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. One Student Readmissions (Case No: 202425-19)
B.2. Two Student Expulsion (Case Nos: 2025/26-08, 2025/26-09)
B.3. Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release
B.4. Conference With Labor Negotiator – Name of designated rep attending: Dr. Vicki Zands (SRCS); name of organizations: SRTA, CSEA Santa Rosa 75, Teamsters Union 665
B.6. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Title of employee being reviewed: Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principals, Vice Principals, Assistant Principals, Directors, Coordinators)
C. RECONVENE TO REGULAR OPEN SESSION (6:00 p.m.)
D. Reports (Presidents of Labor Organizations, Superintendent and Board Members)
A letter of resignation is attached to the end of the agenda from RHS Student Board Member Olivera.
E. Public Comment on Non Agenda and Consent 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 (unless a board member attends online.)
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.
EdJoin shows a total of 62 current postings for 170 jobs in SRCS. There are eleven certificated opening postings (one less than last month) for seven teaching positions and four other certificated positions. There are forty-nine current classified postings for one-hundred fourteen job openings (forty-four less than the last meeting.) There is one certificated and one classified management position posted.
SRTA heartily welcomes Francisco Sanchez Ruiz (EAHS.)
We bid farewell to Meghan McDonnell (SLES), Gabrielle Licata (EAHS) and Aimee Ouellette (EAHS) who have all resigned taking over twelve years of experience with them.
Changes to classified staff includes ten new hires, two rehires and two resignations. They leave taking with them over 4 years of knowledge and service to our staff and students.
There are three supervisorial resignations announced, two Program Managers and a School Based Therapist, taking six years of service with them.
F.5. Approval of Contracts over $15,000
#
Provider
Cost
Description
Charter
1
Code Rev Kids, Inc.
$41,000
Coding and Robotics for FACS students, doubling the contract from August.
SRTA members appreciate that there will be reroofing at EAHS. Will this project reroof the entire site?
Items on the list of contracts include a total project amount. That is not included in this item.
F.8. Approval of Proposed Increase of Minimum Wage
Effective January 1, 2026, the local minimum wage will be increased to $18.21 from $17.87. The board Finance Subcommittee recommends adjusting SRCS wages to align with the local minimum wage.
SRTA members appreciate the board honoring the labor of these employees.
H.9. Approval of Developer Fees Annual Report
In the 2024-25 fiscal year, in the Fund 25 Developer Fees, the District collected fees and interest of $1,428,511.61 and incurred $1,513,511.03 of expenses and had an ending fund balance of $8,758,577.16.
H. 10. Approval of Amended 2025-2026 Classified Employee Calendar
This will align with the previously approved SRTA 25–26 MOU #1, which adjusted the 2025–2026 Instructional Calendar.
The amended Classified Employee Calendar reflects the following changes consistent with the revised Instructional Calendar:
January 12, 2026 – Originally scheduled as a Professional Development Day, this date will be converted to an Emergency Closure Day (non-workday for teachers and school-year employees; non-student day if not needed).
April 24, 2026 – Originally scheduled as an Emergency Closure Day, this date will be converted to a Professional Development Day (non-student day).
H.11. Approval of Updated Salary Schedules due to reduction of work days: Schedule Management, Supervisory & Unrepresented Employees, Confidential Employees and Working Professional
The updated salary schedules reflect the reduction of two workdays and ensure that compensation accurately aligns with the revised work calendars for the 2025–2026 school year.
H.12. Approval of Separate 2024–2025 Teamsters Local 665 Salary Schedule
This item separates Teamsters-represented positions into their own distinct salary schedule for the 2024–2025 school year to accurately reflect their bargaining unit status. No changes are being made to current salary rates, steps, or ranges as part of this action.
State law requires all California LEAs to adopt a policy on referral protocols for addressing pupil behavioral health concerns by January 31, 2026. The updated CSBA sample policy incorporates these requirements and formalizes the behavioral health support systems already in place through our wellness centers, school-based therapists, and MTSS framework. Following adoption, staff will develop Administrative Regulations detailing specific procedures and referral pathways in consultation with stakeholders.
Policy 5141.5 The Superintendent or designee shall provide school staff and students with information and training to recognize the early signs and symptoms…
SRTA members are curious about the process that will be used for stakeholder consultation on Administrative Regulations.
H. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
H.1. (Action) Approval of Resolutionsfor Semester Two
Resolution Recognizing Week of School Counselor Feb 2–6
Resolution in Support of April as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Resolution Reaffirming Support for LGBTQIA+ Community
Santa Rosa City Schools District shall celebrate LGBTQ+ diversity by proclaiming and recognizing June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, October as LGBTQ+ History Month, October 11th as National Coming Out Day, November 20th as Transgender Day of Remembrance, March 31st as Transgender Day of Visibility, April 12th as Day of Silence, and other relevant occasions to honor the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community, fostering a sense of belonging and visibility for LGBTQ+ students and staff; and
Resolution Recognizing May as the National Speech-Language-Hearing Month
H.2. (Discussion) Strategic Planning: Priority 2: Safety and Security
40 Minutes Estimated Time
Purpose, and Session Norms (5 minutes)
Framing Priority 2: Safety and Security (10 minutes)
Key Outcomes and Goal Considerations (15 minutes)
Synthesis and Next Steps (8 minutes)
Closing Reflections (2 minutes)
SRTA members are concerned that the elimination of mental health supports will have a negative impact on the level of safety on our campuses. Counselors, School Based Therapists and Restorative Specialists all offer students assistance with decision making, communication, coping mechanisms and self regulation.
Will a student be recruited to replace Ms. Olivera, or will that position remain open for the semester?
K.2. Future Board Discussion Items
Will the board commence a transparent practice of announcing anticipated future special board meetings at the prior regular board meeting, allowing stakeholders to plan accordingly?
Future Agenda Items:
2026/27 Governor’s Budget Proposal
Fiscal Stabilization Plan
2024/25 Financial Audit
Second Read and Approval of BP 5141.5
School Accountability Report Card
Still Pending Information Requested by Board members
Medina- AP instruction data with number of years of experience of Teachers
-Clarification about board policy adoption requiring a majority of board membership versus a majority of those present/voting
– consider E-sports clubs or teams
Caston- Site funding finance report with various amounts and sources
-strategy of athletics program across the district
-update 3510 policy around reducing waste as a discussion item
– how different sports programs are supported with rallies, announcing, etc.
Prak– Turf fields maintenance level report
– update on sports at MS level
Kirby – add an assistant wrestling coach for women?
DeLaTorre- facility fee, possible reductions?
Jenkins – transporting as needed for middle school sports?
SRTA looks to the future scheduling of the following items:
Resolution Recognizing April 12th as Day of Silence (Jan 2026)
Resolution Recognizing May 8th as School Communicators Day (Jan 2026)
Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Update (Dec 2025)
Cell Phone Board Policy Presentation and Update (September 2025)
Staff was recently given the opportunity to complete a survey about cell phones. All questions were required to be answered, while options for answering did not always allow for an accurate response. Valuable input will not be included in the results from this faulty survey..
Panorama and Youth Truth Survey Data (August 2025)
Restorative Practices Data (March 2025)
VAPA Program Highlights (Feb 2025)
Plan and timeline for implementation of Dr. Gillespie’s recommendations around Special Services (January 2025), New FCMAT Study on SRCS SpEd Program
First Draft of the District Safety Plan (delayed from September 2024)
Sharing the Library Master Plan with implementation expectations
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 continues to diminish as time passes.
Student Voice Policy
L.4. Board Finance Subcommittee Meeting Dates
Monday, February 2, 2026
Monday, March 2, 2026
Monday, April 6, 2026
Monday, May 4, 2026
Monday, June 1, 2026
L.5. Williams Settlement Quarterly Report
During the quarter of October 1st and ending December 31, 2025, the district received 0 Williams Uniform Complaints.
SRTA members are aware of unhealthy conditions on campuses such as rodent infestations and mold. These should be reported as Williams Complaints to ensure they receive the attention they merit.
B.4. Conference With Labor Negotiator – Name of designated rep attending: Dr. Vicki Zands (SRCS); name of organizations: SRTA, CSEA Santa Rosa 75, Teamsters Union 665
B.5. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Title of employee being reviewed: Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principals, Vice Principals, Assistant Principals, Directors, Coordinators)
C. RECONVENE TO REGULAR OPEN SESSION (6:00 p.m.)
D. Reports (Presidents of Labor Organizations, Superintendent and Board Members)
D.5. A. Board President Report: Appointment of Members for Santa Rosa City Schools Subcommittees
E. Public Comment on Non Agenda and Consent 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 (unless a board member attends online.)
Comments are most impactful when they are well spoken, composed and reasonable.
There is a large concern that the fiscal decisions being made will exacerbate enrollment issues for SRCS.
SRCS is committed to four more years of providing Community Schools at AES, HLES, JMES, LBES and SLES.
The details of how this grant is impacted by closing sites has not been shared.
Pillars of this program include
Integrated Student Supports for academic, physical, social-emotional, and mental health needs.
Family and Community Engagement including “home visits, home-school collaboration, [and] culturally responsive community partnerships.”
How will these commitments be met with the elimination of elementary counselors, SBT, and Restorative positions?
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.
EdJoin shows a total of 57 current postings for 170 jobs in SRCS. There are twelve certificated opening postings (two less than last month.) There are forty-five current classified postings for one-hundred fifty-eight job openings (thirteen less than the last meeting.) There are no certificated and no classified management positions posted.
There are two Community School Coordinator positions posted as well as three Wellness Coaches. This raises questions about unclear future intentions for these programs.
SRTA heartily welcomes Kennedy Nti (EAHS), James Sakyi (SRHS), Stephen Acheampong (RVMS), Grace Sarfo (RHS), Christiana Quansah (SRMS), Tracy Hahn (MHS), Kailani Gomez-Alcala (PTES), Maria Crane (ALES) and welcomes back Susan Binckley (CCLA).
We bid farewell to the retiring Christina Gravelle who leaves us after 21 years of service to students.
Changes to classified staff includes eight new hires, one termination, five resignations and one retirement. They leave taking with them over 43 years of knowledge and service to our staff and students.
There are three resignations from Business Services that raise concerns for SRTA members. There is fear that district business will be hampered with the loss of these knowledgeable staff. We wish them success including those with new positions of higher responsibility in neighboring districts.
Simona Hoyos, District Accountant
Christine Trumbly, Budget Technician
Violeta Gonzalez Alvarez, Payroll Technician III
F.3. Approval of Contracts over $15,000
#
Provider
Cost
Description
Elementary
2
NatureBridge
$25,747.70
6th grade Outdoor Ed for SRACS.
3
SpringBoard Collaborative
$249,205.00
ELOP funded K-3 early literacy for 500 students of ALES, JMES, PTES, HLES, and SLES in afterschool programs at $500 each.
District
1
Left Coast Scanning, LLC
$21,980.00
These services will allow staff to view, search, and manage personnel, student, payroll, workers’ compensation, and testing files directly through Left Coast Scanning’s platform.
4
Recology Sonoma Marin
$803,567.64
$633,000 annual contract in 2021 was for 24 sites over three years, with possibility for fourth and fifth years for an additional 2.5% each time. This contract is for fewer sites an an additional 27% in cost.
What does the evaluation of Springboard include? $500 per student is substantial.
Left Coat Scanning requires an ongoing contract as all the scanned documents are hosted on their platform. This was not transparently part of the original agreement for scanning.
The Recology contract is concerning as the numbers do not seem to align. What additional information explains how diminishing the number of sites being served, and an agreement of an annual increase of 2.5% results in a contract for an additional 26%?
H.4. Approval of Contracts – Bond
The new last column lists the total cost of the project.
SRTA members are glad that students will no longer be impacted by the flooding at LBES. What is the estimated total cost for repairing the storm drain at LBES?
Courses will replace existing sections. No new textbooks or materials required.
H.6. Approval of the Naming of the Piner High School Basketball Court in honor of Coach Mike Erickson
Mike Erickson, long-time Piner High School educator and coach, retired from coaching basketball in 2024 after 33 years serving as the second Head Coach in the school’s history. “Coach”, then retired as an educator at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
SRTA members appreciate the dedication of Mike Erickson, and support honoring him.
H.7. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reached with Santa Rosa City Schools (SRCS) and Santa Rosa Teachers Association (SRTA) regarding SRTA 25-26 #1 MOU Adjustments to 2025-2026 Instructional Calendar
January 12, 2026 – Originally scheduled as a Professional Development Day, this date will be converted to an Emergency Closure Day (non-workday for teachers and school-year employees; non-student day if not needed).
April 24, 2026 – Originally scheduled as an Emergency Closure Day, this date will be converted to a Professional Development Day (non-student day).
This MOU is pending ratification by the SRTA membership.
G.1. (Action) Resolution of Criteria to Determine Certificated Personnel Who Shall be Exempt From the Order of Layoff by Virtue of Their Credentials, Assignment, or Certification (“Skipping Criteria”)
Due to inability to recruit new employees, any certificated employee who possesses the special training or experience listed below shall be exempt from the order of layoff.
1) Possession of a Single Subject Spanish credential, Spanish (Bilingual Cross-cultural Language and Academic Development Certificate (“BCLAD”) and/or French (BCLAD);
2) Possession of a Single Subject Math and/or Single Subject Science credential (including but not limited to physics, chemistry, biological science, physical science, life science and geoscience);
3) Possession of a Special Education credential;
4) All teachers who are assigned to the dual immersion program at SRFACS;
5) All teachers who are assigned to teach a course in Spanish as part of the dual immersion program at CCLA and EAHS;
6) All teachers who have successful experience teaching transitional kindergarten within the last 5 years;
7) School Psychologist and Speech Language Pathologists holding a Bilingual Certification.
SRTA members are keenly aware of the continuing increase of stress and chaos in working within SRCS. This motion puts all teachers on the bottom of the seniority list, that do not possess credentials or placements worthy of skipping, on notice that their position may be on the chopping block in February. They are wise to keep their options open to secure employment for next year.
SRTA members deserve regularly updated Seniority Lists, to assess their position. This was an unkept promise last year. SRTA expects systemic improvements that will allow for this to be shared regularly, allowing for corrections to be made before RIF notices.
G.2. Action) Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reached with Santa Rosa City Schools (SRCS) and the Santa Rosa Teachers Association (SRTA) regarding SRTA 25-26 #2 MOU Speech Language Pathologist Overages
The financial savings of this MOU are not specified. $750,000 of contracted SLP services will be replaced by paying SRCS SLPs an hourly rate to work with students beyond caseload capacities.
SRTA 25-26 #2 MOU is pending ratification of the SRTA membership.
The MOU will be attached prior to the 12/17/2025 Board Meeting, and will be shared with SCOE .
SRTA members highlighted the ineffective practice of remotely providing speech services, as well as the enormous expense of the outside contracts. There is an appreciation that SRCS was willing to listen and reconsider their decision.
G.3. (Action) SELPA Recommendation Changes to the Sonoma County SELPA allocation policy will reduce special education funding for SRCS. Becoming an independent SELPA would allow SRCS to better control costs, manage resources, and continue delivering high-quality special education services. SRCS has already worked to build capacity, reducing dependence on County Office services. Additionally, SRCS expects to support neighboring districts by providing special education programs and services as space permits while charging surrounding districts.
Additional expenditures would include:
● Five students served by Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) in the Specialized Health Program
● Forty-five students served by Itinerant Deaf/Hard of Hearing (“DHH”) SCOE staff
● Eleven students served by Itinerant Visually Impaired (“VI”) SCOE program staff
● Potential California Children’ s Services (“CCS”) – hosting a Medical Therapy Unit (currently at Lewis Campus)
SRTA members have witnessed too many rounds of changes to special services that, while intended to decrease the budget, have in fact ended up increasing costs. If this independent SELPA does not financially pan out as expected, what options will SRCS have to back out of this plan?
