Shaffer School Superintendent Principal Josh Blackburn and CBO Dianne Parady showing off not only the beautiful new gym floor but also our School’s new name….the Shaffer WARRIORS. Shaffer School changed their name from Shaffer Indians to Shaffer Warriors.
Shaffer School proudly revealed its brand-new gym floor today, along with
an even bigger announcement: the unveiling of their new mascot name, the Shaffer Warriors.
This moment marks a significant step in the school’s journey to modernize its facilities and align
with evolving cultural values.
This change comes in response to Assembly Bill 3074, recently passed legislation that requires
all K-12 schools in California to discontinue the use of derogatory terms referencing Native
people as school or athletic team names by July 2026. Among the prohibited names are terms
such as “Apaches,” “Braves,” “Chiefs,” “Indians,” “Savages,” and others. Although Shaffer
School had already signed an agreement to install a new gym floor, the school administration
decided to use this opportunity to proactively embrace the mandate and implement their new
mascot name ahead of schedule.
The decision to adopt the Shaffer Warriors name reflects a thoughtful and collaborative process.
Shaffer School expresses immense gratitude to the Susanville Indian Rancheria for their
invaluable partnership and guidance in selecting a name that honors the school’s history and
values while respecting Native culture. This collaboration underscores the importance of
community involvement and shared respect in shaping the future of educational institutions.
The new gym floor, unveiled during today’s ceremony, represents the pinnacle of quality and
craftsmanship. Designed and installed by KYA, a company renowned for its expertise in indoor
and outdoor facility modernization, the gym floor features durable materials and intricate, handpainted floor lines and logos. Superintendent Joshua Blackburn described the new floor as “the
highest quality gym floor you can get,” emphasizing its dual role as both a cafeteria and
gymnasium for the school. “This space is at the heart of our school community,” Blackburn
added. “It’s where students gather, learn, and compete, and it’s important that it reflects the pride
and spirit of the Shaffer Warriors.”
Shaffer School invites students, parents, and community members to celebrate these exciting
changes at the upcoming Shaffer Warriors basketball game on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
Attendees will have the opportunity to see the stunning new gym floor in action and join in
commemorating the school’s new chapter.