At a tiny Humboldt County school, he wears many hats

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Perrin Turney, a longtime staff member at Kneeland Elementary in California, serves as a math aide, water operator, and bus driver while spearheading initiatives like a new Maker’s Space for creative learning. His multifaceted dedication supports personalized education in this small, rural school, which remains crucial for local students struggling with remote learning and declining enrollment.

In the remote community of Kneeland, California, a small elementary school serves as a vital educational hub, offering personalized attention to its 25 students ranging from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade. At the heart of this close-knit institution is Perrin Turney, a versatile staff member who balances roles as a math teaching aide, certified water operator, and school bus driver.

Turney’s commitment to the school is deeply personal. Born with single suture sagittal craniosynostosis, a condition that required six major surgeries by the time he was 10 years old, he has remained with Kneeland Elementary since his early days working as a custodian. His dedication extends beyond the classroom and bus route; in August 2022, he led students through a hands-on science project involving pinhole cameras made from cardboard boxes.

Each school day begins early for Turney, who rises at 5 a.m. to navigate a challenging hour-long bus route along narrow mountain roads featuring hairpin turns. Despite hazardous conditions like icy stretches, Turney maintains composure and ensures the safe transport of more than half the student body.

Demonstrating a commitment to innovation, Turney recently established a Maker’s Space within the school. This facility provides students with opportunities to engage in creative, technology-driven activities such as 3-D printing, laser engraving, cardboard table saw cutting, and sewing, broadening their learning experiences beyond traditional subjects.

Greta Turney, Perrin’s mother, expressed pride in her son’s contributions, noting the recognition he has earned and the affection he inspires among both staff and students. The small Kneeland school stands out in a time when many public schools face declining enrollment, offering a supportive refuge for children who have found remote learning challenging during the pandemic.

With its focus on hands-on learning and individualized support, Kneeland Elementary demonstrates how small rural schools can play a critical role in their communities, aided by dedicated educators like Perrin Turney who wear multiple hats to keep the institution thriving.