Santa Rosa City Schools warns of $15 million structural deficit, asks county for clarity before January votes

Interim Superintendent August told the Santa Rosa City Schools board on Dec. 17 that the district faces a roughly $15,000,000 structural deficit and will take action in February to address it. The superintendent said staff already identified about $1,900,000 in ongoing savings through reductions to central‑office leadership and administrative reconfiguration, but cautioned that those cuts "will have an impact" on people.

Board President Rosette Casten said the district has asked the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to respond to a November request for funding before the board’s Jan. 28 meeting so trustees can better understand resources available to avoid cuts. "We have to make these votes on this timeline because it's what we're required to do," Casten said, but added the board is seeking information about county‑controlled mental‑health funds to inform decisions.

Trustees and staff framed the work as seeking alternatives before making program and personnel reductions. August said the district will bring additional recommendations in January and that the district is trying to conduct impacted‑staff conversations with “as much humanity as we can.” The superintendent emphasized professional learning and program priorities but warned that further solutions will be necessary.

The board's discussion came amid a wave of public comment, including teachers and parents urging the district to reconsider school closures and to prioritize classroom supports. Multiple speakers challenged assumptions about projected savings and asked the board to preserve school communities where possible.

Next steps: staff will provide a fuller package of budget options in January and the board expects to act on structural decisions in February.