Fiscal Stabilization and Site Closure Committees

Budget

What is the District’s current fiscal condition?
The District is projecting an estimated shortfall of approximately $20 million in the Unrestricted General Fund for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Without significant reductions, the District will be bankrupt by the end of the year, risking a state takeover and the potential loss of local control. Should we fail to make planned reductions, FCMAT (Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team) will  conduct a fiscal health risk analysis (FHRA) to determine the fiscal viability of the District.

What is causing the budget shortfall?
The budget shortfall is largely due to a significant decline in student enrollment. SRCS has too many schools for the number of students it serves, compounded by a steady loss of students to charter schools, families moving out of the area, and lower birth rates. The district had 15,430 students (excluding charters) in the 2012-13 school year, but enrollment dropped to 12,860 in the 2023-24 school year.

Given the declining enrollment, why weren’t schools closed earlier?
The District delayed school closures due to the influx of temporary COVID relief funds, which helped offset the financial strain. However, these funds were fully exhausted at the end of the 2023-24 fiscal year. Additionally, the state faces its own financial challenges and has passed some of this burden onto school districts.

Schools

When will school closures and consolidation happen?
School closures and consolidation will take effect in the 2025-26 school year. The Board’s School Consolidation Advisory Committee will recommend schools for closure consideration. The number of schools or grade levels have not yet been finalized, but the preliminary scenario includes a total of 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school due to the recommendation for an additional $11 million in ongoing costs from school closure. The fiscal stabilization plan adopted on June 26, 2024 included one elementary school closure (school to be determined). The committee will finalize their report and make recommendations to the SRCS Board in early February 2025. The Board will make the final determination regarding which schools will be closed.

Is there an initial list of schools considered for closure?
No, all SRCS schools that serve TK-12th grades are being reviewed for recommendations. There is not a predetermined list, and there has not been a discussion with the Board regarding any specific schools. 

How many schools may close and consolidate?
The SRCS Board of Trustees decided at its November 20, 2024, special meeting to provide direction to the committee to select 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school for closure, pending a formal recommendation from the SCAC. The Board will make the final decision in February 2025.

When will the names of the schools to be closed be announced?
The final decision will be made at a meeting of the SRCS Board of Trustees in February 2025.

If my child’s school is closed, where will they go? Where will their teachers go?
When school closures are approved, SRCS will work closely with families to ensure a smooth transition to new schools. During this transition, in the 2025-2026 school year, families will have the option to apply to transfer to any other school of their choice in the district through an Intra-District Transfer. These transfers will be approved, subject to school capacity. Support services will be available to help students adjust.

Will special programs continue if schools are closed or consolidated?
Many specialized programs will continue, but the specifics of some may depend upon the ultimate selection of schools for closure. There are some specialized programs that would not be able to be recreated in another location. Additionally, programs are being reviewed as part of the prioritization process to ensure resources are focused for students. Special education and many enrichment programs will continue..

Will my child still receive special education services if their school is closed?
Yes, special education services outlined in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) will continue at their new school. The District is committed to ensuring no disruption in services for special education students.

What will happen to the closed school sites?
The District will follow a separate process to determine the future use of closed school sites. The SRCS Board will discuss options including leasing or selling the properties to interested organizations, businesses, or local governments. This process is expected to begin in 2026, and a separate advisory committee will oversee the next steps.

Why are all school sites being considered?
All schools are being considered as part of the school closure process to ensure that the decisions made are equitable, data-driven, and in the best interest of the whole district. This comprehensive approach allows the district to:
1. Evaluate All Options Fairly: Considering all schools ensures that no single school is unfairly targeted and that the process remains transparent and inclusive.
2. Address Enrollment and Budget Challenges: With declining enrollment and significant financial challenges with a large deficit, the district must look at the big picture to identify where closures or consolidations would have the least impact while preserving educational quality and equity.
3. Maximize Resources: Reviewing all schools allows the district to identify opportunities to consolidate resources, improve efficiency, and provide more robust programs and services for students.
4. Ensure Long-Term Sustainability: By taking a district-wide view, the goal is to create a sustainable plan that meets the needs of students and families for years to come.
This process is difficult, but it’s grounded in the commitment to maintain educational excellence and equity for all students.

Programs, Services, and Support

How will students, families, and staff be supported during the transition?
SRCS is focused on making this transition as smooth as possible with minimal disruption. We will develop a comprehensive plan to ensure all students, families, and staff are supported during the transition. This includes working closely with school site leaders and central office staff to address any concerns and provide access to support services for students and families.