G.4.& 5. Public Hearing and Action on Resolution to Convey Easements to the City of Santa Rosa
SRCS has determined it is in the best interest of the District to convey certain easements over portions of District property at MHS to the City of Santa Rosa to allow access for construction, maintenance, and ongoing operation of the ROck Creek and Matanzas water and sewer main replacement.
There is no ending date for this easement agreement.
Net Payment to the District in the amount of $190,099.
G.6. (Public Hearing / Action) Pivot Charter School North Bay Renewal Petition
Pivot Charter School seeks authorization for continued operation within the geographic boundaries of SRCS from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031, for grade levels K-12. SRCS has determined that Pivot qualifies for a five-year renewal of its charter term.
SRCS will receive a 1% fee to offset costs associated with oversight.
SRTA members appreciate approving the petition for Pivot in that they provide necessary alternative settings for students that SRCS doesn’t currently offer.
L.1. Future Board Discussion Items
Can the board accept the transparent practice of announcing anticipated future special board meetings at the prior regular board meeting, allowing stakeholders to plan accordingly?
SRTA members are encouraged to prepare for the upcoming agenda items – Resolutions for semester two.
Resolution Recognizing Jan 27 as Holocaust Remembrance Day
Resolution Designating April as School Library Month
Resolution Recognizing March 31st as Transgender Day of Visibility
Resolution for Classified School Employee Week May 18–24
Resolution Celebrating CNS Professionals Week of April 27-May 1st
Resolution for May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Resolution for Teacher Appreciation Week May 4–8
Resolution in Support of April as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Resolution Recognizing April 12th as Day of Silence
Resolution Recognizing May 8th as School Communicators Day
Resolution Recognizing May as the Month of Speech and Language Pathologist
Resolution Reaffirming Support for LGBTQIA+ Community / Proclaiming June as Pride Month, March 31st as Transgender Day
Resolution for Mental Health Awareness
Resolution for School Nurse Day May 6
Resolution for February as African-American History Month
Resolution Recognizing Week of School Counselor Feb 2–6
Resolution Recognizing February CTE Month
Resolution for March as Women’s History Month
Resolution for Arts Education Month
Still Pending Information Requested by Board members
Medina- AP instruction data with number of years of experience of Teachers
-Clarification about board policy adoption requiring a majority of board membership versus a majority of those present/voting
– consider E-sports clubs or teams
Caston- Site funding finance report with various amounts and sources
-strategy of athletics program across the district
-update 3510 policy around reducing waste as a discussion item
– how different sports programs are supported with rallies, announcing, etc.
Prak– Turf fields maintenance level report
– update on sports at MS level
Kirby – add an assistant wrestling coach for women?
DeLaTorre- facility fee, possible reductions?
Jenkins – transporting as needed for sports?
SRTA looks to the future scheduling of the following items:
7-11 Committee List (Dec 2025)
Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Update (Dec 2025)
Cell Phone Board Policy Presentation and Update (September 2025)
Staff was recently given the opportunity to complete a survey about cell phones. All questions were required to be answered, while options for answering did not always allow for an accurate response. Valuable input will not be included in the results from this faulty survey..
Panorama and Youth Truth Survey Data (August 2025)
Restorative Practices Data (March 2025)
VAPA Program Highlights (Feb 2025)
Plan and timeline for implementation of Dr. Gillespie’s recommendations around Special Services (January 2025)
First Draft of the District Safety Plan (delayed from September 2024)
Sharing the Library Master Plan with implementation expectations
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 continues to diminish as time passes.
District Office & Education Center Progress on testing
Helen Lehman ES TK Classrooms Progress with DSA review. Wright Contracting will be mobilizing on site over the winter break, and sitework is anticipated to begin in early 2026.
Santa Rosa DeSoto Hall Modernization and Theater Roofing Design work completed and submitted to DSA. CORE has performed pre-construction site visits and will continue pre-construction activities until DSA approval is obtained
Piner HS Theater Lighting Modernization O’Rourke Electric will begin in January and be complete in April, before spring productions.
Elsie Allen Roofing and HVAC Construction documents completed and submitted to DSA. Onsite investigations have been ongoing to determine existing conditions.
Design work is under way to provide temporary housing portables to accommodate increased student population in Temporary Portables at Luther Burbank, Hidden Valley, and Proctor Terrace.
SRFACS @ SRMS TK Classrooms under review by DSA.
Current Construction Projects:
Piner High School 2-Story Classroom part 3 in review with DSA, underground utilities, grading, the elevator pit has been excavated, building’s concrete foundation rebar grade beams and grade slab were completed. Pour for the building foundation is scheduled to occur on 12/17/25, with steel erection following.
James Monroe ES TK Classrooms Arntz Builders is excavating the site, concrete slab on grade complete and structural steel erection expected to begin 12/15/25.
Santa Rosa HS Parking Lot Improvements and Fencing DSA-required modifications for ArtQuest restroom are almost complete. Decorative metal fencing installation at the front of campus is near completion. Progress on storage sheds.
District-Wide Electronic Access Controls are ongoing at SRHS, MHS, MCHS and RVMS. Construction activities have begun at PHS and ALES, as part of the Phase 2 projects. Project drawings for the Phase 3 sites, which include SRMS, RHS, SRCSfor the Arts, EAHS, HVES, and CCLA are near completion. Site walks to review were conducted during the Thanksgiving break.
Projects Closing Out:
Montgomery HS 2-Story Classroom Building gates have been installed, security panels underway. Punchlist items continue being resolved. Furniture delivery is nearly complete. Permanent replacements for the defective stools in the science labs have been received, and will be installed over the winter break. DSA Certification is pending.
Montgomery High School New Communication Wire for HVAC Controls Project closeout is in process.
Rincon Valley MS Roofing & HVAC DSA certification is pending.
Central Receiving Warehouse IT & Purchasing departments transitioning to the new space.
B.4. Conference With Labor Negotiator – Name of designated rep attending: Dr. Vicki Zands (SRCS); name of organizations: SRTA, CSEA Santa Rosa 75, Teamsters Union 665
B.5. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Title of employee being reviewed: Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principals, Vice Principals, Assistant Principals, Directors, Coordinators)
C. RECONVENE TO REGULAR OPEN SESSION (6:00 p.m.)
D. Board President End of Year Report
E. Annual Organization of the Board (Choosing Officers for next year)
SRTA Members are invested in having a well informed and high functioning board.
F. Reports (Presidents of Labor Organizations, Superintendent and Board Members)
G. Public Comment on Non Agenda and Consent 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 (unless a board member attends online.)
Comments are most impactful when they are well spoken, composed and reasonable.
There is a large concern that the fiscal decisions being made will exacerbate enrollment issues for SRCS.
Chromebooks
SRTA members are concerned about the shift to not purchase replacement chromebooks. There is a concern that there are not enough units to facilitate SBAC testing. The changes in practice, to collect individual units and distribute limited carts to elementary and middle sites are being implemented rapidly.
The impact this has on teaching and learning seems to have not been considered. The new middle school elective course is one of several courses that are heavily chromebook dependent. Teaching research can not be done without chromebooks when our sites have eliminated encyclopedias and dictionaries.
SRCS still does not have a technology plan, and there is no clear policy about who is fiscally responsible for damaged chromebooks. Families are not offered insurance to help cover this potential liability.
General fund dollars must rightly be scrutinized right now, shifting funding sources as needed to meet the financial crisis. Perhaps it is reasonable to temporarily utilize bond funds to eliminate the chaos and loss to education that will ensue with the loss of chromebooks.
All consent items are enacted by the Board in one motion, unless a Board member requests that an item be removed and discussed separately.
This month there is no personnel report on this agenda. This is highly unusual. There have been an average of over 190 personnel items reported in the board agenda each month this year.
There is no regular contract agenda item on this agenda, either. This is highly unusual. There have been an average of 32 contracts per month this year, worth an average of $105,000 each.
There are multiple contracts for eleven elementary portables that are up for approval in the consent agenda before the action item about elementary structure for next year. This order seems inappropriate.
The addition of AP Psychology and AP Human Geography align with district and site goals of expanding access to advanced coursework, increasing college and career readiness, and promoting student well-being through mental health education.
Special Services: Eliminate 1.0 FTE Special Services Coordinator and 2.0 FTE Program Manager positions. The document states that 1.0 FTE Coordinator from Wellness and Engagement will be transferred to Special Services but this is not reflected in the listed positions.
Wellness and Engagement: Reduce 1.0 FTE Director to 1.0 FTE Coordinator.
Human Resources: Eliminate 1.0 FTE Director.
One time moving $7.9M from unrestricted to restricted spending will help restore the required reserve.
Temporarily transferring $16.6M from other district funds will help with cash flow. There was $3.2M in Medi-Cal reimbursements left in the fund at the end of last year that SRCS is working to appropriately expense.
“To date, we have identified potential solutions totaling 3.5M (2.8M in unrestricted funds and 0.8M in restricted funds). This includes the elimination of co-teaching (stipends), elimination of Restorative Intervention Support, and reduction in School Based Therapists.”
Co-teaching stipends are part of the SRCS/SRTA Contract, article 14.5.3 and would need to be negotiated. This $3,000 stipend was calculated to cover the prep time these teachers forfeit to collaborate with each other.
Non-management positions will be considered for round two, with a presentation for Board discussion in January and action in February 2026.
As a reminder, SCOE requires the following corrective action by SRCS
December 8, 2025 Preliminary Solvency and Fiscal Stabilization Plan due to SCOE
February 16, 2026 submit a board-approved Fiscal Stabilization Plan to SCOE
i. The plan shall include multiyear financial projections for restricted, unrestricted, and combined funds, with detailed assumptions supporting the projections.
ii. The plan shall address implementation of ongoing expenditure reductions sufficient to eliminate the structural deficit and restore fiscal stability.
SCOE will
Decide about assigning a fiscal advisor with stay and rescind authority, paid for by the county superintendent, to advise the district on its financial condition by December 15, 2025
SRTA members appreciate that there are reductions to the district office administrative staff. The new organization chart is more streamlined than all those presented to the board in over a decade.
Is the attached Potential Solutions the “Preliminary Solvency and Fiscal Stabilization Plan” shared with SCOE by Dec 8, 2025?
Where is an analysis of the medical reimbursements for mental health SRCS can collect compared to the expense for offering mental health services?
What is the priority with these proposed cuts? When there is more funding available, how will the decision be made on what to restore first? If trust is to be rebuilt, a restoration plan requires transparency.
I.2. (Action) Update on Board Request on Elementary Consolidation Plan
● Structure of elementary schools for the 2026-2027 school year and beyond
○ Create new TK-3 and 4-6 campuses
○ Keep all sites as TK-6 campuses
Options for distribution of special education classes across school sites
○ Distribute more equitably across all sites
○ Concentrate where space is available
● Approval of boundaries
Financial Impact –
Cost neutral staffing
Cost neutral bus routes or possible $135,000 for one additional bus route for Grade Level TK-6.
Funding for the estimated fiscal impact will come from the Santa Rosa facilities bond, with an amount estimated between $9,000,000 and $21,000,000 over the next five years dependent on the various scenarios being presented.
All of this change is said to be cost neutral to the general fund. SRTA members would appreciate SRCS Admin and board currently pause this entire discussion, instead spending their limited energies on righting our financial ship, and resolving the issues at sites which have recently consolidated. Leave the elementary sites configuration and boundaries as they currently are, until this financial crisis has been resolved. There is enough chaos in our system right now due to prior decisions and planned elimination of services. Students and staff will be able to withstand changes far better from established communities, than while simultaneously trying to establish new communities.
Can the board accept the transparent practice of announcing anticipated future special board meetings at the prior regular board meeting, allowing stakeholders to plan accordingly?
SRTA members are encouraged to prepare for the upcoming agenda items.
Pivot Charter School Renewal
7-11 Committee List
Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Update
Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) Formation
Still Pending Information Requested by Board members
Medina- AP instruction data with number of years of experience of Teachers
-Clarification about board policy adoption requiring a majority of board membership versus a majority of those present/voting
– consider E-sports clubs or teams
Caston- Site funding finance report with various amounts and sources
-strategy of athletics program across the district
-update 3510 policy around reducing waste as a discussion item
– how different sports programs are supported with rallies, announcing, etc.
Prak – Turf fields maintenance level report
– update on sports at MS level
Kirby – add an assistant wrestling coach for women?
DeLaTorre- facility fee, possible reductions?
Jenkins – transporting as needed for sports?
SRTA looks to the future scheduling of the following items:
Cell Phone Board Policy Presentation and Update (September 2025)
Staff was recently given the opportunity to complete a survey about cell phones. All questions were required to be answered, while options for answering did not always allow for an accurate response. Valuable input will not be included in the results from this faulty survey..
Appointment of Vacant Committee Position: Board Finance Subcommittee (September 2025)
Panorama and Youth Truth Survey Data (August 2025)
Restorative Practices Data (March 2025)
VAPA Program Highlights (Feb 2025)
Plan and timeline for implementation of Dr. Gillespie’s recommendations around Special Services (January 2025)
First Draft of the District Safety Plan (delayed from September 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 continues to diminish as time passes.
Student Voice Policy
L.3. Board Finance Subcommittee Meeting Dates
Monday, January 5, 2026
Monday, February 2, 2026
Monday, March 2, 2026
Monday, April 6, 2026
Monday, May 4, 2026
Monday, June 1, 2026
REUNIÓN ORDINARIA DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA
Escuelas de la ciudad de Santa Rosa
10 de diciembre de 2025
Híbrido: Cámaras del Consejo del Ayuntamiento de Santa Rosa
Tómese el tiempo para revisar la siguiente versión abreviada de la agenda.Haga clic aquí para ver la agenda completa.Tiene enlaces en vivo sobre muchos temas con más información. Si desea comentar con la junta sobre los próximos temas, envíe un correo electrónico a agendacomments@srcs.k12.ca.us. Por favor, envíe una copia a wearesrta@gmail.com en su correo electrónico.
Se recomienda a los miembros que asisten en línea que agreguen SRTA al frente de su nombre de cliente de Zoom.
Temas de la sesión cerrada:
A.1. Comentarios públicos sobre los temas de la agenda de sesiones cerradas Para comentar, envíe un correo electrónico a Melanie Martin a mmartinsrcs.k12.ca.us.
Esta es una oportunidad para que los miembros del público hablen con la junta únicamente sobre temas de sesión cerrada.
Sin detalles sobre los temas de la agenda de las sesiones cerradas, es imposible que el público sepa cuándo brindar información sobre los temas que se están revisando.
B.1. Readmisión de estudiantes (Números de caso: 2024/25-06, 2023/24-12, 2024/25-18)
B.2. Expulsión de estudiantes (Caso n.° 2025/26-04)
B.3. Disciplina/Despido/Liberación de Empleados Públicos
B.4. Reunión con el negociador laboral – Nombre del representante designado que asistió: Dra. Vicki Zands (SRCS); nombre de las organizaciones: SRTA, CSEA Santa Rosa 75, Sindicato de Teamsters 665
B.6 Evaluación del desempeño de los empleados públicos (Cargo del empleado evaluado: Superintendente, Superintendente Asociado, Superintendente Auxiliar, Directores, Subdirectores, Subdirectores Auxiliares, Coordinadores)
C. VOLVER A CONVOCAR A LA SESIÓN ABIERTA ORDINARIA (6:00 pm)
D. Informe de fin de año del Presidente de la Junta
E. Organización Anual de la Junta (Elección de Autoridades para el próximo año)
Los miembros de SRTA están interesados en tener una junta directiva bien informada y que funcione bien.
