July 1, 2008: The day when four Northern Sacramento County school districts officially became the new Twin Rivers Unified School District.
Some described it as spectacular, even perfect.
“It felt like a family reunion,” said one attendee. “I felt such joy and pride in seeing everyone come together. It’s a new beginning.” More than 500 employees and community members gathered for the Twin Rivers Day Celebration in a courtyard at the district’s McClellan Park office.
For Superintendent Frank Porter, it was a “magic moment.”
“We are honored to be in the place where a lot of events have come together to give us this magic moment to launch our new unified school district,” said Porter. “We’re looking forward to building that exemplary school district with your help.” It was in November of last year when voters approved the landmark Measure B that created the new preschool through adult education district by unifying Rio Linda Union, Grant, North Sacramento and Del Paso Heights School Districts. Staff has been on a fast track ever since. But those involved are happy and proud to be a part of the effort to provide a new educational system for children in northern Sacramento County.
Twin Rivers' Superintendent Frank Porter
Twin Rivers Day was a time for all to congratulate everyone for a job well done. Trustee Cortez Quinn read a resolution from the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors. Well-wishers from throughout the area were there, including Senator Darrell Steinberg.
“I’m so happy and proud to have been a small part of this incredible effort,” said Steinberg. “It shows that when you believe that things can be better, when you work hard to make things better, when you believe in each other, and when you believe in kids and that kids come first, anything is possible.”
Speeches were only a part of the day. Earlier, district staff visited each summer school site and delivered t-shirts, sports bottles, and cookies. At the celebration, there were student performances by the Del Paso Heights Elementary School Hmong and Samoan dance groups, and music by Quentin Caine-Llorente and Friends. There were raffle prizes, and the presentation of a Tradition Box displaying memorabilia from all four districts involved in the unification.
By all accounts, it was an emotional day—a day celebrating tradition and change.
“It’s really tough to put into words,” said Roger Westrup, a Twin Rivers Trustee. “There’s a lot of excitement about today. I think it’s a little bit like a plane taking off in rough weather. There’s some turbulence at first, but once you clear the turbulence, I think it’s going to be a great ride … there’s a lot of positive energy and I think it’s going to be a great thing for the kids in the North Area. That’s really what this is all about, doing something good educationally for the kids.”
Fellow board members couldn’t agree more. They say there will be challenges ahead, but with the continued support of the community, Twin Rivers will become one of the best of the best.
“Thanks to all of you, we are well on our way to delivering this vision,” said Board President Linda Fowler. “On behalf of the children and families of the north, let’s work together. We have this amazing opportunity and we genuinely invite you to join with us in laying a solid foundation for this new district and all the students we serve.”