| Board Finance Subcommittee Meeting Santa Rosa City Schools Monday August 11, 2025 Hybrid: Superintendent’s Conference Room (110 Stony Point Road, Suite 210) 3:30 p.m. 2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON AGENDA AND AGENDA ITEMS Public Comments are only accepted in person. Many employees are unable to attend this meeting because school is still in session at 3:30. 3. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION Conference With Labor Negotiator (Name of designated rep attending: Dr. Vicki Zands (SRCS) ; Santa Rosa Teachers Association, CSEA Santa Rosa 75, and Teamsters Union 665 This seems like something that happens at the regular board meeting. Why would a committee use closed session to conference on negotiations? 4. DISCUSSION / ACTION a. (Discussion) Update on Board Policies The Board Finance Sub-Committee will discuss updates 3100 Budget, 3312 Contracts, and Administrative Regulation, 3311 Bids. Redline and clean copies are in the full agenda. b. (Discussion) Fiscal Stabilization No details are provided on this.Board Finance Subcommittee Meeting Schedule for the Remainder of 2025 Monday, September 8, 2025 Monday, October 6, 2025 Monday, November 3, 2025 Monday, December 1, 2025 6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES from June 2 |
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
Santa Rosa City Schools
August 13, 2025
Hybrid: Lewis Early Learning Academy (2230 Lomitas Ave.)
4:00 p.m. – Closed Session
6:00 p.m. – Open Session
Hybrid: Zoom / Santa Rosa City Hall
*** streamed ***
Video Board Meetings through this link.
Please take time to review the following abbreviated version of the agenda. Click here to see the entire agenda. It has live links on many items with more information. If you want to comment to the board about any upcoming items, email agendacomments@srcs.k12.ca.us. Please CC wearesrta@gmail.com on your email.
Members attending online are encouraged to add SRTA to the front of their Zoom client name.
Closed Session Items:
A.1. Public Comment On Closed Session Agenda Items To comment, email Melanie Martin at mmartinsrcs.k12.ca.us.
This is an opportunity for members of the public to speak to the board on Closed Session items only.
Without specifics on closed session agenda items, it is impossible for the public to know when to provide insights for items being reviewed.
B.1. Student Readmissions (Case Nos: 2023/24-15)
B.2. Public Employee Appointment/Employment (Position to be filled: Public Information Officer, Director, Coordinator, Principal)
B.3. Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release
B.4. Conference With Labor Negotiator (Name of designated rep attending: Dr. Vicki Zands (SRCS); name of organization: Teamsters Union 665)
B.5. Conference With Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Case No.24CV-00520 Case name: In Re: Social Media adolescent Addiction/Personal Products Liability Litigation, 23CV-00397 Pienta Case, SCV-272273, Claim 2025-069, OAH 2025050933 Special Services)
B.6. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Title of employee being reviewed: Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principals, Vice Principals, Assistant Principals, Directors, Coordinators)
After last year’s experience, It is expected that the performance evaluation process will be revamped to be more transparent, and that stakeholder input will be invited.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR OPEN SESSION (6:00 p.m.)
C.7. Student Board Members Loyalty Oath of Office
SRCS Board initiates Natalia Olivera Gomez (RHS) and Johnathan Carrillo Poot (EAHS.)
SRTA welcomes these student voices and encourages them to forge a network across the district to represent all students.
D. Reports
SRTA looks forward to a future report on the transitions SRCS is making. There are still so many questions.
Where are the metrics for evaluating the transitions?
What are the expected savings on these changes coming from, specifically? Is that being realized?
How much is being spent to make these transitions?
What are the current enrollment numbers?
What is the process for deciding what to do with the closed sites?
How and when will decisions for the future be made and shared?
In the board minutes the motion for consolidation states that MHS will have facilities for culinary and woodshop for the 26-27 school year. Where are the plans to facilitate this?
E. Public Comment on Non Agenda Items
SRTA Members are invited to complete ‘blue cards’ at the board meeting in order to make public comments. Online comments have been suspended unless a board member is attending remotely. Please be prepared to observe the three minute time limit or the imposition of a possible last minute reduction in the time limit. Comments have been limited to as little as 60 seconds, with a limit on the total time spent on public comments. Only items NOT on the agenda are addressed at this time, with the exception of consent items (See section F.)
Comments are requested at the board meeting to bring a member’s perspective and share real experiences of the impact of district policies and practices on students and staff.
