Santa Rosa Schools Face State Takeover Threat Amid Fiscal Crisis
Santa Rosa City Schools District faces a fiscal crisis that could lead to a state takeover, the first in Sonoma County history. Special education teacher Allison Budlong struggles to engage eighth graders in her English class due to large class sizes, as the district grapples with declining enrollment and potential layoffs.
The district has already cut over 150 positions last spring, with more reductions expected. Interim Superintendent Lisa August is pushing for necessary structural changes to secure long-term financial stability. The district risks running out of cash by the start of the next fiscal year due to growing deficits, primarily caused by compensation increases.
If the district enters state receivership, local control would be lost, marking a first for Sonoma County schools. August has emphasized maintaining high-quality instruction and local control while aligning funding with community values. However, program cuts, including academic, wellness, and support services, could all be on the table as layoffs loom.
Special education teacher Allison Budlong is among those fighting to keep students focused despite challenging circumstances. The district's fiscal crisis threatens to impact both educational quality and local control, with potential state intervention looming on the horizon.