F. Informes (Presidentes de Organizaciones Laborales, Superintendente y Miembros de Junta Directiva)
G. Comentarios públicos sobre temas no incluidos en la agenda y temas de consentimiento
Se invita a los miembros de SRTA a completar las tarjetas azules en la reunión de la junta para hacer comentarios públicos. Se han suspendido los comentarios en línea, a menos que un miembro de la junta asista de forma remota. Les rogamos que estén preparados para respetar el límite de tiempo de tres minutos o la posible reducción de último minuto. Los comentarios se han limitado a un máximo de 60 segundos, con un límite en el tiempo total dedicado a los comentarios públicos. En este momento, solo se abordan los puntos que no están en la agenda, con la excepción de los puntos de consentimiento (véase la sección F).
Se solicitan comentarios en la reunión de la junta para aportar la perspectiva de un miembro y compartir experiencias reales del impacto de las políticas y prácticas del distrito en los estudiantes y el personal.
Los oradores se limitan a aquellos en persona (a menos que un miembro de la junta asista en línea).
Los comentarios tienen mayor impacto cuando están bien expresados, compuestos y razonables.
Existe una gran preocupación de que las decisiones fiscales que se están tomando empeorará los problemas de inscripción en SRCS.
Chromebooks
Los miembros de SRTA están preocupados por la decisión de no comprar Chromebooks de reemplazo. Existe la preocupación de que no haya suficientes unidades para facilitar las pruebas SBAC. Los cambios en la práctica, que consisten en recolectar unidades individuales y distribuir carritos limitados a las escuelas primarias y secundarias, se están implementando rápidamente.
El impacto que esto tiene en la enseñanza y el aprendizaje parece no haberse tenido en cuenta. La nueva clase optativa de secundaria es una de las varias clases que dependen en gran medida de los Chromebooks. La investigación en la enseñanza no se puede llevar a cabo sin Chromebooks cuando nuestros centros han eliminado las enciclopedias y los diccionarios.
SRCS aún no cuenta con un plan tecnológico y no existe una política clara sobre quién es responsable fiscalmente de los Chromebooks dañados. A las familias no se les ofrece un seguro que cubra esta posible responsabilidad.
Es necesario analizar con atención los fondos generales ahora mismo, modificando las fuentes de financiación según sea necesario para afrontar la crisis financiera. Quizás sea razonable utilizar temporalmente los fondos de bonos para eliminar el caos y las pérdidas para la educación que se producirán con la pérdida de Chromebooks.
Todos los elementos de consentimiento son aprobados por la Junta en una sola moción, a menos que un miembro de la Junta solicite que un elemento se elimine y se discuta por separado.
Este mes no hay ningún informe de personal en esta agenda.Esto es sumamente inusual. Este año, se han reportado en promedio más de 190 asuntos de personal en la agenda de la junta cada mes.
En esta agenda tampoco hay ningún punto relativo a contratos regulares.Esto es muy inusual. Este año se han producido un promedio de 32 contratos al mes, con un valor promedio de 105.000 dólares cada uno.
Hay varios contratos para once escuelas primarias portátiles que están pendientes de aprobación en la agenda de consentimiento antes del punto de acción sobre la estructura de la escuela primaria para el próximo año.Esta orden parece inapropiada.
La incorporación de Psicología AP y Geografía Humana AP se alinea con los objetivos del distrito y del sitio de ampliar el acceso a cursos avanzados, aumentar la preparación para la universidad y la carrera y promover el bienestar de los estudiantes a través de la educación en salud mental.
Costo de los libros de texto: Geografía Humana AP: $2,500 en Maria Carrillo HS y Santa Rosa HS Psicología AP: $18,000 en Maria Carrillo HS y Santa Rosa HS
Baile Hip Hop — SIN COSTO en Montgomery HS Fuentes de financiación: Lotería y donaciones
I. TEMAS DE DISCUSIÓN/ACCIÓN
I.1. Partidas presupuestarias
a. (Acción) Primer Informe Fiscal Interino 2025-26
Aún no se ha adjuntado ninguna presentación. Esto se ha convertido en un preocupante suceso recurrente en las agendas de la junta.
(versiones restringidas, sin restricciones y combinadas)
El distrito espera un Análisis de Riesgo de Salud Fiscal (FHRA) del Equipo de Asistencia de Gestión y Crisis Fiscal (FCMAT) en enero de 2026.
Hay ligeros cambios entre las cifras del presupuesto aprobado y las nuevas cifras proyectadas.
Se presupuestaron ingresos totales para el 25-26 de $238 millones y gastos de $252 millones, $14 millones más que los ingresos.
Este año, los servicios y otros gastos operativos siguen representando el 25 % del presupuesto.
Proyección Plurianual por líneas presupuestarias (página 30)
La proyección plurianual muestra una disminución en los saldos finales de nuestro año de $1 millón este año, -$15 millones el próximo año y -$32 millones el año siguiente.
b. (Acción) Plan de estabilización fiscal y recomendaciones a la Junta
No se adjunta la carta preliminar del Plan de solvencia y estabilización fiscal del 8 de diciembre de 2025 que debe presentarse ante la SCOE el 8 de diciembre.
Los posibles cambios administrativos eliminan 9 puestos y suponen un ahorro de 1.9 millones de dólares.
El gabinete se reducirá y quedará integrado únicamente por los tres superintendentes adjuntos y el oficial de información pública.
Se creará el Departamento de Servicios Estudiantiles para abarcar los Servicios Educativos, los Servicios Especiales y el Bienestar y la Participación.
Servicios Educativos: Eliminar 1.0 FTE de Director Ejecutivo, 1.0 FTE de Director y 3.0 FTE de Coordinadores.
Servicios Especiales: Eliminar los puestos de Coordinador de Servicios Especiales (1.0 FTE) y Gerente de Programa (2.0 FTE). El documento indica que el Coordinador (1.0 FTE) de Bienestar y Participación se transferirá a Servicios Especiales, pero esto no se refleja en los puestos listados.
Bienestar y compromiso: reducir 1.0 FTE de director a 1.0 FTE de coordinador.
Recursos Humanos: Eliminar 1.0 Director FTE.
Transferir en una sola ocasión US$7.9 millones del gasto no restringido al gasto restringido ayudará a restablecer la reserva necesaria.
La transferencia temporal de $16.6 millones de otros fondos del distrito contribuirá al flujo de caja. Al final del año pasado, quedaban $3.2 millones en reembolsos de Medi-Cal en el fondo, que SRCS está trabajando para contabilizar adecuadamente.
Hasta la fecha, hemos identificado posibles soluciones por un total de 3,5 millones (2,8 millones en fondos no restringidos y 0,8 millones en fondos restringidos). Esto incluye la eliminación de la co enseñanza (estipendios), la eliminación del Apoyo a la Intervención Restaurativa y la reducción de terapeutas escolares.
Los estipendios por co enseñanza forman parte del Contrato SRCS/SRTA, artículo 14.5.3, y deberán negociarse. Este estipendio de $3,000 se calculó para cubrir el tiempo de preparación que estos docentes pierden al colaborar entre sí.
Se considerarán puestos no gerenciales para la segunda ronda, con una presentación para discusión en la Junta en enero y acción en febrero de 2026.
Como recordatorio, SCOE requiere la siguiente acción correctiva por parte de SRCS
8 de diciembre de 2025 Plan Preliminar de Solvencia y Estabilización Fiscal debido a SCOE
16 de febrero de 2026 presentar un Plan de Estabilización Fiscal aprobado por la junta a la SCOE
i. El plan incluirá proyecciones financieras plurianuales para fondos restringidos, no restringidos y combinados, con supuestos detallados que respalden las proyecciones.
ii. El plan abordará la implementación de reducciones continuas del gasto suficientes para eliminar el déficit estructural y restablecer la estabilidad fiscal.
La SCOE lo hará
Decidir sobre la asignación de un asesor fiscal con autoridad para suspender y rescindir, pagado por el superintendente del condado, para asesorar al distrito sobre su situación financiera antes del 15 de diciembre de 2025
Los miembros de SRTA agradecen las reducciones en el personal administrativo de la oficina de distrito. El nuevo organigrama es más ágil que todos los presentados a la junta en más de una década.
¿Las Soluciones Potenciales adjuntas son el “Plan Preliminar de Solvencia y Estabilización Fiscal” que se compartirá con SCOE antes del 8 de diciembre de 2025?
¿Dónde hay un análisis de los reembolsos médicos por salud mental que SRCS puede recaudar en comparación con el gasto por ofrecer servicios de salud mental?
¿Cuál es la prioridad con estos recortes propuestos? Cuando haya más fondos disponibles, ¿cómo se decidirá qué restaurar primero? Para restablecer la confianza, un plan de restauración requiere transparencia.
I.2. (Acción) Actualización sobre la solicitud de la Junta Directiva sobre el Plan de Consolidación de Escuelas Primarias
● Estructura de las escuelas primarias para el año escolar 2026-2027 y posteriores
○ Crear nuevos campus para los grados TK-3 y 4-6
○ Mantener todos los sitios como campus TK-6
Opciones para la distribución de clases de educación especial en los distintos planteles escolares
○ Distribuir de manera más equitativa en todos los sitios
○ Concéntrese donde haya espacio disponible
● Aprobación de límites
Impacto financiero –
Dotación de personal neutral en costes
Rutas de autobús sin costo alguno o posible costo de $135,000 para una ruta de autobús adicional para los grados TK-6.
El financiamiento para el impacto fiscal estimado provendrá del bono de instalaciones de Santa Rosa, con un monto estimado entre $9,000,000 y $21,000,000 durante los próximos cinco años dependiendo de los diversos escenarios que se presenten.
Se dice que todo este cambio no tendrá ningún costo para el fondo general. Los miembros de SRTA agradecerían que la administración y la junta directiva de SRCS suspendieran esta discusión y, en su lugar, dedicaran sus limitadas energías a enderezar el rumbo financiero y resolver los problemas en las escuelas que se han consolidado recientemente. Se recomienda mantener la configuración y los límites de las escuelas primarias como están hasta que se resuelva esta crisis financiera. Ya hay suficiente caos en nuestro sistema debido a decisiones previas y la eliminación planificada de servicios. Los estudiantes y el personal podrán soportar mejor los cambios desde las comunidades establecidas que si simultáneamente intentan establecer nuevas comunidades.
¿Puede la junta aceptar la práctica transparente de anunciar las futuras reuniones especiales de la junta en la reunión regular anterior, permitiendo a las partes interesadas planificar en consecuencia?
Se anima a los miembros de SRTA a prepararse para los próximos puntos de la agenda.
Renovación de la escuela autónoma Pivot
Lista del Comité 7-11
Actualización del Sistema de Apoyo de Múltiples Niveles (MTSS)
Formación del Área del Plan Local de Educación Especial (SELPA)
Información aún pendiente solicitada por los miembros de la Junta
Medina- Datos de instrucción AP con número de años de experiencia de los profesores
-Aclaración sobre la adopción de políticas de la junta que requieren una mayoría de los miembros de la junta en lugar de una mayoría de los presentes/votantes.
– considerar clubes o equipos de deportes electrónicos
Caston- Informe financiero de financiación del sitio con diversos montos y fuentes
-estrategia del programa de atletismo en todo el distrito
-Actualizar la política 3510 sobre la reducción de residuos como tema de debate
– cómo se apoyan diferentes programas deportivos con mítines, anuncios, etc.
Prak – Informe del nivel de mantenimiento de campos de césped
– Actualización sobre deportes a nivel MS
Kirby: ¿Agregar un entrenador asistente de lucha libre para mujeres?
DeLaTorre-Tarifa de instalaciones, ¿posibles reducciones?
Jenkins – ¿transporte según sea necesario para los deportes?
SRTA analiza la programación futura de los siguientes elementos:
Presentación y actualización de la política de la Junta de Teléfonos Celulares (septiembre de 2025)
Recientemente, el personal tuvo la oportunidad de completar una encuesta sobre teléfonos celulares. Todas las preguntas eran obligatorias, y las opciones de respuesta no siempre permitían una respuesta precisa. No se incluirán aportaciones valiosas en los resultados de esta encuesta defectuosa.
Designación de un puesto vacante en el Subcomité de Finanzas de la Junta Directiva (septiembre de 2025)
Datos de la Encuesta Panorama y la Youth Truthl (agosto de 2025)
Datos de prácticas restaurativas (marzo de 2025)
Aspectos destacados del programa VAPA (febrero de 2025)
Plan y cronograma para la implementación de las recomendaciones del Dr. Gillespie sobre Servicios Especiales (enero de 2025)
Primer borrador del Plan de Seguridad del Distrito (retrasado desde septiembre de 2024)
Compartir el Plan Maestro de la Biblioteca con expectativas de implementación
Cierre oficial de Learning House y otros sitios
Solicitud de revisión acelerada del material de la Charter del SRACS (retrasada)
Plan para el programa de apoyo a la vivienda del personal con los ingresos de Fir Ridge
Hasta que el distrito tome una decisión, los fondos provenientes de la venta de la propiedad de Fir Ridge se encuentran estancados y pierden valor a medida que el costo de la vivienda sigue aumentando. La puesta en marcha de un programa podría ayudar a SRCS a atraer y retener al personal de CSEA. El impacto potencial de los fondos disminuye con el tiempo.
Política de Voz Estudiantil
L.3. Fechas de las reuniones del Subcomité de Finanzas de la Junta
B.5. Conference With Labor Negotiator – Name of designated rep attending: Dr. Vicki Zands (SRCS); name of organizations: SRTA, CSEA Santa Rosa 75, Teamsters Union 665
B.6 Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Title of employee being reviewed: Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principals, Vice Principals, Assistant Principals, Directors, Coordinators)
C. RECONVENE TO REGULAR OPEN SESSION (6:00 p.m.)
D. Reports
E. Public Comment on Non Agenda and Consent 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.
G-1 is about the fiscal health of the district, so all commenters on this topic should wait until then.
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.
EdJoin shows a total of 67 current postings for 171 jobs in SRCS. There are fourteen certificated opening postings for fourteen positions (one more than the last meeting.) There are fifty-three current classified postings for one-hundred seventy-one job openings (seventeen less than the last meeting.) There are no certificated and no classified management positions posted.
SRTA heartily welcomes Jhon Everth Ortiz Cubidez (MHS), Devyn Gilman (LBES), Elizabeth Brooks (PHS), Alfred Frimpong (MHS/HSMS) and Stephen Drapkin (JMES).
Changes to classified staff includes three new hires and three resignations. They leave taking with them 3 years, 10 months and 8 days of knowledge and service to our staff and students.
F.4. Ratification of Contracts Under $15,000
Summary
#
Provider
Cost
Description
Charter
4
Common Ground Society
$500.00
diversity and equity presentation for SRACS
Secondary
1
Bryan Price
$9,109.50
CPR for SRCS Coaches
2
Career Technical Education Foundation of Sonoma County
No Direct Cost
provide HS student internships through the Path to Purpose Program
3
California Agricultural Teachers’ Induction Program
$8,100.00
Induction support, mentoring, coaching and technical assistance to agricultural teachers in their first or second year of teaching
facilitate the development of integrated grade level teams and pathways at EAHS
3
Imagine Learning
$60,330.00
Teachers for remote online instruction of Chem at MHS and Spanish at EAHS.
District
2
Adroit Advanced Technologies
$206,000.00
Transportation services for students with disabilities
The contract for EAHS raises questions about the focus of the site. There has been tremendous energy put into centering the site on CTE. Then last year there was a decision to concentrate on Project Based Learning. This current contract is to support Integrated Pathways. Are these intentions coming from the staff?
How does an additional contract for transportation impact our agreement with West County?
