Fortuna Schools Pitch Plan to Take Over River Lodge

Press release from the Fortuna Union High School District:

Fortuna’s River Lodge [Photo from the City of Fortuna website] 

The Fortuna Union High School District (FUHSD) has submitted a proposal to the City of Fortuna to operate the River Lodge, with the goal of expanding educational opportunities for local students while keeping the facility highly accessible to community members and non-profit organizations. 

FUHSD intends to manage the facility under a public-to-public partnership, ensuring the River Lodge remains a well-maintained community asset focused on youth development and civic events. 

A Focus on Student Learning and Regional Conferences 

The District’s plan integrates the River Lodge into its long-term educational programming by establishing four key uses for the facility: 

• Community and Non-Profit Access: The River Lodge will remain a dedicated venue for student activities and local non-profit organizations throughout the Eel River Valley. The district also plans on maintaining existing relationships with state and local agencies who use the Conference Center on a regular basis, and would look to foster new partnerships to best utilize the venue. 
• Career Technical Education (CTE): FUHSD will utilize the space to develop and host specialized CTE classes, providing local students with hands-on, practical career training. 
• Professional Development Hub: The facility will serve as a central location for educator training and professional development conferences. Bringing educators from across the county and state will be a focus. 
• District Operations: The space will accommodate the FUHSD District Office, optimizing local educational administration. This will be done utilizing existing office space to not detract from the usability of the Conference Center. 

A Longstanding History of City-District Partnership 

This proposal builds upon a strong, established history of collaboration between FUHSD and the City of Fortuna. The District and the City have successfully partnered on numerous community recreation and infrastructure projects over the years, including the annual Rodeo, Autorama, local baseball fields, and City League basketball. Additionally, the entities have worked together on critical local infrastructure, such as the Rohner Creek water drainage project, and have routinely hosted training sessions for local law enforcement. 

Proven Operational Capacity and Facility Maintenance

FUHSD possesses the existing infrastructure, expertise and staffing required to manage and maintain the River Lodge effectively. The District oversees a budget of over $20 million and a staff of more than 100 professionals. Its operations include a 20-acre physical plant with multiple buildings that experience a high frequency of use comparable to the River Lodge. 

Under the proposal, the District will utilize its full-time maintenance director, maintenance staff, and custodial teams to handle the routine and regular maintenance of the property. FUHSD is fully equipped to manage the ongoing scheduling, coordination of large events, and frequent facility bookings by outside community groups. 

Sustained Economic Benefits for Fortuna 

District-led events serve as steady economic contributors to the local economy. Large gatherings such as graduations, art exhibitions, performing arts, athletic tournaments, and potential regional competitions bring visitors directly into Fortuna. 

Furthermore, FUHSD acts as the fiscal and administrative agent for statewide professional development opportunities for educators. One example would be the annual conference already hosted annually at the River Lodge generating over $20,000 for local hotels and another $10,000 for local catering businesses. Conferences hosted by the district will provide direct financial benefits to local businesses, including hotels, restaurants and other retail merchants. 

About Fortuna Union High School District 

The Fortuna Union High School District serves the communities of the Eel River Valley by providing comprehensive secondary education and career technical training. Governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees, FUHSD prioritizes civic responsibility, community partnership, and student success.