Board keeps TK–6 campuses and adopts boundary Map B, aligning Lincoln with Santa Rosa High
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Summary
After extensive public comment and debate, the Santa Rosa City Schools board approved Scenario 2 (keep TK–6 campuses) with Boundary Map B to realign Lincoln Elementary’s attendance area; the vote was 4–3 and prompted additional requests to re‑examine boundaries after an incoming demographic study.
The Santa Rosa City Schools Board of Education voted Dec. 10 to adopt a TK–6 configuration (Scenario 2) and approve Boundary Map B, which shifts attendance lines in the western part of the district and aligns Abraham Lincoln Elementary with Santa Rosa High.
Alisa Haley, executive director for curriculum and instruction, said the TK–3 / 4–6 split (Scenario 1) offers some instructional advantages, but staff recommended keeping TK–6 sites and using targeted portable classrooms to address capacity. Haley described the TK–3 focus this way: “TK–3 is really learning how to read… 4 through 6 really is going into context, going into in‑depth writing,” and said the split can concentrate grade‑level supports; staff nevertheless recommended Scenario 2 with Map B as the more feasible near‑term implementation.
After public comment from parents, teachers and many school‑based therapists urging protection of counseling and wellness services, Trustee McNally moved to adopt Scenario 2 with Boundary Map B; the motion passed on a 4–3 roll call. Supporters cited the alignment benefit for Lincoln families; opponents said the change risks further destabilizing neighborhoods already affected by prior consolidations.
Marla Dichonet, a Lincoln parent, urged trustees not to close more schools and warned of enrollment loss if families move students because of repeated reassignments, saying: “Stop punishing our communities, educators, and especially our students for your mistakes and mismanagement.”
The board adopted the boundary motion while several trustees asked staff to use the district’s forthcoming demographic study to revisit and refine attendance lines later this school year. Staff said the portable purchases approved in consent will be needed to create classroom capacity under the adopted boundary map.
What’s next: staff will implement the Map B boundaries for enrollment and notify families of changes; trustees asked that demographic modeling be used to guide any future boundary adjustments.