Speakers are limited to just those in person. Comments are most impactful when they are well spoken, composed and reasonable.
F. CONSENT ITEMS
All consent items are enacted by the Board in one motion, unless a Board member requests that an item be removed and discussed separately.
F.2. Approval of Personnel Transactions
EdJoin shows a total of 94 current postings for 241 jobs in SRCS. There are for certificated opening postings (fifteen more than last meeting.) There are fifty-one current classified postings for one hundred ninety-six job openings (ninety more than the last meeting). There is one certificated and no classified management positions open. There are 29 coaching positions and one hundred fifty-two assistant positions accepting applications.
SRTA bids farewell to Dan Evans (PTES), Sydney Miller (PHS), Danielle Ullyott (SPSV), Annamarie Robustellini (SPSV), Cody Martin (BHES), Nathan Murray (HVES), Emma Parks (ABES), Donna Fernandez (PHS) and Anthony Henderson (EAHS) who have all resigned after a combined 29 years of service to our students.
SRTA congratulates William Kirk (Ed Services), Mary Anna Maloney (LBES) and Janet Fisher (SRHS) who have announced their retirements as of the end of last year. They take nearly forty-two years of experience and service with them.
Changes to classified staff includes two new hires, five rehires, five resignations and one retirement. They leave taking with them twenty-nine years of knowledge and service to our staff and students.
There are twenty-eight admin changes, including two resignations, two rehires, and seven new hires. There is a new Communications Office. Please check the linked report for all the specifics!
F.4. Approval of Donations and Gifts
Highlights include that Schools Plus gave SRCS $157,000, and the Holler Family Trust gave SRHS $32,000.
Donations (July 1, 2025, through August 1, 2025) $192,748.79
SRTA Members are grateful for these donations.
F.5. Approval of Contracts
Summary
| # | Provider | Cost | Description |
| Charter | |||
| 14 | Code Rev Kids, Inc. | $41,000 | Coding and Robotics for FACS students |
| 20 | SeeSaw Learning | $5,978 | Multimedia learning tool for FACS students. |
| 23 | Tina Rogers | $3,500 | Multi cultural art education for FACS students. |
| District | |||
| 1 | Fagen, Friedman & Fulfrost, LLP | $920,000 | business and legal counsel on Bond related issues |
| 4 | Zoom.us | $11,700 | 20 educational licenses and Webinar for board meetings |
| 5 | EMS LINQ | $48,949 | Software for Child Nutritional Programs |
| 6 | California School Boards Association (CSBA) | $24,538 | dues |
| 7 | California School Boards Association (CSBA) | $17,975 | GAMUT (online board agenda platform) |
| 8 | Frontline | $30,352 | Staff Absence and Substitute Management (the reduced contract amount looks like SRCS is no longer purchasing all the bells and whistles |
| 9 | School & College Legal Services (SCLS) | $30,000 | Investigative services for a UCP Complaint |
| 13 | Summit K12 | $70,843 | Curriculum for K-12 newcomers |
| 15 | JetBrains | $366 | Cross platform tool for data tasks and reports |
| 21 | HearYou.org | $30,000 | Up to ten Mental health therapy sessions for staff |
| Elementary | |||
| 3 | Community Matters | No Direct Cost | Grant funding for Safe School Ambassadors at HLES. |
| 11 | Jack Schreder & Associates, Inc. / Elementary District | $7,166 | Investigation for justifying developer fees. |
| 17 | All City Management Services | $573,901 | Crossing Guard services. This has been reduced by about $25,000 even though the number of sites served has diminished it states 15 sites are still served. |
| Elementary | |||
| 2 | Angel & Denell Nunez | No Direct Cost | allow rancher to graze cattle on Alba Lane for fire prevention |
| 10 | Santa Rosa Junior College (ASL Instructors) | $110,000 | May be for 1 hour per week of instruction for students, families and staff. Also states this is for 40 hours per week. |
| 12 | Jack Schreder & Associates, Inc. / Secondary District | $10,789 | Investigation for justifying developer fees. |
| 16 | Tradeswomen, Inc. | No Direct Cost | support camp set up and Provide a tradeswoman to partner with teacher |
| 18 | Goodwill Redwood Empire | No Direct Cost | Job readiness and service programs |
| 19 | Sonoma County Library | No Direct Cost | Student One card allows school ID card to be library card |
| 22 | 10,000 Degrees | No Direct Cost | EAHS, PHS and SRHS student assistance with financial help for college |
| 24 | MINGA Inc | $96,390 | Comprehensive digital school management platform for hall passes and more |
| 25 | Imagine Learning | $22,575 | ISP student learning platform |
| 26 | Magnolia Global Academy for Leaders, dba Magnolia Project | $34,500 | PD for EAHS and MJr/SrHS CTE Wheel and Career Explorations |
| 27 | Santa Rosa Junior College | No Direct Cost | College and Career Pathway agreement |
| 28 | Simulation Curriculum | $996 | Used for SPARQ students at PHS. |
| 29 | AV Consulting | $7,500 | 2 day Leadership Training for PHS students and freshmen |
Total value of contracts = $2,099,017.87.
