The Santa Rosa City Schools district is moving forward with plans to close Rincon Valley Middle School two years earlier than expected. This proposal, discussed by district officials on Monday, aims to merge the middle school's students into Maria Carrillo High School by the fall of 2027. The accelerated timeline is part of broader efforts to address a significant financial crisis facing the district.
Key Takeaways
- Rincon Valley Middle School may close by Fall 2027, two years earlier than planned.
- Its 780 students would merge into Maria Carrillo High School.
- This move aims to save the district up to $2.2 million.
- The district faces a potential $15 million deficit and risk of state takeover.
- Future of Santa Rosa Accelerated Charter School is also under review.
District Addresses Major Financial Challenges
Santa Rosa City Schools is facing severe financial difficulties. The Sonoma County Office of Education recently issued a warning, urging the district to implement substantial cuts. These cuts could reach up to $15 million by February to prevent a state takeover.
This deficit persists even after the district closed six campuses over the past two years. Additionally, more than 150 employees were laid off earlier this year. The proposed early closure of Rincon Valley Middle School is a direct response to this ongoing fiscal pressure.
"Every decision we are making right now is a financial decision," said Trustee Nick Caston. Caston leads the district's finance subcommittee, which held Monday's discussion.
Interim Superintendent Lisa August confirmed that all cost-saving options are under consideration. "We are being mindful as we are bringing recommendations forward and … we are considering everything within the budget. There are no sacred cows," August stated.
Financial Facts
- Projected Savings: Up to $2.2 million from early closure.
- Required Cuts: Up to $15 million by February.
- Previous Closures: Two middle schools already closed this year.
- Staff Layoffs: Over 150 employees laid off.
Impact on Middle School Structure and Equity
Rincon Valley Middle School is currently the last traditional middle school in the Santa Rosa City Schools system. Its closure would complete a shift in the district's educational model.
Earlier this year, two other middle schools were closed. The district also converted its two oldest high schools into 7-12 campuses. Hilliard Comstock, a third middle school, is also scheduled to close this spring, with its students moving to Piner High School.
District officials argue the accelerated timeline for Rincon Valley not only saves money but also ensures greater equity. This means all students would experience a similar 7-12 campus structure.
District Restructuring
Santa Rosa City Schools has been undergoing significant structural changes. These changes aim to consolidate resources and adapt to declining enrollment and budget constraints. The shift towards 7-12 campuses represents a major change in how middle and high school education is delivered across the district.
Parental Concerns About Traditional Schools
While the district emphasizes financial stability and equity, some parents express concerns. They worry about the loss of traditional middle and high school environments.
Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools Amie Carter praised the district's efforts to find savings. However, Carter also urged officials to evaluate how many students might leave the district if traditional options are no longer available. This could impact future enrollment and funding.
"I do hope that our school district keeps one traditional middle school and high school as an option," said Megan Fonseca, treasurer of the Rincon Valley Middle School parents' club. "It's nice to have a balance… I think if we convert every school it's likely families are going to explore other districts that have a traditional route."
Fonseca also highlighted the need for more information from Santa Rosa High and Montgomery High. These schools already transitioned to 7-12 campuses this school year. Parents want to understand the outcomes of these changes.
Future of Santa Rosa Accelerated Charter School
The vacated Rincon Valley Middle School campus could become available for other uses. One possibility is the expansion of the Santa Rosa Accelerated Charter. This charter school is a potential revenue source for the district.
The charter currently operates on the Rincon Valley Middle School campus. It serves about 125 students in grades five and six. Its renewal, and that of Cesar Chavez Language Academy, could be a point of discussion as early as next year.
Trustee Caston noted the importance of planning for alternatives. This is because outside districts might deny the charter's renewal. "There’s the real possibility and challenge for Accelerated Charter, because of its location, that it’s not going to continue past June of next year in its current location, how it’s configured," Caston explained.
Options for the Charter School
District leaders presented three potential options for the charter school:
- Closure: This option is considered the least likely by trustees and district leaders.
- Relocation: The school could move to an existing campus within the Santa Rosa City Schools' elementary boundaries. However, recent school closures have already strained the capacity of elementary campuses. Finding space for 120 students would be challenging. Possible locations include Abraham Lincoln, which would require relocating special education classes, and Hilliard Comstock Middle School, which is set to close in June.
- Expansion: This newly proposed option involves expanding the charter to serve grades 4-12. This would allow the school to bypass the renewal process and remain on the Rincon Valley Middle School campus. It would also avoid needing approval from the Rincon Valley Union School District.
The expansion would significantly increase the student body by adding approximately 750 students. This would involve three new classes in each grade level.
Trustees Caston and Mark Kirby requested more details on the expansion. They asked for information on its cost, the student enrollment needed for increased revenue, examples of similar models, and community interest.
Infrastructure and Property Review
District officials are also focusing on necessary physical improvements at remaining schools. This includes alterations to accommodate middle school students at Maria Carrillo High School.
Furthermore, the district is forming a 7-11 committee. This committee is a state requirement for districts considering selling surplus properties. Several sites are on the list for review:
- Brook Hill Elementary on Vallejo Street
- Santa Rosa French-American Charter School on Sonoma Avenue
- Lewis Early Learning Academy on Lomitas Avenue
An in-depth presentation on the district's plans for the charter school, incorporating subcommittee suggestions, will take place at the board's study session on Wednesday. The session begins at 4 p.m. at Santa Rosa City Hall.