F.8. Approval of Resolution 2025/26-43 Notice of Intent to Convey Easements to the City of Santa Rosa
The City of Santa Rosa is replacing water mains that run underground at MHS. This agreement will sell two strips of land above new water mains to the city for $190,157.00
F.9. Adoption of Resolution No. 2025/26-44 Supporting Award and Approval of Lease-Leaseback Agreement with Core Construction for the SRHS DeSoto Hall Modernization & Theater Roofing Project
F.10. Approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Alternate Design-Build Agreement with Wright Contracting for the Helen Lehman Elementary School TK Classroom Buildings Project
F.12. Approval of Authorized Signatory for California Department of Education, Early Childhood Education Contract
This resolution authorizes the Director of Expanded Learning and State & Federal Programs to be a signatory for the California State Preschool Program (CSPP).
F.13. Approval of Updated Reclassification Assessment i-Ready
The Board approved i-Ready as a local assessment to determine reclassification eligibility for multilingual learners in grades K-6 on 5/14/25. The Board will consider adding iReady for grades 7 and 8 to determine reclassification, allowing us the ability to include sites currently using iReady for Grades 7 and 8. Approval will allow for Grade 7 and 8 i-Ready language arts benchmark scores to be added, consistent with the K-6 sites currently using iReady, as evidence for meeting the basic skills requirement for reclassification to Fluent English Proficient (RFEP) status.
This is updated with current year numbers and projections through the end of next year.
SRCS predicts deficit cash on hand of $40.5M in December ‘25 and $22M in March ‘26. Those can be covered by loans from Sonoma County for expected property taxes. The ending balance is negative $2.8M, so if SRCS can cut $2.8M this year, they will end with a zero balance. Next year SRCS predicts deficit cash on hand for the entire year (except April), with deficits of $62.1M in December ‘26 and $34.3M in March ‘27, with an ending balance of -$16.2M.
December 8, 2025 Preliminary Solvency and Fiscal Stabilization Plan due to SCOE
February 16, 2026 submit a board-approved Fiscal Stabilization Plan to SCOE
i. The plan shall include multiyear financial projections for restricted, unrestricted, and combined funds, with detailed assumptions supporting the projections.
ii. The plan shall address implementation of ongoing expenditure reductions sufficient to eliminate the structural deficit and restore fiscal stability.
SCOE will
Assign a fiscal advisor with stay and rescind authority, paid for by the county superintendent, to advise the district on its financial condition by December 15, 2025
Assist in developing a financial plan that will enable the district to meet its future obligations
Contract with the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team to perform a Fiscal Health Risk Analysis.
The entire community wants to avoid state takeover. SRTA members want immediate identification of substantial specific budget solutions to put SRCS on solid financial ground. This seems a nearly insurmountable task, so inviting knowledgeable people to the table to help seems prudent.
The last board agenda listed Updates from the Fiscal Stabilization Advisory Committee as a future agenda item. The committee has met twice this fall and was informed their focus is shifting to increasing revenue. They have reviewed district policy on sponsorships.
SRCS had an Alternative Education Committee that met five times during the 23-24 school year. There was a board presentation on their recommendations on April 17, 2024. They identified the shift to Community Schools as meeting the alternative needs for elementary students and focused their efforts on secondary students with the following five prioritized recommendations.
Expand ISP for secondary students, including expanding online credits. That has just been implemented.
Middle School Opportunity Program.
High School Onsite Intervention Programs – up to 85 students in a school within a school model
Model Similar to Big Picture Learning Grades 7-12
Grade 7-12 CTE Magnet Programs
The willingness to sit on a committee when the recommendations are not implemented is diminishing. There is a broad agreement that comprehensive education does not work for all students. It is understandable that families would seek programs outside of SRCS to better meet the needs of their students.
SRCS has not adopted a district vision for alternative settings for students with an implementation plan and timeline. Furthermore, no data is included in this presentation.
Three of the seven ISP teachers have been invited to the table for the board meeting to answer questions directly about the isp program. SRTA appreciates having members included in a presentation to the board.
G.3. (Action) Approval of Variable Term Waiver for Administrative Services Credential for Debra LaPrath
G.4. (Action) Establishment of the Annual Organizational Meeting of the Board of Education
The Board is asked to establish the annual organizational meeting of the Board of Education on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
J.1. Future Board Discussion Items (not included in this agenda)
Can the board accept the transparent practice of announcing future special board meetings at the prior regular board meeting, allowing stakeholders to plan accordingly?
SRTA members are encouraged to prepare for the upcoming agenda items.
Approval of First Interim
Annual Organization of the Board
Fiscal Stabilization Recommendations
Elementary Consolidation Plan
Recently and Still Pending Information from the Board
Medina- AP instruction data with number of years of experience of Teachers
-Clarification about board policy adoption requiring a majority of board membership versus a majority of those present/voting
– consider E-sports clubs or teams
Caston- Site funding finance report with various amounts and sources
-strategy of athletics program across the district
-update 3510 policy around reducing waste as a discussion item
– how different sports programs are supported with rallies, announcing, etc.
Prak– Turf fields maintenance level report
– update on sports at MS level
Kirby – add an assistant wrestling coach for women?
DeLaTorre- facility fee, possible reductions?
Jenkins – transporting as needed for sports?
SRTA looks to the future scheduling of the following items:
Cell Phone Board Policy Presentation and Update (September 2025)
Staff was recently given the opportunity to complete a survey about cell phones. All questions were required to be answered, while options for answering did not always allow for an accurate response. Valuable input will not be included in the results from this faulty survey..
Appointment of Vacant Committee Position: Board Finance Subcommittee (September 2025)
Panorama and Youth Truth Survey Data (August 2025)
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? Is there data that the ISP program is sufficient to meet this need?
VAPA Program Highlights (Feb 2025)
Plan and timeline for implementation of Dr. Gillespie’s recommendations around Special Services (January 2025)
First Draft of the District Safety Plan (delayed from September 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 continues to diminish as time passes.
The Special Services Department will provide regular updates to the Board of these contracts. The contracts are adjusted on a regular basis as special education needs change. This will also be discussed during a special services update to the Board.
Non-Public Agency Contracts $14,462,185.41 These contracts are for positions SRCS is unable to hire: Aides, SLP, ALs Interpreters, LVN, and Physical Therapists.
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: 2025/26-03)
B.2. Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release
B.3. Conference With Labor Negotiator – Name of designated rep attending: Dr. Vicki Zands (SRCS); name of organizations: SRTA, CSEA Santa Rosa 75, Teamsters Union 665
B.4. Conference With Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Case Name: OAH Case No. 2025090837)
B.5. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Title of employee being reviewed: Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principals, Vice Principals, Assistant Principals, Directors, Coordinators)
C. RECONVENE TO REGULAR OPEN SESSION (6:00 p.m.)
D. Reports
E. Public Comment on Non Agenda and Consent 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.
SRTA members are concerned that the federal shut down is preventing the processing of VISAs for our international hires. Where can this information be verified by SRCS? What is the current plan around these open positions?
EdJoin shows a total of 74 current postings for 207 jobs in SRCS. There are thirteen certificated opening postings for thirteen positions (six less than the last meeting.) There are sixty-one current classified postings for one-hundred eighty-eight job openings (the same as the last meeting.) There are no certificated and no classified management positions posted.
SRTA heartily welcomes Matthew DePackh (SLES), Shannon Creighton (SRHS), and Alicia Hicks (LBES.)
SRTA bids farewell to Alison Peoples (HLES.)
Changes to classified staff includes six new hires, two rehires and one resignation. They leave taking with them 9.5 years of knowledge and service to our staff and students.
Welcome to Robin Whittaker, new Program Manager/Behavior Specialist.
F.5. Ratification of Contracts Under $15,000
Summary
#
Provider
Cost
Description
District
8
KBA
Cost Neutral
Replace 4 duplicating copiers with 5 in18 month contract
Charter
1
Curriculum Associates
$2,300.00
6 Hours of PD for CCLA on iReady
Secondary
2
IXL Learning
$559.00
1 year license for 40 PHS students
4
Liftforward
$380.29
Minecraft Cloud Services for media tech students at RVMS.
Elementary
3
Paws for Healing
No Direct Cost
Volunteer Paws for Reading for HVES
5
Mobile Ed
$3,590.00
Production about air and our atmosphere for SLES students
6
BMX Freestylers
$2,144.00
BMX Pro Athlete assembly on safety and anti-bullying.
7
Teachers’ Curriculum Institute
$1,390.00
Resources for one teacher and their 5th grade class.
software licenses and technical support agreements required to maintain uninterrupted operation of the district’s voice and emergency communication systems for five years
F.8. New Citizens Oversight Committee (COC) Member
The Board will consider approving and appointing Donna Gomes as a new member to Measures I, L, C, and G bond Citizen’s Oversight Committee representing the Senior Citizen’s Organization.
Approval of the 2nd Amendment to the Solar Power Purchase Agreement with Ridgway Ave DG Solar LLC (Jua Capital). The amendment “Removes Facilities” from the Original Agreement for 20 systems, apparently by mutual agreement as listed below;
1. SRCS District Office, System Size: 291.6 KW
2. Santa Rosa Charter for the Arts, System Size: 96.8 KW
3. Santa Rosa Middle School, System Size: 145.8 KW
4. Cesar Chavez Learning Academy, System Size: 364.5 KW
5. Piner High School, System Size: 607.5 KW
6. Steele Lane Elementary School, System Size: 72.9 KW
7. Helen Lehman Elementary School, System Size: 72.9 KW
8. Brook Hill Elementary School, System Size: 72.9 KW
F.10. Approval of Santa Rosa French-American Charter School’s Chess Students to travel to Cambridge, MA
For ten students to the annual Chess Tournament for the North American Zone in Cambridge, Massachusetts, from November 9 to November 12, 2025. The tournament brings together chess players from accredited French schools throughout the U.S.A. and Canada to compete in chess. Nov. 9–12, 2025. Cost of &7.900 is funded by the Parents Association Foundation.
F.13. Approval of Newcomer English 1: Literacy for English Learners Course Proposal
The Board will consider approval of the following new course for the 2026-27 school year: Newcomer English 1: Literacy for English Learners which is different from the Foundational course which is appropriate for students with formal education in their first language.
F.14. Approval of Resolution 2025/26-07 for the Declaration of Obsolete & Surplus M&O Vehicles and Authorization to Sell, Dispose, and/or Donate
The Board will consider the approval of Resolution 2025/26-07 to declare five M&O vehicles as obsolete and of insufficient value and authorize staff to sell, dispose, and/or donate the equipment.
F.15. Notice and Approval of the Removal/Recycling of Unusable, Outdated, and/or Damaged Instructional Materials and Textbooks
The Board will consider approval of the removal/recycling of approximately 17,600 unusable, outdated and/or damaged instructional materials and textbooks that have been removed from sites and stored in the Warehouse in accordance with District policy and State law.
SRTA members are concerned that the current efforts to trim expenses are limited to staff give backs. The total amount expected from these actions is minimal when compared to the sum required to hold off a state takeover.
It is expected that site staff will be asked to make financial concessions, on top of the extraordinary changes to working conditions resulting from the previous $19 million in staffing reductions. Maximized class sizes and severe reductions to student supports on campus have negatively impacted student learning and teaching. Teachers are picking up the tab for increased costs associated with supplies and materials for our classrooms. We are giving away time outside the work day to tend to our students’ educational and emotional needs. Staff morale is at a record low.
Sustainable changes must be sought to change the financial trajectory of the district. Staff concessions are not sustainable.
G.1. (Action) Assistant Superintendent Contracts and Compensation Concessions
Administrators are proposing voluntary compensation and/or benefit concessions to assist in addressing the fiscal shortfall.
More information on the proposed voluntary Administrative Compensation Concessions will be uploaded prior to the October 22, 2025 Board Meeting. (Nothing uploaded yet.)
Scheduled Management is proposing voluntary compensation and/or benefit concessions to assist in addressing the fiscal shortfall.
Information on the proposed voluntary Scheduled Management Compensation Concessions will be uploaded.(Nothing uploaded yet.)
G3 and G4
SRTA members are concerned that the district’s precarious situation will cause further hardship in recruiting and retaining students and staff, increasing the need to hire individuals that are not fully credentialed.
G.3. (Action) Approval of Variable Term Waiver for Administrative Services Credential for Taryn Reynolds
This Variable Term Waiver will allow the district to fill a Program Manager position in Special Services for the 2025-2026 school year. Taryn Reynolds has passed the written portion of the administrative Credential exam, and is awaiting the outcome of the performance portion, which was completed on Thursday, September 26.
G.4. (Action) Correction to Approved Provisional Internship Permit Application (PIP) Kailani Marie Gomez-Alcala
The Board will consider corrections to the previously Board approved Provisional Internship Application (PIP). The Preliminary Internship Permit (PIP) will allow the district to fill an Elementary Teacher position at Proctor Terrace Elementary (1.00 FTE) for the 2025-2026 school year.
G.5. Public Hearing: Pivot Charter School North Bay Renewal
Pivot Charter School – North Bay, currently authorized by Oak Grove Union Elementary School District, is a nonclassroom-based K–12 program serving about 430 students, offering flexible attendance options including online learning. Pivot seeks to continue operating under authorization from Santa Rosa City Schools (SRCS).
No decision will be made at the hearing; staff findings and recommendations will be posted by December 2, 2025, and the Board will vote on the renewal on December 17, 2025.
The actual charter renewal is not attached to the agenda for review.
While appreciative of movement toward locating a new Superintendent, this agency has not provided successful candidates in the last few hiring rounds for this position. It is a rare person with the necessary skills and passion that would choose to join SRCS at this precarious time.
G.7. (Action) Second Read and Consideration of BP 5131.9, BP 6154, BP 6162.5
The Board will consider approval of Board Policy updates for 5131.9, 6154, 6162.5.
BP 5131.9 Redline – Academic Honesty: Promotes integrity by setting standards for ethical student conduct for dishonest practices: cheating/collusion and plagiarism are defined. “Students must know that their teachers will not ignore or condone cheating, collusion, or plagiarism and that anyone discovered cheating, colluding, or plagiarizing will be penalized.” Penalties are not specified.
BP6162.5 Redline – Student Assessment: Guides the use of varied assessments to measure learning, inform instruction, and support continuous improvement. The only substantial change to the prior policy is the specification that records will only be shared with staff directly involved with the student, and that release of records requires the student or parents’ authorization.
BP 6154 Clean (new policy)- Homework/Makeup Work: Establishes expectations for meaningful, manageable homework and ensures students have opportunities to complete missed work for excused absences.
G.8. (Action) Second Read and Consideration of Updated BP 5116.1 and BP 5117
The Board will consider approval of Board Policy updates for 5116.1 and 5117.
BP 5116.1 (Redline) Intradistrict Open Enrollment includes specifying that acceptance shall not be based on a student’s academic or athletic performance and transportation will not be provided. Students can be transferred if they are victims of bullying, the school or area is dangerous for them, they have a sibling attending, or their parent works at the site. Enrolling students in specialized schools or programs seems to be a separate issue not flushed out in this policy as it is referred to only in that academic records can be used to choose students in that case.
BP 5117(2) (Redline) Interdistrict Attendance transfers require permission of their home district and shall be denied if the student was suspended or expelled the prior year for a list of reasons provided.
For information purposes:
AR 5116.1 – Intradistrict Open Enrollment Priorities – 1) Continuing student, 2) Sibling attends, 3) lives in a priority neighborhood, 4) child of site based employee, 5) displaced from natural disaster, 6) specialized program (this needs definition), 7) other
The current Wellness and Engagement webpage needs some reorganization.