F.6. Approval of Contracts – Bond
| # | Contractor | Site | Service | Cost |
| District | ||||
| 2 | Quattrocchi Kwok Architects | District | Update Master Plan | $185,000 |
| 5 | NorBar Consulting | PHS, SRMS, HLES and JMES | Haz Mat Testing | $8,306 |
| 9 | Van Pelt Construction Services | DO | Manage new DO build | $1,977,232 |
| 16 | Miller Pacific Engineering Group | DO | Geotechnical and Geohazard review | $54,600 |
| Charter | ||||
| 14 | Kurt Kirtzer Inspection Services | SRMS | Inspection for TK Project | $96,000 |
| 15 | Crawford and Associates, Inc | SRMS | Pavement Coring for TK Project | $5,000 |
| Secondary | ||||
| 1 | Bridges Construction | SRHS | Repair Wall | $4,757 |
| 6 | Quattrocchi Kwok Architects | PHS | Plan for PHS Theater Lights | $13,200 |
| 10 | IA Kuster Construction Inspection | PHS | Inspection for New Building | $230,500 |
| 11 | Stocksdale Inspection Services | SRHS | Fencing and Parking Lot Inspection | $28,860 |
| Elementary | ||||
| 3 | Redwood Moving and Storage | JMES | For Consolidation | $18,120 |
| 4 | Garland DBS | HLES | Roof Restoration | $69,162 |
| 7 | Adobe Assoc, Inc | JMES | Topographic Map | $15,000 |
| 8 | Adobe Assoc, Inc | HLES | Topographic Map | $15,000 |
| 12 | Kurt Kirtzer Inspection Services | JMES | Inspection for New Building | $67,200 |
| 13 | Kurt Kirtzer Inspection Services | HLES | Inspection for New Building | $81,600 |
| 17 | Grassetti Environmental Consulting | HLES | Notice of exemption for CEQA | $1,440 |
| 18 | Grassetti Environmental Consulting | JMES | Notice of exemption for CEQA | $1,440 |
| 19 | Quattrocchi Kwok Architects | ABES | Additional Design work for ECE Classes | $192,822 |
Measure C = $2,068,134.14
Measure G = $988,105.13
Total = $3,056,239.27
Measure C and G Implementation Plan
F.7. Lease-Leaseback Agreement with Lathrop Construction Associates, Inc. for the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Modernization Project.
Early Childhood Education (ECE) Modernization Project will be located at Albert Biella Elementary School
Measure G: $5,500.00 for Pre-Construction Services.
F.8. and 9. Belkorp AG purchase of New Mowers and Maintenance Tractor
Our existing John Deere mowers are aged and overworked. These two mowers replace ten-year-old mowers of the same style and size. These machines help to keep our grounds department operating efficiently as they help maintain 400 acres of District property. We expect, with proper maintenance, these new mowers to last the next ten years or more.
This purchase would come from restricted maintenance funds. (RRM) $108,448.99 (includes tax)
New Mower ($23,212)
Large Field Mower ($74,490)
The thirty-year-old tractor has given out. For the last year, the M&O department has needed to rent a tractor to complete required work across sites. This new tractor is expected to last the M&O team for thirty years.
The restricted maintenance funds will cover this purchase. RRM funds- $43,243.50 (with tax)
SRTA members wonder what the impact of these purchases (F8 and F9) on funds available to make purchases to maintain our classrooms.
F.10. Approval of the CNS School Nutrition Program Micro-Purchase Self-Certification
Program operators may now self-certify for a micro-purchase threshold, up to $50,000, on an annual basis.
F.11. Approval of Contracting with ValidateMe! for Foreign Transcript Evaluation Services
These services will include evaluations for high school students from various countries, including specialized services for students from Mexico. Procurement services will support the retrieval of academic records when families are unable to provide them. These services are critical to ensuring the accurate placement of newcomer students in core academic courses and language development programs.
