Supporting Teachers and Academic Programs

  • Santa Rosa City Schools (SRCS) serves approximately 15,000 students in grades K-12. The District offers academic programs that cater to individual students' needs, interests, and abilities. Our high-quality schools are at the heart of our community and focus on providing our students with the tools needed to lead us into the future.

     

    Local Schools Struggle to Retain Quality Teachers

    Having a great teacher in the classroom is the most important element of providing a quality education. However, SRCS schools are losing our best teachers to nearby districts that can offer higher compensation. During the last three years, our schools have lost more than 40% of their teachers and school employees and many remaining teachers have had to take on second and even third jobs in order to support themselves and their families.

     

    State Funding Insufficient to Meet the Needs of Our Schools

    Most SRCS funding comes from the State, but nationally California ranks 46th out of all 50 states in education funding. One-time Covid funding has helped get the District through the year, however these funds are expiring, which will require cuts.

     

    Additional resources are needed to stabilize the District budget and ensure SRCS can continue to attract and retain highly qualified teachers, improve programs in science and career technical training, and improve campus safety by providing additional support from Restorative Specialists, Family Engagement Facilitators, and Campus Supervisors.

     

    Local Funding for Our High Schools

    Neighboring Districts, including Petaluma City Schools and Cotati-Rohnert Park USD, supplement unreliable State funding with local parcel tax measures. The SRCS Board of Education is currently considering options for SRCS’s own locally controlled funding source that could not be taken away by the State and could be used to:

    • Enhance art, drama, and music programs
    • Improve quality core academic programs, including science, technology, engineering, and math instruction
    • Provide student counseling for mental health support
    • Enhance reading and writing programs
    • Attract and retain excellent teachers

     

    Learn More!

    To learn more about the steps SRCS is taking to support teachers and academic programs, please take a look at the links below.