G.9. (Action) Resolution 2025/26-42 Authorizing the Formation of a 7-11 Advisory Committee for Surplus Property
The 7-11 Committee will ensure that the District proceeds in a transparent, community-informed, and legally compliant manner as it evaluates the best use of the closed school property. Specifically, they will consider “Doyle Park”, “Lewis Early Learning Academy”, and “Brook Hill Elementary”.
Persons with expertise in environmental impact, legal contracts, building codes, land use planning, zoning, or related fields are particularly desired for this committee.
The modifications also more accurately reflect housing developments since their last update in the 1990s and to better align with current traffic patterns.
Proposal 10-22 A reverts the secondary attendance boundaries to the 2024-2025 boundaries with three significant updates: (1) all communities located west of Highway 101 and north of W College Avenue are assigned to Piner High School, (2) all communities situated east of Highway 101 and west of Cross Creek Road are assigned to Santa Rosa High School, and (3) all communities south of W College Avenue and north of Highway 12 are assigned to Santa Rosa High School. This proposal primarily aims to distribute residential students evenly across the five secondary school sites, and to align attendance boundaries with bussing zones and the fastest routes to school. This proposal has been developed and recommended by staff as it most closely aligns with development and current traffic patterns.
Proposal 10-22 B expands upon Proposal 10-22 A by further assigning the Alta Vista unincorporated area (behind the Flamingo) from MCHS to MHS. This adjustment impacts approximately 100 students and would facilitate the optimal utilization of the larger facility at Montgomery High School.
Proposal 10-22 C Move the Lincoln Heights and Larkfield Manors neighborhoods from SRHS to MCHS. Staff states this will increase travel time and require an additional bus for 48 residents and 5 students.
No data is provided for enrollment changes from these boundary proposals, and there is no financial impact included except for the statement that each additional bus route is slightly over $100,000 annually.
The goal of changing boundaries looks to be to equalize high school campus enrollments, informed by traditional boundaries and traffic patterns.
G.11. (Discussion) Parcel Tax Consideration and Next Steps
With an uncertain outlook on future education funding due to declining enrollment and lack of adequate state and federal funding, SRCS is exploring additional methods to provide financial resources to increasing safety and security measures on school campuses; attracting and retaining excellent teachers; enhancing science, technology, engineering, and math programs and instruction; providing student counseling for mental health support.
In 2023/24, the district explored the possibility of a parcel tax. Both flat rate and per square foot options were explored. At the time, it was determined that, given the climate, it was not likely worth the cost to further explore feasibility. The Board chose to leave the option open for future discussion. The Board Finance Subcommittee recommends exploration of a parcel tax.
The public perception of SRCS’s fiscal management has declined since the last discussion of a Parcel Tax.
The consulting and surveying of the voting public around a parcel tax by Team CivX cost $168,845 two and a half years ago.
Staff support could be garnered from adding specific language guaranteeing the vast majority of the tax would be used to improve compensation for SRCS bargaining unit members.
G.12. (Discussion) Expanded Learning Update
This year’s summer programs focused on strengthening academic skills and offering enrichment across all grade levels. Elementary and middle school programs emphasized skill-building and academic challenges, while high school programs prioritized credit recovery and enrichment. All programs supported personal and academic growth, aligning with Board Strategic Priorities such as Whole Person Focus, Equity & Excellence, and Family Engagement.
Key highlights included expanded high school credit recovery, continued investment in early literacy, and strong community partnerships—such as those with Sonoma State University, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, and Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks. Data from Springboard Impact and Student & Family Reports reflected positive outcomes in literacy, academic progress, and overall satisfaction.
SRCS implemented experiential summer programs under the auspices that if students were more engaged over summer, it would increase their success during the regular school year. This has now been underway for several years. Where is the data to hold up this continued practice?
The choice and evaluation of programs is not transparent.
The A-G requirement for high school diplomas, without academic support systems in place, results in students needing credit recovery. A short summer class, or an online course through Cyber High gets students credits, but is in no way equivalent to the knowledge gained in the traditional classroom setting. Where is the data on follow up for these students? If a student recovers Math 1 credit, what is their probability of passing Math 2 the following year?
J.1. Future Board Discussion Items (not included in this agenda)
Can the board accept the transparent practice of announcing future special board meetings at the prior regular board meeting, allowing stakeholders to plan accordingly?
SRTA members are encouraged to prepare for the upcoming agenda items.
Updates from Fiscal Stabilization Advisory Committee
Pivot Charter Renewal
Update on Elementary Boundaries and Consolidation Plan
Recently and Still Pending Information from the Board
Medina- AP instruction data with number of years of experience of
Teachers
-Clarification about board policy adoption requiring a majority of board membership versus a majority of those present/voting
– consider E-sports clubs or teams
Caston- Site funding finance report with various amounts and sources
-strategy of athletics program across the district,
-update 3510 policy around reducing waste as a discussion item
– how different sports programs are supported with rallies, announcing, etc.
Prak– Turf fields maintenance level report
– update on sports at MS level
Kirby – Why MCHS not in district showcase?
– Shadow Program- Create new Permission Slips?
– add an assistant wrestling coach for women?
DeLaTorre- facility fee, possible reductions?
Jenkins – transporting as needed for sports?
SRTA looks to the future scheduling of the following items:
Cell Phone Board Policy Presentation and Update (September 2025)
Staff was recently given the opportunity to complete a survey about cell phones. All questions were required to be answered, while options for answering did not always allow for an accurate response. Valuable input will not be included in the results from this faulty survey..
Appointment of Vacant Committee Position: Board Finance Subcommittee (September 2025)
Panorama and Youth Truth Survey Data (August 2025)
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? Is there data that the ISP program is sufficient to meet this need?
VAPA Program Highlights (Feb 2025)
Plan and timeline for implementation of Dr. Gillespie’s recommendations around Special Services (January 2025)
First Draft of the District Safety Plan (delayed from September 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 continues to diminish as time passes.
Student Voice Policy
J.3. Facilities Projects Update
The Facilities Master Plan update process will begin this fall, to address needed changes due to school consolidations. The schedule for site visits is being developed.
Communication about these visits must commence more than a week before the events if there is a desire to have the community feel like they have a chance to attend. The process being utilized must be transparently communicated at the same time, so the community can decide if it is worth attending a meeting to share their input.
Upcoming Projects
District Office & Education Center Alternative Design-Build (end of design phase)
SRFACS @ SRMS TK Classrooms Alternative Design-Build (@ DSA)
James Monroe ES TK Classrooms Alternative Design-Build (Work beginning)
Helen Lehman ES TK Classrooms Alternative Design-Build (@ DSA)
Santa Rosa HS Parking Lot Improvements and Fencing (Work beginning)
Santa Rosa DeSoto Hall Modernization and Theater Roofing (bidding)
Current Construction Projects
Piner High School 2-Story Classroom Alternative Design-Build (grading)
District-Wide Electronic Access Controls
Phase 1 ongoing: SRHS, MCHS and RVMS
Phase 2 design: PHS, ALES, HLES, JMES and LBES
Phase 3 (Prelim): SRMS,RHS and SRCSA
Projects Closing Out
James Monroe ES Drainage Improvements
Montgomery HS 2-Story Classroom Building
Montgomery HS New Communication Wire for HVAC Controls
24-month cash flow projection There are two sets. The first one presumably was the initial cash flow projection. The worst month for cash flow is December prior to the influx of property taxes. The first version shows a $48 million deficit on cash on hand in December while the other, updated version, shows a $40,000,000 deficit in December, with income of $1.6 million less, and disbursements predicted to be $1.2 million more. There are updated values added to the balance sheet through October.
Year end cash is shown to be updated from -$5.2 million to -$0.1 million. Not meeting the required 3% reserve.
Santa Rosa City Schools, Board Finance Sub-Committee Meeting
Date: October 6, 2025 Time: 3:30 PM Location: District Office / Superintendent’s Conference Room, Santa Rosa City Schools District Office (110 Stony Point Road, Suite 210 Santa Rosa, Ca. 95401)
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON AGENDA AND AGENDA ITEMS
Without any attachments to the long list of Discussion/Action items, it is difficult to comment.
How can “work to analyze and recommend strategic solutions that address our budget and best align resources” be discussed without data?
SRTA members are united in pushing for cuts as far away from the classroom as possible. The budget for classroom employees was below state minimums last year, at 52%. This appears to be the part of the budget that is being focused on for further cuts.
While there is a stated commitment to open communication, there is no information being shared about how the current consolidations are actually saving money, or how the various proposals will save money.
Where is the forensic work to explore where SRCS spent beyond their budget this past year? Where is the examination of those past decisions and the systems in place to control future spending?
SRCS has been historically weak at evaluating decisions and implementations. How are the site consolidations implemented from last spring’s decisions being evaluated?
Where are the actual results from the SCOE survey of folks leaving the district, to guide how SRCS can move forward without further alienating our community? This year’s enrollment is meeting expectations, with hundreds less students. Can SRCS afford a continued exodus of students?
3. DISCUSSION / ACTION
a. (Discussion/Possible Action) 7-11 Committee
Why is SRFACS being moved to SRMS campus instead of being relocated to the Slater campus with a TK-12 Charter. This would open up SRMS Campus for a multitude of uses because it resides in both the elementary and secondary boundaries.
How was the decision for the SRMS campus usage made? What was considered? Where is that information being publicly shared? What are the intentions for other campuses?
b. (Discussion/Possible Action) Parcel Tax Revenue
In May of 2024 the board met with a consultant around a Parcel Tax. The decision at that time was to not pursue a parcel tax, because the community would not sufficiently support it. What data supports that this opinion has shifted?
c. (Discussion) Consolidation
a. (Discussion) 5- Comprehensive 7-12 Junior/Senior High Schools
b. (Discussion) Accelerated Charter 4/5-12’s
d. (Discussion) Fiscal Stabilization Plan Update
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. Approval of Meeting Minutes of the Board Finance Subcommittee held on September 8, 2025Supporting Docs/Links attached to this item
5. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
a. Conference With Labor Negotiator (Name of designated rep attending: Dr. Vicki Zands )
6. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
7. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
a. School Finance Terms and Budget Process Overview
b. Board Finance Subcommittee Meeting Schedule for the Remainder of 2025
Where is the financial information that is informing this decision?
This 4-6 campus idea was dismissed last spring. Why is it back for discussion while other decisions from last spring are not open for further discussion?
What role does community feedback play in these decisions?
There has been a twice delayed promise of an Alternate Education Update (December 2024, Feb 2025) agenda item for the board.
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? Is there data that the ISP program is sufficient to meet this need?
B. CONVENE TO REGULAR OPEN SESSION
C. REPORTS
D. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON AGENDA AND CONSENT 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.
Can the board accept the transparent practice of announcing future special board meetings at the prior regular board meeting?
1. (First Read) First Read of BP 5131.9, BP 6154, BP 6162.5
BP 6154 – Homework/Makeup Work: Establishes expectations for meaningful, manageable homework and ensures students have fair opportunities to complete missed work.
BP 6162.5 – Student Assessment: Guides the use of varied assessments to measure learning, inform instruction, and support continuous improvement.
BP 5131.9 – Academic Honesty: Promotes integrity by setting standards for ethical student conduct and outlining consequences for dishonest practices.
G. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
1. (Action) Approval of Provisional Internship Permit Application (PIP) Kailanie Marie Gomez Alcala for PTES
While talking about drastic cuts, is this the moment for this discussion? Student board members do not serve in the same capacity as trustees, without the same time constraints. If there are two five hour public meetings in a month, and the students stay for the entirety of open session, this policy would pay them over $50 per hour.
Students who work on campus receive minimum wage OR units, not both. Teachers attending training either do so on paid time OR get units, not both. Will the board commit to reconsider those policies if they adopt this policy?
7. (Action) Second Read and Consideration of BP 4219.21, BP 4219.24, BP 4319.21, BP 4319.24
During a prior charter hearing the outside charter was held to standards far above those required for in district charters. SRTA members appreciate efforts to set clear standards, and practice equity.
H. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting Held On September 24, 2025
1. Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release [Gov. Code § 54957]
2. Conference With Labor Negotiator Name of designated rep attending: Dr. Vicki Zands (SRCS) ; name of organization: Santa Rosa Teachers Association, CSEA Santa Rosa 75, Teamsters Union 665) [Gov. Code § 54957.6]
3. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Title of employee being reviewed: Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principals, Vice Principals, Assistant Principals, Directors, Coordinators) [Gov. Code § 54957]
L. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
1. Report of Actions Taken in Closed Session
2. Items Considered In Closed Session for Action In Open Session
M. INFORMATION ITEMS
a. Future Board Discussion Items
SRTA members are encouraged to prepare for the upcoming agenda items.
Public Hearing for Pivot Charter School
Summer School Update (Sept. 2025)
Cell Phone Board Policy Presentation and Update
Staff was recently given the opportunity to complete a survey about cell phones. All questions were required to be answered, while options for answering did not always allow for an accurate response. Valuable input will not be included in these results
Recently Requested Agenda Items from the Board
Medina- AP instruction data with number of years of experience of
Teachers
-Clarification about board policy adoption requiring a majority of board membership versus a majority of those present/voting
Caston- Site funding finance report with various amounts and sources
-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:
Appointment of Vacant Committee Position: Board Finance Subcommittee (September 2025)
Panorama and Youth Truth Survey Data (August 2025)
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? Is there data that the ISP program is sufficient to meet this need?
VAPA Program Highlights (Feb 2025)
Plan and timeline for implementation of Dr. Gillespie’s recommendations around Special Services (January 2025)
First Draft of the District Safety Plan (delayed from September 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 continues to diminish as time passes.
SRCS has convened a task force to address the fiscal concerns about the SpEd program.
With SCOEs help, enrollment projections for budgeting purposes have greatly improved.
Compensation has outpaced budget growth. There is a commitment to future compensation at a dollar amount instead of a percentage, citing that even when COLA was 8.22% the actual budget only went up by 3.31%.
SRTA members are not pleased with the tone that fiscal problems are their fault. Santa Rosa is among the most expensive communities to live in and total compensation is below average for the state. This is a challenge that must be met head on, united, to keep the district from going under, as well as ensuring the budget is not balanced on the backs of the teachers or the students.
REUNIÓN ORDINARIA DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA
Escuelas de la ciudad de Santa Rosa
8 de octubre de 2025
Híbrido: Sala del Consejo del Ayuntamiento de Santa Rosa (100 Santa Rosa Ave.)
Tómese el tiempo para revisar la siguiente versión abreviada de la agenda.Haga clic aquí para ver la agenda completa.Tiene enlaces en vivo sobre muchos temas con más información. Si desea comentar con la junta sobre los próximos temas, envíe un correo electrónico a agendacomments@srcs.k12.ca.us. Por favor, envíe una copia a wearesrta@gmail.com en su correo electrónico.
Se recomienda a los miembros que asisten en línea que agreguen SRTA al frente de su nombre de cliente de Zoom.
A. LLAMADA AL ORDEN (4:00 pm)
5. Comentarios públicos sobre los temas de la sesión de estudio, únicamente
a. (Discusión/Posible acción) Límites elementales y consolidación
Cierre de escuelas ● Escuela primaria Steele Lane (aprobada por la junta en febrero de 2025) ● Escuela primaria Abraham Lincoln (se necesita una nueva acción de la junta)
Dos escuelas TK-3 ● Escuela primaria Helen Lehman ● Escuela primaria James Monroe
Una escuela de 4 a 6 años ● Escuela primaria superior en el campus actual de Hilliard Comstock
Proctor Terrace, Burbank y Hidden Valley permanecen como TK-6.
b. (Discusión/Posible acción) Límites secundarios y consolidación
Cronograma concreto para la reconfiguración de RVMS-MCHS ● 5 sitios integrales de 7.º a 12.º grado ● Desarrollo de una escuela secundaria alternativa
Concepto para la renovación de la charter de SRACS bajo el distrito escolar secundario
Opción 1: Cerrar la Charter
Opción 2: Mudarse al campus del Distrito Primario
● 1A: Ofrece 5-6 grados a 64 estudiantes por grado ○ 128 estudiantes en total
● 1B: Ofrece de 4.º a 6.º grado a 64 estudiantes por grado ○ 192 estudiantes en total
● Consideraciones sobre sitios compartidos
Opción 3: Permanecer en RVMS y ofrecer del 4.º al 12.º grado
¿Dónde está la información financiera que fundamenta esta decisión?