Will my child receive the same programs, services, and support at their new school?
Students will receive many of the same or improved programs, services, and support at their new school. The District maintains its commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities at all schools.

School Consolidation/Closure Advisory Committee (SCAC) Process

What is the role of the School Consolidation/Closure Advisory Committee (SCAC)?
The SCAC was responsible for reviewing and analyzing the District’s school sites and making recommendations for which schools should be closed or consolidated. The committee will present its findings and make formal recommendations to the SRCS Board of Education.

Does this consolidation have anything to do with the feeder district? No, this process is only for schools within the SRCS district. Closure is when a district school is closed and no longer exists. Consolidation is when schools are merged.  While the possibility of consolidation with other elementary school districts within the secondary district boundaries was studied, the other school districts were not interested in pursuing action toward consolidation. 

Who was part of the SCAC?
The SCAC is composed of twenty representatives selected from approximately 115 applicants. The committee consists of parents, labor union representatives, community partners, district administrators, and organizations such as the NAACP. The committee is facilitated by School Services of California, and supporting documentation and information is coordinated by the Associate Superintendent of Business Services.

Who makes the final decision on school closures?
The final decision on school closures will be made by the SRCS Board of Trustees in February 2025, after considering the SCAC’s report.

How much is a school’s geographical location a consideration in the consolidation process?

There are several factors to be considered by the committee, such as transportation, environment, and proximity to other schools to name a few. The weight of this will be determined by the committee during their analysis, and the ultimate decision will be made by the SRCS Board.

What is the expected timeline for the SCAC’s work?

• August 14, 2024 Committee selected
• August 19, 2024: Organizational meeting, Norms, Criteria Development
• September 9, 2024: Demographic information review
• October 7, 2024: Facilities information review  
• October 28, 2024: Program information review  
• November 18, 2024: Fiscal and operational information review
• December 16, 2024: Analysis
• January 17, 2025 - (Special Meeting) Analysis Continued
• January 27, 2025 - Report/recommendation - Final meeting
• February 3, 2025 – Alternate/additional meeting date (if necessary)

For the Staff

What will happen to teachers and staff at the schools that are closed or consolidated?
After the Board’s decision, SRCS and bargaining units will meet to discuss the effects and impacts of closures, including criteria for staff allocations. Additional details on staffing and school placements will be provided as the process moves forward, in alignment with collective bargaining agreements and Education Codes.

For the Community

Why is SRCS consolidating schools now?
SRCS is consolidating schools due to a significant decline in enrollment and the resulting $20 million budget shortfall. The District cannot afford to maintain its current number of schools without state funding, and consolidation will allow SRCS to operate more efficiently while continuing to provide quality education.

How can I stay informed about the school consolidation process?
You can stay informed through the SRCS School Consolidation/Closure webpage, which includes regular updates, meeting materials, and a detailed timeline. In addition, ParentSquare will be used to send updates, details for information meetings (LCAP & Budget Roadshow), and public hearings will offer opportunities for the community to ask questions and provide input.

How can the community provide input?
The community is encouraged to participate in meetings and public hearings scheduled throughout the fall and winter. Dates and locations will be posted for parents and staff via ParentSquare and on our website.

What will happen to the closed school sites?
The District will explore options for repurposing, joint use agreements, leasing, or sale of the closed school sites to generate revenue to reinvest in other schools. Potential uses include educational programs, community services, or leasing the properties to local businesses. This process will involve community input and careful consideration by the SRCS Board of Trustees.

Staffing Transition:
SRCS administrators will meet with staff bargaining units regarding the effects and impacts of school closures, as well as criteria for staff allocations, which will occur after the board decision. This process will comply with collective bargaining agreements and Education Codes.

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Committee Meetings & Timeline
All Committee meetings, proceedings, and deliberations will be open to the public.  Meetings have been scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. and locations will be provided in each meeting's Agenda.  

November 18, 2024 - Coming Soon
December 16, 2024
January 17, 2025 - Special Meeting
January 27, 2025 - Final meeting
February 3, 2025 – Alternate date meeting (if necessary)

Committee Members

Glossary of Terms

CSEA: California School Employee's Association, classified employee union.
SRTA: Santa Rosa Teacher's Association, certificated employee union.
PTA: Parent/Teacher Association
DELAC: District English Learner Advisory Committee, offers guidance to administration for multi-lingual learners.

Committee Members

Glossary of Terms

CSEA: California School Employee's Association, classified employee union.
SRTA: Santa Rosa Teacher's Association, certificated employee union.

Agendas

What to expect at our Town Hall Dialogues

Click Here For The Slides