Evaluations include transcript analysis from all countries ($225), Mexico-specific analysis ($200). Elementary/Middle School $125. Procurement services, when needed, are available at $350 per case. The cost will vary depending on the number of evaluations required and will be covered using general funds.
No proposed quantity is included which is required for a total contract value.
SRTA member counselors have had a difficult time ever since the transcript evaluation process was eliminated with the SOL Counselors. There is an appreciation for addressing this issue.
F.12. Fox Pacific Academy Contract
To provide a Certified Nursing Assistant Program to fifteen students at EAHS. Theory Portion of the Course over 13 Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am – 3:30 pm from 9/13/25 to 11/15/25. Clinical Rotations will be over 19 Saturdays and Sundays from 6:30 am – 1:00 pm from 1/10/25 to 5/16/25.
Cost: $5,500 EAHS Foundation
F.13. Construction/Program Management Firms Pool
For Counterpoint Construction Services – Santa Rosa, CA. To provide construction and/or program management services for SRCS Bond Projects.
F.14. Capacity of Interdistrict Transfers for Various Grades, Special Classrooms, and Special Programs.
Outlines each of those capacities in a generalized way which allows the Wellness & Engagement department to then calculate the specifics. Those specifics are determined based on the capacity of each program, grade or school based on capacities established by the State, the Board, by the Agreements with the Associations or by program need. Specific capacities are not included.
F.15. Approval of School District Nomination to the Sonoma County School Attendance Review Board (SARB)
SARBs help truant or recalcitrant students and their parents or guardians solve school attendance and behavior problems through available school and community resources. SRCS is asking that Stacy Desideri, Executive Director, Wellness and Engagement be nominated to serve.
F.16. Approval of Resolution No. 2025/26-02 to Establish Temporary Inter-fund Transfers
This resolution allows for the temporary transfer of funds from a district fund with available cash reserves to cover any negative cash flow needed for the fiscal year until revenues are received.
F.17. Authorizing To Borrow Funds From The Sonoma County Treasury As Needed During The 2025-26 Fiscal Year
This resolution will allow the County Treasury to extend a line of credit to cover any negative cash flow needed for the fiscal year until revenues are realized at a ~3% interest rate. The amount requested cannot exceed 85% of the projected current year property tax revenue. When SRCS has a surplus of funds, i.e. right after property taxes are received, those funds accrue 3% interest from the Sonoma County Treasury. This authorization is for this 2025-26 fiscal year only. This resolution is presented to the Board for approval every fiscal year.
G. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
G.1. (Action) Trustee Area 6 Candidate Interview to Select a Board Member Due to Vacancy
Donna Prak has completed an application to be interviewed.
SRTA members appreciate the courage required to step up and serve SRCS at this time.
G.2. (Discussion) Safe Routes to Schools Program Update
These efforts are focused mostly on 2nd – 5th grade, with two middle school components. SRCS accounts for just 9% of student participation in the county. Bike to School Day in May successfully increased participation.
While increasing student safety is a laudable goal, it is concerning that implementation is dependent on site volunteers. If SRCS values this program, district implementation needs to be restructured so it is sustainable.
G.6. (Action) Approval of 2025-26 45 Day Budget Update
Welcome back to Luz Cazares, Interim Associate Superintendent of Business Services/CBO
SRCS is making budget adjustments because the state has passed its budget. SRCS K-6 is expected to qualify for Expanded Learning Grant with enrollment of higher than the newly reduced district wide requirement of 55% of Unduplicated students which are students who qualify as Low income, Multi-Language Learners, and/or Homeless/Foster youth. This will bring an additional $5.4 million to the district this year that hadn’t been budgeted. This increase of 2% reduces the $10.8 million deficit budget to $5.5 million, or about 2.3% of the budgeted expenses.
Estimated Actuals and Budget (from June)
Draft of State Forms (from June)
SRTA members are grateful for all efforts that helped the federal government release all budgeted funds to the district. This is an opportunity to focus the efforts of SRCS, and fully support and fund what is the most valuable. There is a need for focused goals with accountable metrics. The days of decisions based on hunches without defined expectations, left in place without evaluating their effectiveness must be over.
Historically, SRCS has transparently shared funding allocations for sites including Title 1, LCFF, and other site funds like Lottery. It is requested that these amounts be shared shortly.