Esta idea de un campus de 4 a 6 años se descartó la primavera pasada. ¿Por qué se vuelve a debatir mientras que otras decisiones de la primavera pasada no se han abierto a debate?
¿Qué papel juega la retroalimentación de la comunidad en estas decisiones?
Se ha retrasado dos veces la promesa de incluir en la agenda de la junta un tema de Actualización de Educación Alternativa (diciembre de 2024, febrero de 2025).
Existe una gran necesidad de colocaciones alternativas para estudiantes de secundaria que requieren más servicios de los que nuestras escuelas integrales pueden ofrecer. ¿Cómo puede SRCS satisfacer las necesidades de estos estudiantes durante estos tiempos financieros difíciles? ¿Existen datos que indiquen que el programa ISP es suficiente para cubrir esta necesidad?
B. CONVOCAR A SESIÓN ABIERTA ORDINARIA
C. INFORMES
D. COMENTARIOS PÚBLICOS SOBRE TEMAS NO INCLUIDOS EN LA AGENDA Y CON CONSENTIMIENTO
Se invita a los miembros de SRTA a completar las tarjetas azules en la reunión de la junta para hacer comentarios públicos. Se han suspendido los comentarios en línea, a menos que un miembro de la junta asista de forma remota. Les rogamos que estén preparados para respetar el límite de tiempo de tres minutos o la posible reducción de último minuto. Los comentarios se han limitado a un máximo de 60 segundos, con un límite en el tiempo total dedicado a los comentarios públicos. En este momento, solo se abordan los puntos que no están en la agenda, con la excepción de los puntos de consentimiento (véase la sección F).
Se solicitan comentarios en la reunión de la junta para aportar la perspectiva de un miembro y compartir experiencias reales del impacto de las políticas y prácticas del distrito en los estudiantes y el personal.
Los oradores se limitan solo a aquellos en persona.
Los comentarios tienen mayor impacto cuando están bien expresados, compuestos y razonables.
¿Puede la junta directiva aceptar la práctica transparente de anunciar futuras reuniones especiales de la junta directiva en la reunión ordinaria anterior?
F. ACTUALIZACIONES DE POLÍTICAS DE LA JUNTA / PRIMERA LECTURA
1. (Primera lectura) Primera lectura de BP 5131.9, BP 6154, BP 6162.5
Presión arterial 6154- Tareas/Trabajos de recuperación: Establece expectativas para tareas significativas y manejables y garantiza que los estudiantes tengan oportunidades justas para completar el trabajo perdido.
Presión arterial 6162.5- Evaluación de estudiantes: Guía el uso de diversas evaluaciones para medir el aprendizaje, informar la instrucción y respaldar la mejora continua.
Presión arterial 5131.9- Honestidad académica: promueve la integridad estableciendo estándares para la conducta ética de los estudiantes y describiendo las consecuencias de las prácticas deshonestas.
G. TEMAS DE DISCUSIÓN/ACCIÓN
1. (Acción) Aprobación de la Solicitud de Permiso Provisional de Pasantía (PIP) Kailanie Marie Gomez Alcala para PTES
6. (Discusión/Posible acción) Discusión y consideraciones para el Reglamento de la Junta 9250
Este tema se está planteando nuevamente: pagar a los miembros estudiantiles de la junta directiva la misma tarifa que a los fideicomisarios y al mismo tiempo darles unidades a los estudiantes.
Hablando de recortes drásticos, ¿es este el momento de debatirlo? Los miembros estudiantiles de la junta directiva no ejercen la misma función que los administradores, sin las mismas limitaciones de tiempo. Si hay dos reuniones públicas de cinco horas al mes y los estudiantes asisten a toda la sesión abierta, esta política les pagaría más de $50 por hora.
Los estudiantes que trabajan en el campus reciben el salario mínimo o unidades, no ambos. Los docentes que asisten a capacitaciones lo hacen en horario remunerado o reciben unidades, no ambos. ¿Se comprometerá la junta a reconsiderar estas políticas si adopta esta?
7. (Acción) Segunda lectura y consideración de BP 4219.21, BP 4219.24, BP 4319.21, BP 4319.24
Durante una audiencia previa sobre la charter constitutiva, se exigió que la charter externa cumpliera estándares muy superiores a los exigidos para las charters del distrito. Los miembros de la SRTA valoran los esfuerzos por establecer estándares claros y practicar la equidad.
H. APROBACIÓN DE ACTAS
1. Aprobación del Acta de la Reunión Ordinaria de Directorio celebrada el 24 de septiembre de 2025
I. SOLICITUDES DE INFORMACIÓN DE LOS MIEMBROS DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA
J. COMENTARIOS DEL PÚBLICO SOBRE LA AGENDA DE LA SESIÓN CERRADA
K. RECESO A SESIÓN CERRADA
1. Disciplina/Despido/Liberación de Empleados Públicos [Código de Gobierno § 54957]
2. Reunión con el negociador laboral. Nombre del representante designado que asiste: Dra. Vicki Zands (SRCS); nombre de la organización: Asociación de Maestros de Santa Rosa, CSEA Santa Rosa 75, Sindicato de Camioneros 665 [Código de Gobierno, § 54957.6]
3. Evaluación del desempeño de empleados públicos (Título del empleado evaluado: Superintendente, Superintendente asociado, Superintendente adjunto, Directores, Vice Directores, Subdirectores, Directores de Administración, Coordinadores) [Código de Gobierno § 54957]
L. VOLVER A CONVOCAR A LA SESIÓN ABRIR
1. Informe de las acciones tomadas en sesión cerrada
2. Temas considerados en sesión cerrada para acción en sesión abierta
M. ELEMENTOS DE INFORMACIÓN
a. Temas futuros de discusión de la Junta
Se anima a los miembros de SRTA a prepararse para los próximos puntos de la agenda.
Audiencia pública para la escuela autónoma Pivot
Actualización de la Escuela de Verano (septiembre de 2025)
Presentación y actualización de la política de la Junta de Teléfonos Celulares
Recientemente, el personal tuvo la oportunidad de completar una encuesta sobre teléfonos celulares. Todas las preguntas eran obligatorias, y las opciones de respuesta no siempre permitían una respuesta precisa. No se incluirán en estos resultados las aportaciones valiosas.
Temas del orden del día solicitados recientemente a la Junta Directiva
Medina- Datos de instrucción AP con número de años de experiencia de
Profesores
-Aclaración sobre la adopción de políticas de la junta que requieren una mayoría de los miembros de la junta en lugar de una mayoría de los presentes/votantes.
Caston- Informe financiero de financiación del sitio con diversos montos y fuentes
-estrategia del programa de atletismo en todo el distrito,
-Actualizar la política 3510 sobre la reducción de residuos como tema de debate
SRTA analiza la programación futura de los siguientes elementos:
Designación de un puesto vacante en el Subcomité de Finanzas de la Junta Directiva (septiembre de 2025)
Datos de la Encuesta Panorama y Youth Truth (agosto de 2025)
Datos de prácticas restaurativas (marzo de 2025)
Actualización de la educación alternativa (diciembre de 2024, febrero de 2025)
Existe una gran necesidad de colocaciones alternativas para estudiantes de secundaria que requieren más servicios de los que nuestras escuelas integrales pueden ofrecer. ¿Cómo puede SRCS satisfacer las necesidades de estos estudiantes durante estos tiempos financieros difíciles? ¿Existen datos que indiquen que el programa ISP es suficiente para cubrir esta necesidad?
Aspectos destacados del programa VAPA (febrero de 2025)
Plan y cronograma para la implementación de las recomendaciones del Dr. Gillespie sobre Servicios Especiales (enero de 2025)
Primer borrador del Plan de Seguridad del Distrito (retrasado desde septiembre de 2024)
Compartir el Plan Maestro de la Biblioteca con expectativas de implementación
Cierre oficial de Learning House y otros sitios
Solicitud de revisión acelerada del material de la Charter del SRACS (retrasada)
Plan para el programa de apoyo a la vivienda del personal con los ingresos de Fir Ridge
Hasta que el distrito tome una decisión, los fondos provenientes de la venta de la propiedad de Fir Ridge se encuentran estancados y pierden valor a medida que el costo de la vivienda sigue aumentando. La puesta en marcha de un programa podría ayudar a SRCS a atraer y retener al personal de CSEA. El impacto potencial de los fondos disminuye con el tiempo.
Política de Voz Estudiantil
c. Fechas de las reuniones del Subcomité de Finanzas de la Junta
Informe trimestral del acuerdo de d. Williams
Informe: Se abordaron 3 informes de instalaciones.
e. Carta de SRCS a la Oficina de Educación del Condado de Sonoma
SRCS ha convocado un grupo de trabajo para abordar las preocupaciones fiscales sobre el programa SpEd.
Con la ayuda de los SCOE, las proyecciones de inscripción para fines presupuestarios han mejorado enormemente.
La compensación ha superado el crecimiento presupuestario. Existe un compromiso de compensación futura en dólares en lugar de un porcentaje, argumentando que incluso cuando el costo de vida (COLA) era del 8.22 %, el presupuesto real solo aumentó un 3.31 %.
Los miembros de SRTA no están satisfechos con el tono que se aplica a los problemas fiscales como su culpa. Santa Rosa es una de las comunidades más caras para vivir y la compensación total está por debajo del promedio estatal. Este es un desafío que debemos afrontar con decisión y unidad para evitar la quiebra del distrito y asegurar que el presupuesto no se equilibre a costa de los docentes ni de los estudiantes.
B.3. Conference With Labor Negotiator – Name of designated rep attending: Dr. Vicki Zands (SRCS); name of organizations: SRTA, CSEA Santa Rosa 75, Teamsters Union 665
B.4. Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release
B.5. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Title of employee being reviewed: Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principals, Vice Principals, Assistant Principals, Directors, Coordinators)
RECONVENE TO REGULAR OPEN SESSION (6:00 p.m.)
D. Reports
E. Public Comment on Non Agenda and Consent 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.
Can the board accept the transparent practice of announcing future special board meetings at the prior regular board meeting?
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.
EdJoin shows a total of 88 current postings for 207 jobs in SRCS. There are nineteen certificated opening postings for nineteen positions (three less than the last meeting.) There are sixty-nine current classified postings for one-hundred eighty-eight job openings (one more than the last meeting.) There are no certificated and no classified management positions posted.
This attachment lists department chairs and lead teachers. This internal process must be addressed so that those willing to step up to these responsibilities get their fair payment on the first check of the year, not delayed for weeks as was the case this year.
SRTA heartily welcomes Adrianna Begley (SRHS), Ellen Farwell (SPSV), Daniel Charlip Blumlein (PTES), and Danielle Yount (JMES).
SRTA welcomes back Anita Riveros Santiago (EAHS).
Changes to classified staff includes six new hires, and one resignation. They leave taking with them two years of knowledge and service to our staff and students.
Welcome to Gabriela Mendoza-Torres as Interim Principal of CCLA.
F.5. Approval of Contracts
Summary
#
Provider
Cost
Description
Elementary
4
North Bay Children’s Center
$947,157.00
Preschool at SLES and JMES for 48 students ($19,732 per student)
5
Santa Rosa City Rec & Parks Department
$6,950.00
2 day camp over Thanksgiving Break for 150 students ($46 per student)
6
Springboard Collaborative
$354,955.00
After-school, early-literacy academic program for 675 students (K-3) at 5 sites ($526 per student)
10
Community Matters
No Direct Cost
Safe School Ambassador program for PTES
15
Santa Rosa Junior College
No Direct Cost
ESL, College Skills, and Adult ESL classes at JMES
21
eSpark Inc.
$3,724.99
instruction and practice for reading, writing, and math with PD for up to 20 staff at ALES.
District
2
Document Tracking Services
$5,500.00
application to manage District & Charter LCAPs, the School Site SPSAs, Safety Plans and other documents
9
Restorative Resources
$7,000.00
to support SRCS staff members with restorative practices
11
Soliant Health
$750,000.00
SLP services for students (last year contract was $425,000)
13
Marin County Office of Education / CA Collaborative for Educational Excellence
No Direct Cost
PD to help school staff and community members deepen their knowledge and skills in community engagement
14
King Consulting
$82,000.00
make determination of the District’s State School Facility Program (SFP) New Construction Eligibility and assist SRCS in applying for modernization funding reimbursements from the state.
16
CyberReef
$480.00
Internet filtering for hotspots provided for students.
18
DGI Development Group, Inc. / CISCO
$82,534.31
DO Hyperflex & UCS – Support and Licensing C9500 switches – Support and Licensing Firewalls
Secondary
1
EdPuzzle
$14,259.00
Platform for Burbank Elementary, CCLA, EAHS, MCHS & PHS
3
Swank K12 Films
$2,650.00
movie licensing for MCHS.
8
The Backdrop
$6,100.00
2026 PHS Prom Location.
12
Steve Smith
$10,200.00
run Student Observatory projects for our STEM Level 2 & 3 STEM Certificate program, and assists with technical aspects of the Observatory.
19
Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District
$2,400.00
The team from EAHS will meet with the team from CRPUSD for four hours around 4×4 schedule.
20
Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE)
$10,000.00
Family Engagement in Education program for all HS’s.
Charter
7
Membean Inc.
$1,395.00
vocabulary program that builds word consciousness for SRACS
F.7. Approval of Request for Proposal for Boys and Girls Club Sonoma-Marin
For after-school, expanded learning programs to approximately 525 students at Herbert Slater Middle/Junior High, Santa Rosa Middle/Junior High and Rincon Valley Middle School from Oct 1 through July 31, 2025.
SRTA members wonder why students at Comstock are not included in this program.
How do students qualify for this program? Is there any associated cost? When will staff be briefed on these details so we can support students and families utilizing this opportunity?
Update on Current Prop 28 and Approval of the Annual Reports
Proposition 28: The Arts and Music in School Funding (AMS) is a legislative measure that was presented to voters in California during the 2022 elections. This proposition addresses the allocation of state funds to enhance and expand arts and music education in public schools.
F.8. – Cesar Chavez Language Academy
Using Proposition 28 funding to hire more staff and acquire additional supplies to expand our offerings including adding a Mariachi course allocating a new section which was a .20 FTE. The funding enabled us to provide materials and supplies such as instruments to support the section. Another .20 FTE to offer a course that focused on exploring video technology.
F.9. Santa Rosa Accelerated Charter School
Funds were allocated to support a 0.2 FTE certificated Art Teacher, expanding opportunities for students to engage in visual arts. In addition, Prop 28 funds were used to help sustain and enhance our music program, ensuring that students continue to have access to high-quality instruction in this area.
F.10. Santa Rosa Charter for the Arts School
This funding was used to hire an instructional aide and purchase supplemental materials that align with our integrated VAPA standards and project-based learning model.
F.11. Santa Rosa French-American Charter School
SRFACS did not have any expenses for Prop 28 arts education programs during the 2024-2025 school year
There is no specific financial information or data attached to any of these site reports.
SRTA members insist on assurances that Prop 28 funds are being utilized not to sustain, but to enhance art experiences for students. Reassurance that an instructional aide is being utilized to enhance art education is necessary.
