Santa Rosa board approves design‑build contract for new District Office and Education Center at Ridgeway

The Santa Rosa City Schools Board of Education voted unanimously June 25 to award a design‑build contract to replace the aging District Office and to build an Education Center at the district‑owned Ridgeway site.

Interim Superintendent Dr. August said the project will provide “a 50‑ to 100‑year facility” with improved efficiencies, lower maintenance costs and the potential to reduce general‑fund operating costs through energy‑saving features. Program staff described the plan as the district’s most practical option after examining alternatives such as retrofitting closed school campuses.

Why it matters: board members and district staff said the existing District Office has reached the end of its useful life, has become a maintenance and safety concern and costs the district continuing rent for interim space. Trustees framed the project as part of a multi‑year facilities plan tied…