beds to the Warner Mountains, from sagebrush plains to snow-covered peaks, Modoc County is a place of quiet strength and breathtaking beauty. Nestled in California’s northeastern-most corner, our county is shaped by wide-open skies, resilient communities, and a frontier spirit that still defines daily life. 

In a region where neighbors often drive hours for groceries or medical care, and where internet service can be as rugged as the landscape itself, we’re building something remarkable in our schools—something rooted in connection, care, and collective action. We’re proud to share how the Community Schools movement is taking hold in Modoc County, offering renewed hope and stronger support for our students and families. 

Deepening Our Commitment to One Another 

Modoc Joint Unified School District is implementing the Community Schools model at three sites: Tulelake Basin Elementary, Tulelake High School, and Warner High School (alternative education). These schools serve students in one of California’s most rural and isolated counties—a place where challenges are real, but so is the sense of community. 

In Modoc County, our Community Schools focus on: 

● Removing barriers to learning—especially mental health, food insecurity, and access to care 

● Expanding learning and enrichment that reflects our local strengths and student interests ● Connecting families and schools through trust, collaboration, and shared investment ● Partnering with local organizations to deliver essential wraparound services 

Rising to Meet the Moment 

Modoc County spans over 4,200 square miles, yet is home to fewer than 8,500 residents—just over 2,700 in Alturas, our only incorporated city. While our landscape is vast and stunning, it also brings challenges: winter roads are often treacherous, food and childcare options are limited, and families sometimes travel 100+ miles for medical or specialty services. 

The statistics are sobering: 

● Nearly 30% of children in Modoc live in poverty—almost double the state average

● The county’s unemployment rate (7.1%) is the highest in the North State 

● Mental health concerns are among the most urgent, with suicide ideation rates significantly above the state average 

● Licensed childcare is available for fewer than 15% of children under 5, and the nearest birthing centers are out of state 

And yet—this is a place where people rise. 

Educators here don’t just work in our schools; they live in these communities, raise their children here, and deeply understand the strengths and struggles of local families. Their commitment is personal. Our rural culture of self-reliance, while a source of pride, is now being expanded to include systems of mutual care, connection, and innovation. 

Partnering for a Stronger Future 

We’re honored to work with a network of dedicated partners including Modoc County Office of Education, First 5 Modoc, Advancing Modoc, Growing Modoc, Resources for Indian Student Education (RISE), MESA, College and Career Options, Modoc County Arts Council, Public Health, Behavioral Health, and TEACH Inc. 

Together, we are: 

● Expanding access to health and wellness supports within schools 

● Reimagining behavioral health with peer-to-peer models 

● Engaging families as true partners 

● Building ecosystems of care where every child is seen, supported, and celebrated 

Honoring the Past, Investing in the Future 

Modoc County carries a complex history—from the painful legacy of Native American genocide, to cycles of economic booms and busts that have tested families for generations. And yet, this land—and the people who call it home—are still here. Still strong. Still hopeful. 

With our Community Schools work, we are embracing a new way forward. One where students don’t have to overcome their environment alone—because they’re surrounded by a community that sees them, believes in them, and is willing to work together for lasting change.

We’re excited for what’s ahead and deeply grateful to those who walk this road with us. If you have ideas, questions, or a desire to get involved, we invite you to reach out and be part of this movement. 

With gratitude, 

Sarah Stockwell
County Community Specialist
Modoc County Office of Education

Modoc County Office of education