F.12. Approval of New Ethnic Studies Course Proposal
The Board will consider approval of the following new course for the 2025-2026 school year: Ethnic Studies Small Group Instruction English 9-10. This course satisfies 10 English credits.
The course overview specifies English 3-4 which is intended for 11th and 12th graders, which causes confusion.
SRTA members support offering Ethnic Studies content to all students.
It is time for the board to review the devotion to A-G only courses, in a way which includes teacher feedback on the true impact of this implementation. It is also necessary to clarify the expectations of an A-G course in a small group setting, and a co-taught setting as well as a traditional setting.
F.13. Approval of Santa Rosa High School’s FFA members to travel to Indianapolis, IN
The Board is being asked to approve the Field Trip Request for Santa Rosa High School’s annual FFA students to travel to the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis, IN, October 27 – Nov. 2, 2025.
SRTA members appreciate the changes to the proposed policy allowing for healthy interactions between staff and students. This BP is also included in G.1.
F.15. Approval of the Field Placement Affiliation MOU between Grand Canyon University and Santa Rosa City Schools
This is a three year contract. Mentor teachers are to be paid $500 per 16 week session.
G.1. (First Read) First Read of Updated BP 4219.21, BP 4219.24, BP4319.21, BP4319.24
The Board will conduct a first reading of Board Policy updates for 4219.21, 4219.24, 4319.21, 4319.24.
BP 4219.21 Redline Professional Standards Changes include the addition of a section on Social Media.
BP 4219.24 Redline Maintaining Appropriate Adult-Student Interactions (See F.14.)
BP 4319.21 Redline Attachment is labeled BP 4219.21 and is identical to BP 4219.21 Professional Standards above except for omitting the phrase ‘during work hours.’
BP 4319.24 Redline Attachment is labeled BP 4219.24 and is identical to the above BP 4219.24 Maintaining Appropriate Adult-Student Interactions
G.2. (First Read) First Read of Updated BP 5116.1 and BP 5117
Intradistrict means between districts.
Redline BP 5116.1 Intradistrict Open Enrollment includes specifying that acceptance shall not be based on a student’s academic or athletic performance and transportation will not be provided.
Redline BP 5117 Interdistrict Attendance transfers require permission of their home district and shall be denied for a list of reasons provided.
SRTA members would appreciate transparent communication of the current SRCS philosophy about Intradistrict Transfers in light of declining enrollment and financial burdens.
H. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
H.1. (Discussion) SRCS/SCOE, Six Projects Presentation
The Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) partnered with Santa Rosa City Schools (SRCS) for a six-month MOU to address
Financial Stability – Guidance and strategies to improve fiscal health and sustainability.
Given the budget approval letter attached in K.4. grave concerns remain. Where has the spending outside the limits of the budget occurred? What mechanics can be utilized to cease this practice?
Student Enrollment Insights – Analysis and tools to better understand and respond to enrollment trends.
It was openly stated that SCOE did exit interviews with families that chose to leave the district. What are the lessons learned from this data? What systems are in place to keep current with the factors impacting declining enrollment?
School Restructuring – Support for data-informed decisions around school configuration and resource alignment.
Where is the open and honest sharing of the data around school configuration and resource alignment?
Where are the staffing ratios?
Where are the metrics for evaluating the transitions to fewer elementary sites and two 7-12 sites?
What are the expected savings on these changes coming from, specifically? Is that being realized?
Can an evaluation be completed and shared before closing more sites? It is hard for SRTA members to support this shift when there is little information about it working to fix the problem it was designed to impact.
Safety – Enhancements to school safety protocols and planning.
What has this entailed? The new district Safety Committee required by the SRTA/SRCS contract has not been utilized to collaboratively address safety in the district. The district Safety Plan was expected to be a board agenda item in September of 2024. It has not been rescheduled.
Special Education Transitions – Streamlined processes and support for students moving into or out of special education services.
What does this look like? The SRCS Special Education Task Force has just been initiated. What kind of timeline is expected to address and implement changes to increase the efficiency of the Special Education program which was assessed to be overspending by $20 million dollars by Dr. Gillespie nearly a year ago.
Communications – Strengthened internal and external communications to support transparency and community engagement.
The promises of open two-way communication are welcome. Implementation is a historical deficiency for SRCS. Not having the details for this report posted does not bode well.
Attachments will be added to this item after posting of the agenda. (These are not yet posted.)
SRTA members support the district righting the financial position of the district and avoiding a state takeover.
SRTA members are curious about the specificities of this support, and the impact this MOU has had on improving the systems and processes utilized by SRCS.
H.2. (Discussion) Proctor Terrace ES and Hidden Valley ES Trench Study Report
The Board will receive information about the trenching study report that was performed at the Proctor Terrace ES and Hidden Valley ES campuses during the summer of 2025.
HVES Report Concludes that no Holocene active faults exist within the areas explored.
HVES Recommendation Recommended a “no build” zone which extends 50-feet east from the western end of the seismic profiles. (No further building along the west boundary of the site.)
PTES Report The aggregated evidence suggests likely Holocene fault activity.
PTES Recommendation Recommend a minimum setback from the potential faults be imposed for new structures. (No further building at the front of the school.)
SRTA members are concerned about the current lack of space at sites. The thought of sites absorbing an additional 420 students from Steele Lane is causing angst. Sharing a detailed facility use plan for impacted sites must be a top priority.
H.3b. Secondary Schools:
Current Site
Projected at Site
Neighborhood(s) to be absorbed
New projections for Site
Based on the provided Numbers
PHS
1539
1853
Mark West-Wickiup (23)
1876
1876
SRHS
1919
1650
Franklin (48), Proctor Terrace (45)
1743
1743
EAHS
935
0
Bellvue East (157), Bellvue West (565), Wright (188), Roseland (197)
1101
1107
MCHS
1582
1648
Larkfield (0), Hidden Valley (74)
1648
1722
MHS
1732
1400
Kawana Springs (207), Olive Park (5), Julliard Park (22), Corby (91)
1725
1725
Totals
7707
6551
1622
8093
8173
EAHS was set to be a magnet school without boundaries, open to any interested students. The new boundary map shows a ‘Priority Enrollment Area.’ What does this mean? It is impossible for staff to promote enrollment from a state of confusion, and the deadline for transferring is approaching.
H.3c. Elsie Allen High School Update: This item provides an update on the planned restructuring of Elsie Allen High School into a new 7–12 magnet model that emphasizes a personalized approach to student programming, project-based options and experiential learning. Recommendations will be presented, including a phased approach being taken in order to ensure student and programmatic success within the available resources. Additional attachments will be uploaded after agenda posting. (Not yet posted.)
Proposal This includes 4 rounds of PD to support Project Based Learning (PBL), with growing circles of influence. There is a full site experience in the Spring.
Total cost for training: not specified.
SRCS has a legacy of less than stellar implementations of new programs.
Implementing a single new course is a large lift. This includes writing course proposals and guiding them through the SRCS and UC Regent approval process. Then new courses require time to flush out curriculum, resources and pacing at a general level allowing for a pilot run of the course, including a revision process before the course is rolled out. SRCS has historically hesitated to provide the necessary support for this full implementation process of a single course.
Implementing a full program based on PBL takes training in PBL, as well as serious dedication to resources both curricular and material. SRTA members stand strong with their colleagues that this transition is fully supported by SRCS. The implementation of this shift can not be borne by volunteer efforts of staff, and can not be done without required financial resources for staff time, curriculum and materials.
Public Hearing and action Regarding Sufficiency of Textbooks or Instructional Materials for 2025-26,
This certifies that textbooks and instructional materials are available and legally required for all California K-12 public school students, ensuring each pupil has access to standards-aligned materials in sufficient quantities to use in class and at home, either print or digital.
Sufficient Quantity: Each student must have access to the materials to use in the classroom and to take home.
Digital Formats: Materials can be digital, as long as each pupil has access to them both in class and at home.
How are materials provided without cost to students?
All students need adopted materials and access. There are issues with TK, K, Special Ed, Newcomers and ALD.
There are special problems with Maravallas, Everyday Math, and AP Biology texts not being provided, many online platforms not being available, as well as students not having devices to access online materials when they are available.
The process for adopting and ordering new textbooks is not clear.
The Board will consider acceptance of the Governance Handbook, which outlines the roles, responsibilities, policies, and procedures guiding board operations. This acceptance affirms the board’s commitment to effective governance, transparency, and accountability in serving the SRCS community.
Holding a meeting without a zoom option and without posting a video clearly breaks from current practice. It does not project openness and transparency.
K.1. Future Board Discussion Items (not included in this agenda)
SRTA members are encouraged to prepare for the upcoming agenda items.
Updated Board Policies
Summer School Update (Sept. 2025)
Cell Phone Policy Presentation
Staff was recently given the opportunity to complete a survey about cell phones. All questions were required to be answered, while options for answering did not always allow for an accurate response. Valuable input will not be included in these results.
Recently Requested Agenda Items from the Board
Medina- AP instruction data with number of years of experience of
Teachers
-Clarification about board policy adoption requiring a majority of board membership versus a majority of those present/voting
Caston- Site funding finance report with various amounts and sources
-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:
Appointment of Vacant Committee Position: Board Finance Subcommittee (September 2025)
Panorama and Youth Truth Survey Data (August 2025)
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? Is there data that the ISP program is sufficient to meet this need?
VAPA Program Highlights (Feb 2025)
Plan and timeline for implementation of Dr. Gillespie’s recommendations around Special Services (January 2025)
First Draft of the District Safety Plan (delayed from September 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 continues to diminish as time passes.
Student Voice Policy
K.3. Facilities Projects Update
The Facilities Master Plan update process will begin this fall, to address needed changes due to school consolidations. There will be site visits this fall.
The bond Citizen Oversight Committee (COC) is recruiting.
SRFACS @ SRMS and District Office & Education Center are under design.
James Monroe and Helen Lehman ES TK Classrooms are awaiting DSA approval.
Santa Rosa HS Parking Lot is expected to begin in October.
Piner High School 2-Story Classroom has had the site approved by DSA. Awaiting further approvals from DSA. DSA certification is pending for Rincon Valley MS Roofing & HVAC .
Piner HS Ball Wall and Fencing complete.
District-Wide Electronic Access Controls install is ongoing at SRHS, MHS, MCHS and RVMS. Design work is nearly complete for PHS, ALES, HLES, JMES and LBES with preliminary drawing are being reviewed for SRMS, RHS, and SRCSA.
The Central Receiving warehouse is completed.
Closing out happening on James Monroe ES Drainage and MHS 2-Story projects as well as PHS drainage, painting at RVMS, ALES and EAHS. SRHS, MHS and RVMS gym floor refinishes are being closed out.
K.7. Superintendent Student Leadership Council Committee
The first meeting will be on September 22 at the District Office. Future meetings will rotate to the various schools. Natalia Olivera and Jonathan Carrillo, as Board Trustees, will be co-presidents of the council.
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. Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release
B.2. Conference With Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Case name: OAH Case No. 2025070109, No.: 24CV00520/ No.: 23CV00397)
B.3. Conference With Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Litigation (Number of potential cases: 2)
B.4. Student Expulsions (Case Nos: 2025/26-01)
B.5. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Title of employee being reviewed: Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principals, Vice Principals, Assistant Principals, Directors, Coordinators)
RECONVENE TO REGULAR OPEN SESSION (6:00 p.m.)
D. Reports
SRTA welcomes Teamsters Local 665!
E. Public Comment on Non Agenda and Consent 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.
EdJoin shows a total of 84 current postings for 201 jobs in SRCS. There are twenty-two certificated opening postings for twenty-two positions (two less than the last meeting.) There are sixty-one current classified postings for one-hundred eighty-seven job openings (fourteen fewer than the last meeting.) There is one certificated and no classified management positions posted.
SRTA members wonder about HR decisions. Three weeks into school and staff is being involuntarily transferred. This is traumatic for students, and not in keeping with putting students first.
This attachment lists changes effective in June and July. It lists additional assignments that have been reneged.
SRTA heartily welcomes
Marcus Dunseth (MHS), Ana-Karen Lopez (CCLA), Carlos Castaneda (PHS), Julie Montgomery (SRHS), Alyssa August (PTES), Andrew Kempiak (SRCAS), Kawai Navares (EAHS) and Alexandra Evans(JMES).
SRTA welcomes back the returning Sarah Legesse (MHS), Yosan Zeweldi (HVES) and Lori Lapham (LBES).
SRTA bids farewell to Sharon Stevens (SLP) who has resigned after nearly 1 year of service to our students.
Changes to classified staff includes three new hires, seven rehires, and five resignations. They leave taking with them ten years of knowledge and service to our staff and students.
There are two administrative promotions, and a School Based Therapist resigned.
F.4. Approval of Contracts
Summary
#
Provider
Cost
Description
Elementary
4
Made iN Santa Rosa – ELITE Early Literacy Program
No Direct Cost
HLES 3rd grade students will participate in an afterschool literacy support program, paid by MiNSR
6
Play Marimba!
$5,000.00
Rent 44 marimbas for HLES
7
Science if for All
$17,000.00
two PD sessions on design workshop process, including specific strategies to support multilingual students
District
2
Imagine Learning
$2,500.00
These courses are specifically tailored to serve students who are below grade level and need greater support.
5
Everyday Speech
$13,439.72
online curriculum used by speech language pathologists and school psychologists
11
Paws As Loving Support Assistance Dogs
No Direct Cost
therapy dogs and trained 1:1 handlers to attend SRCS community events and trauma or crisis support
12
Adobe
$4,920.00
500 user licenses plus 100 device licenses to a single pool of 1,000 user licenses.
14
School Services of California, Inc.
$20,000.00
gather data and provide an initial fiscal analysis of current SELPA funding, projected SRCS funding if leave the county program
15
CDW Amplified
$48,807.20
Google Workspace for Education Plus (formally G Suite Enterprise for Education)
16
DGI
$116,678.85
Cohesity Data Management and Backup Renewal – 3-Year CMAS Contract
Secondary
1
Raizes
No Direct Cost
art, cultural, and environmental focused workshops to support secondary students
3
Poppy Bank Epicenter
No Direct Cost
community based paid and volunteer work for students in transition Program
8
Santa Rosa Sports Medicine
$2,500.00
medical consultations, injury management, and collaborative efforts with schools and athletic programs
9
Panaptic
No Direct Cost
marijuana, alcohol, and opioids prevention program for SRHS
10
Humanidad Therapy & Education Services
No Direct Cost
mental health services for Latinx youth combining traditional Latino practices with group therapy in 8-week bilingual support groups
13
IXL Learning
$10,518.75
online platform for Math, Science, History and English for HCMS
SRTA members support researching before committing to leaving the county to run SRCS’s own SELPA. This research is more expensive than Gillespie’s advice for all Special Education Services.
F.8. School Consolidation California Environmental Quality (CEQA) Notice of Exemption
The Santa Rosa Middle School TK project and the Piner High School New 2-Story Classroom Building project qualify for a statutory exemption from the CEQA analysis.
F.9. Update on Current Prop 28 and Approval of the Annual Report
Prop 28 funds are to increase funding by securing additional funds for arts and music education. 80 percent of the funds are to be expended to employ certificated or classified staff to provide instruction, and the remaining 20 percent of funds are to be expended on training, supplies and materials, and educational partner programs. No more than 1 percent of the LEA’s allocation can be used for administrative costs, including indirect costs. Each site is allocated funds.
Some elementary sites are working to add an art teacher, and purchase instruments. Secondary sites are adding additional and new sections.
Local stakeholder feedback is expected to be crucial to this decision making process.
Sites must use the yearly allocation within a three-year time period. Allocations must be used for additional or new arts programs and may not be used to supplant existing staff funding. Funds may be pooled between sites.
