Santa Rosa school board appoints Sean Dufasi to Trustee Area 2 after contested deliberations

The Santa Rosa City School Board appointed Sean Dufasi to the vacant Trustee Area 2 seat on April 22, voting 5–2 after more than two hours of candidate interviews and heated deliberations.

The vote followed interviews of three finalists: a longtime local educator who advocated expanding Alateen programs (Mr. Hernandez), Dufasi, a community leader who cited organizational experience and fiscal oversight, and Teresa Medina, a recent graduate and community advocate who emphasized restoring trust. Trustee Prack moved to appoint Dufasi; Trustee Jenkins seconded the motion. The roll call recorded five ayes and two no votes (Student Board Member Carrillo and Trustee Medina).

Board members said the choice reflected competing priorities: experience and immediate operational familiarity versus bringing younger voices onto the board. Trustee Jenkins, who favored Dufasi, said the district needs “connection and experience to drive forward” during the budget stabilization process. Trustee Medina and Student Board Member Carrillo said they opposed the appointment because they wanted a younger representative with strong neighborhood ties; Carrillo voted no.

Dufasi, who took the oath of office at the meeting, told the board during his interview he sees his role as providing “stability and guidance” to ensure the district makes informed, student‑centered decisions. After the vote, President Casten administered the oath and welcomed him to the dais.

The appointment fills the seat through the November election; any appointee will appear on the ballot if they choose to run for the remainder of the term. Trustees and community members emphasized that whoever is appointed will be expected to participate in ongoing budget oversight and implementation of board decisions.