Site budgets have been severely diminished. SRTA members feel like they have to choose between having their students do without, or purchasing things themselves. This is unacceptable, even in rough financial times.
G.4. (Action) Approval of Provisional Internship Permit Application (PIP) Kawainohiaakala Navares
This will allow SRCS to fill a Biological Science High School Teaching position at Elsie Allen High School (1.00 FTE) for the 2025-2026 school year with a candidate who has not yet met the subject matter competence requirement needed to enter an intern program.
G.5. (Action) Approval of Variable Term Waiver for a Pupil Personnel Services Credential for Carlos A Castaneda Avila
This will allow SRCS to fill a Counselor on Special Assignment (COSA) position covering grade levels 9-12 at Piner High School for the 2025-2026 school year with a candidate who is awaiting the results of his Praxis II Counselor Exam.
G.6. (Discussion / Action) First Read and Possible Waive of Second Read of Updated Board Policies
Proposed policies are attached. Redlined versions show the prior policy marked up in red with the proposed changes. The cleaned copy is the resulting proposed policy.
BP 6163.4 – Student Use of Technology Redlined Cleaned Internet access and safety
BP 5116.1 – Interdistrict Open Enrollment Redlined Cleaned States priorities for allowing students to leave SRCS.
BP 5117 – Interdistrict Attendance Redlined Cleaned States students shall be accepted until limits are full.
BP 5131.8 – Mobile Communication Devices Redlined Cleaned Mobile communication devices shall be turned off during instructional time. Exceptions are enumerated.
BP 4040 – Employee Use of Technology Redlined Cleaned Employees have no reasonable expectation of privacy even when using their personal devices with district access. SRCS may monitor employee usage of district technology at any time without advance notice or consent and for any reason allowed by law.
G.7. (Action) Approval of California School Employees Association, Chapter 75 24-25 #12 MOU 100 Hours Additional Work Jr/Sr High School Sites
Allocates 100 additional work hours per Junior-Senior High School site. That is 100 total hours for Santa Rosa and 100 hours for Montgomery. This time will be used to support student registration and related duties due to the transition of students from middle schools to the newly established Junior-Senior High Schools. Were it not for late-year vacancies, these funds would have otherwise been paid in salaries.
Approximate financial impact is $9,302 of unrestricted base general funds for these 200 hours.
SRTA members appreciate the efforts of our CSEA staff to make this transition.
Unfortunately, these efforts were not enough to meet the “cleared and cleaned” facility promise of the transition MOU.
H.1. Approval of Minutes
June 25,, 2025 Minutes and Supporting Documents 1, Supporting Documents 2 (Regular Meeting)
J.1. Future Board Discussion Items (not included in this agenda)
SRTA members are encouraged to prepare for the upcoming agenda items.
- Approval of Resolution for September as Attendance Awareness Month
- Approval of Resolution for Suicide Prevention Month
- Board Policy Updates
- Panorama and Youth Truth Survey Data
- Discussion and update on Reconfiguration and Ad Hoc Committee with SCOE
Recently Requested Agenda Items from the Board
Caston – strategy of athletics program across the district, update 3510 policy around reducing waste as a discussion item
SRTA looks to the future scheduling of the following items:
- Restorative Practices Data (March 2025)
- Alternate Education Update (December 2024, Feb 2025)
- There is a strong need for Alternative placements for secondary students who need more services than our comprehensive schools are able to provide. How can SRCS meet the needs of these students during these tough financial times?
- VAPA Program Highlights (Feb 2025)
- Plan and timeline for implementation of Dr. Gillespie’s recommendations around Special Services (January 2025)
- Public Hearing and Approval of Teamsters Union 665 “Sunshine” Proposal (delayed from Oct 2024)
- First Draft of the District Safety Plan (delayed from September 2024)
- Board Update of Strategic Goals with input from sites and equity assessment (begun June 2024)
- Sharing the Library Master Plan with implementation expectation
- Officially Closing Learning House, and other sites
- SRACS Accelerated Charter Material Revision Request (delayed)
- Plan for Staff Housing support program from the proceeds of Fir Ridge
Until the district makes a decision, the proceeds from the sale of the Fir Ridge property are just sitting and losing value as the cost of housing continues to rise. Getting a program started could help SRCS attract and retain CSEA staff. The potential impact of the funds diminishes as time passes.
- Student Voice Policy
- BEST Plus Update
- Does SRCS still self identify as a BEST Plus district?