Funds were used to purchase new ceramics wheels, kilns, and sculpting tools for the art classrooms. Classes were expanded offering advanced ceramics courses, guitar classes, mariachi band, graphic design and photography.
Sites also used funds to purchase updated software licenses and equipment to support these new programs. Sites used funds for theatre courses, after hour practices focusing on acting, stagecraft, and costume design. One site was able to perform a musical which had not occurred in over ten years.
Number of full-time equivalent teachers (certificated) providing arts education programs with AMS funds 4.15 FTE
Number of full-time equivalent personnel (classified) providing arts education programs with AMS funds. 0
Number of full-time equivalent teaching aides providing arts education programs with AMS funds. 0
Number of students served with AMS funds. 592
Number of school sites providing arts education programs with AMS funds. 10
SRTA is appreciative of extending arts education for our students.
SRCS has many initiatives that are intended to be locally controlled. Creating a transparent and inclusive process as well as communicating a timeline for decision making and implementation for these initiatives has proven to be challenging.
The process for making these Prop 28 decisions did not include discussions at staff meetings at all sites.
Where can the plans for each site be accessed?
What controls are in place to ensure this funding is utilized for supplemental not replacement programs, as SRCS functions with such a tight budget?
F.10. Approval of Job Description for Community School Coordinator
SRCS contends that the Community School Coordinator is a proven best-practice for implementing the community school model. The CCSPP grant was for
Funding Source:
Grant funding comes from the California Community Schools Partnership Program, totaling $4,750,000 over a five-year period (2025–2030). That is $950,000 per year.
Job Description Coordinating afterschool and summer programs seems to overlap with the Director of Extended Learning.
Over 8 percent of this grant will be used for this coordinator.
G. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
G.1. (Discussion) West County Transportation Agency Update
WCTA will provide an update on current ridership, as well as progress related to driver shortages, route changes, driver training, and planning for more environmentally conscious practices as this collaboration begins its tenth year.
• Ridership to schools from the newly implemented elementary boundaries has been low
• Ridership to/from Montgomery Jr/High School has been high and required additional buses to relieve overloading
• Ridership to/from Santa Rosa Jr/High School has been steady, but lower than anticipated. Most students are Jr High riders.
• Ridership to/from Piner High School has been low ( Jr High expected to increase ridership)
What communication system is being utilized to inform riders and their families when issues arise?
If six routes are ‘uncovered’, how are those students getting to school?
Has there been any changes to support student field trips?
How does the JPA determine member district financial contributions? What is the rate paid by SRCS? How much of that is recuperated from restricted funding?
How is this contract evaluated?
G.2. (Action) 2024-25 Unaudited Actuals
Additionally, a 2024-25 Unaudited Actuals Report Narrative will be added to this item. The Narrative will provide informative details as well as additional information on the Current Expense Formula/Minimum Classroom Compensation Form CEA deficiency.
SRTA members are concerned with the district spending more than budgeted. Making severe cuts negatively impacts the student experience and creates hardships for many. When the savings from these cuts are offset with more spending, is it not clear how the financial picture can ever improve.
The cuts seem majorly focused on classroom level spending. Already this year, the impacts of decisions creating larger class sizes are creating unsustainable conditions. If SRCS is already underfunding classrooms by 2.7% of the budget, cuts need to come from elsewhere.
G.3. (Discussion/Action) Second Read and Consideration of BP 4119.24, BP 4119.21, BP 1114
The Board will consider approval of Board Policy updates for 4119.24, 4119.21, 1114.
BP 4119.24 This policy addresses a range of behaviors that include not only obviously unlawful or improper interactions with students, but also behaviors that undermine the professional adult/student relationship and can lead to either misconduct or the appearance of impropriety.
BP 4119.21 Employee personal use of Social Media and Social Media Guidelines.
BP 1114 School employees may use only district-controlled social media or district approved platforms to communicate directly with current students about school-related matters. Examples of district approved platforms include district gmail, google classroom, parentsquare, minga, etc
While SRTA members appreciate the updates to these policies, they still inhibit healthy connection with students.
Teachers use Class DoJo, Remind, and other platforms for communicating with students, sometimes at their own expense. How can these communication platforms be incorporated into these policies?
G.4. (Discussion) Enrollment and Capacity Discussion
Elementary. Overall, elementary enrollment is slightly higher than projected with the distribution of students over expectations at some sites and under enrolled at others. With the planned closure of Steele Lane at the end of this school year, additional discussions are needed to adjust boundaries for the 2026/27 year.
Secondary. Overall, enrollment in the junior high programs at reconfigured schools is in line with projections. In preparation for the conversion of Elsie Allen High School in 2026/27, a discussion of considerations of boundaries for traditional secondary schools is needed.
Room Use By Site (Aug 2025) An example of the data by site: FACS has 20 classrooms and 31 classrooms in use, requiring the use of other non-classroom spaces for instruction and educational support needs.
Before plans are made for moving full steam ahead, the financial motivation for this discussion must be made transparent, if the support of the community is desired. Is the district saving the anticipated $6 million dollars this year from the closing of 4 sites? How is this achieved? If this is playing out as planned, then discussing next steps is reasonable. If the savings are not actually being accessed, then proceeding with more consolidation seems unwarranted.
G.5. (Action) Appointment of Vacant Committee Position: Board Finance Subcommittee
President McNally has indicated that she wishes to step down from this role and provide an opportunity for another trustee to serve. A new member may be appointed to serve.
J.1. Future Board Discussion Items (not included in this agenda)
SRTA members are encouraged to prepare for the upcoming agenda items.
Summer School Update
SCOE/SRCS AdHoc Presentation
Sufficiency of Textbooks and Instructional Materials (Elementary / Secondary)
Updated Board Policy: Mobile Devices
Recently Requested Agenda Items from the Board
Medina- AP instruction data with number of years of experience of
teachers
Caston- Site funding finance report with various amounts and sources
-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:
Panorama and Youth Truth Survey Data (August 2025)
Discussion and update on Reconfiguration and Ad Hoc Committee with SCOE (August 2025)
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? Is there data that the ISP program is sufficient to meet this need?
VAPA Program Highlights (Feb 2025)
Plan and timeline for implementation of Dr. Gillespie’s recommendations around Special Services (January 2025)
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 continues to diminish as time passes.
Student Voice Policy
J.4. Approval Notification by SCOE / LCAP 2025-26 Revised
There is no approval letter attached from SCOE. If the attached LCAP is revised, the changes are not obvious.
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. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Title of employee being reviewed: Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principals, Vice Principals, Assistant Principals, Directors, Coordinators)
B.2. Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release
B.3. Conference With Labor Negotiator (Name of designated rep attending: Dr. Vicki Zands (SRCS); name of organization: Teamsters Union 665)
B.4. Conference With Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Case No.24CV-00530, OAH 2025050933 Special Services – continuing from last meeting)
B.5. Conference With Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Litigation (Number of potential cases: 2)
RECONVENE TO REGULAR OPEN SESSION (6:00 p.m.)
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 to fewer elementary sites and two 7-12 sites?
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 if programs or schools will utilize closed sites?
How will lessons learned from these actions inform the transitions underway for another 7-12 and closing another elementary site?
What is the process and timeline for implementing the next round of changes, including transforming EAHS?
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?
District communication issues were cited for causing heartache this week when it was temporarily understood that middle school athletes from the transitioned middle school sites would not be utilizing their old sites for athletics. What has changed structurally to assure strong and accurate communication moving forward?
E. Public Comment on Non Agenda and Consent 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.
EdJoin shows a total of 80 current postings for 201 jobs in SRCS. There are twenty-four certificated opening postings for twenty-five positions. There are fifty-six current classified postings for two-hundred-one job openings (five more than the last meeting). There are no certificated and no classified management positions posted.
SRTA members wonder about HR processes. When is a job posted, and an interview required, vs when can a partial position just be given to an employee? What is the process for a job to be posted on EdJoin? Why might an unfilled position currently utilizing a substitute teacher not be posted? Why would a job posting remain on Ed Join after a new employee is actively teaching in the position?
SRTA heartily welcomes Audrey Castillo ( SPSV), Sierra Overton ( SPSV), Leila Mori ( SPSV), AshleyReich (EAHS), Alia Ismail-Nielsen (SRHS), Madison Winslow (JMES), Kyle Woodruff (EAHS), Armando Flores Partida (EAHS), Derek Piastrelli (MCHS), Danielle Durfey (HCMS), Mary Shappell King (MCHS), Zachary Asher (ARTS), Christina Pezzolo (MCHS), Timothy Wolcott (MCHS), Andrew Hathaway (MHS), Mollie Duran (EAHS), Nicolette Elliott (HVES), Julie Drogin (RVMS), Matthew Pitchford (MHS), Adrienne Boone (MCHS) and Anna Bernier (MCHS).
SRTA welcomes back the returning Elizabeth Irving (JMES), Brandi Ramos (PTES), Cynthia Miles (LELA) and Jessica Hazlewood (EdServ).
SRTA bids farewell to Clinton Sweek (ARTS) who has resigned after nearly 2 years of service to our students.
Changes to classified staff includes four new hires, six rehires, four resignations and one retirement. They leave taking with them twenty-seven years of knowledge and service to our staff and students.
There are four administrative/supervisory hires, two new School Based Therapists and two new Program Managers. Additional changes in admin are shown in the org chart but not yet in the personnel report such as Aida Diaz’s promotion from CCLA Principal to Director of PD, and Lyndsey Nash’s move to admin as a Multi-Lingual Coordinator.
F.4. Approval of Contracts
Summary
#
Provider
Cost
Description
Charter
3
Humanidad Therapy and Education Services
$143,000
1 year of therapy services for CCLA
4
Portuguese Futbol Academy
$9,900
CCLA activities at lunch Mondays and Fridays
5
National Academy of Athletics
$19,456
CCLA activities at lunch twice a week
6
Colors of Spanish
$34,722
music and movement for CCLA TK and K students
10
Curriculum Associates
$2,300
iReady PD for FACS staff
15
IXL Learning
$1,575
platform for Math, Science, History and English for SRACS
District
2
Newsela, Inc.
$19,621
leveled articles for students at LBES, CCLA and EAHS from title 1 funds
7
California Association of School Business Officials CASBO
$5,250
one year memberships for all business service staff
9
Dominican University
No Direct Cost
teaching/counseling interns
11
CalState TEACH
No Direct Cost
teaching/counseling interns
16
Everway
$12,248
online platform to supplement the general education curriculum for Sped Students
17
360-Degree Customer Inc.
$2,930,000
for up to 45 paraprofessionals for $45 per hour through 6/30/2026
20
Integrated Security Controls, Inc.
$37,500
Security Cameras Maintenance Contract
Elementary
19
McGraw Hill
$80,492
1 year access to online the textbook and resources for Every Day Math
Secondary
1
Instructure / Parchment
$2,310
fee to setup Parchment transcripts services
8
The Backdrop
$7,850
MHS Prom Location
12
City Mechanical
$36,967
Repair water line to boiler system at MCHS
13
Classlink
$45,075
Single Sign On access to online resources and licenses management
14
Panaptic Inc.
No Direct Cost
online suspension diversions for alcohol and THC ed code violations at MCHS
18
Aeries
$2,100
training around 4×4 scheduling setup in Aeries for EAHS
21
CVS Pharmacy – 4th Street
No Direct Cost
Transition students (18-22) participate in community based paid and volunteer work program
22
CVS Pharmacy – Mendocino Avenue
No Direct Cost
Transition students (18-22) participate in community based paid and volunteer work program
23
CVS Pharmacy – Yulupa Avenue
No Direct Cost
Transition students (18-22) participate in community based paid and volunteer work program
24
Franco American Bakery
No Direct Cost
Transition students (18-22) participate in community based paid and volunteer work program
25
Round Table Pizza – Guerneville Road
No Direct Cost
Transition students (18-22) participate in community based paid and volunteer work program
26
Round Table Pizza / Circle Pizza
No Direct Cost
Transition students (18-22) participate in community based paid and volunteer work program
27
Lucky Supermarket
No Direct Cost
Transition students (18-22) participate in community based paid and volunteer work program
28
Oliver’s Market
No Direct Cost
Transition students (18-22) participate in community based paid and volunteer work program
29
Santa Rosa Cinemas
No Direct Cost
Transition students (18-22) participate in community based paid and volunteer work program
F.6. Approval of the Lease Agreements with Enterprise Fleet Management Vehicle Replacement for Maintenance and Operations
The district owns twenty-six (26) vehicles used by the maintenance and operations department. We replaced five (5) vehicles last year in round one of the vehicle replacement program. Staff proposes that the Board consider the Lease Agreement with Enterprise for the immediate addition of six (6) vehicles within the Maintenance and Operations Department. We will bring back each year, over the next three years, an addition of five vehicles until we have replaced all twenty-six. Lease cycles for most vehicles are sixty (60) months. Utilizing this program will provide a consistent preventive maintenance cycle and substantially reduce repair expenses and potential vehicle downtime. Enterprise will also provide a full maintenance program for all vehicles which will be serviced by approved local vendors.
Over the five year lease for these five vehicles, SRCS will pay $82,165 above the MSRP list price for these vehicles, but have nothing to show for it when the lease ends.
The average maintenance cost for a truck is less than $1,200 per year. For five vehicles this would be $30,000 for five years.
SRTA members support a replacement plan for aging and defunct items. Leasing items, so that everything is relatively new, seems ideal. However, this requires a continual financial commitment to lease payments which is a questionable tact given the financial situation of SRCS. New equipment is not the highest priority of our staff and students, when facilities are in such disrepair.
If SRCS used restricted maintenance funds to purchase equipment to replace the items in the poorest shape, there would be more funds to repair and replace parts of facilities which are desperately in need of attention.
F.7. Approval of Mandated Block Grant (MBG) Applications for 2025-26 for the Elementary School District, High School District, SRFAC, CCLA, SRCSA, SRAC
The funding rates for the 2025-26 MBG are $39.09 per ADA for Grades K-8, $76.48 per ADA for Grades 9-12, and $20.52 per ADA for Charter School Grades K-8.
Estimated Block Grant funding for 2025-26:
General Fund 01 Elementary & High Districts: $684,892
F.8. Approval of Resolution 2025/26-05 for the use of 2024/25 Education Protection Account (EPA) funds
Revenues generated from Proposition 30 are to be deposited into a state account called the Education Protection Account (EPA). The District must determine and report on how these unrestricted funds are spent. EPA funds cannot be used for any administrative costs. The recommendation is to use the EPA funds for teacher salary expenses. If approved, teacher salary expenses that were incurred during the 2024-25 school year will be transferred into these EPA accounts during the year-end close process. This is done at year-end because the final EPA amounts are known at that time.
For the 2024-25 fiscal year, the EPA funds are as follows:
F.9. Approval of Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the Piner High School Two-Story Classroom Building Project
Due to the current enrollment at Piner High School, additional capacity is needed to accommodate the 7th and 8th graders that will be housed at the site. Occupancy of the building is scheduled for August 11, 2026, with Substantial Completion, including site work, scheduled for August 31, 2026.
Project amount: $24,369,198.00
Fund 21, Measure C: $21,749,198.00 (minus the already approved pre-construction)
This contract is $5.3 million dollars less than the contract for the just completed two-story building at Montgomery.
F.10, F.11, F12, F13. Approval to file the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Notice of Exemption for the Albert Biella ES ECE Modernization Project, James Monroe TK Buildings Project, Helen Lehman TK Buildings Project, and Santa Rosa High School Parking Lot Improvements and Fencing Project
The project qualifies for a categorical exemption from further CEQA analysis. The filing ensures the District remains in compliance with environmental review requirements under CEQA.
F.14. Approval of Contracting with IAG Host for International Hiring Services
The district will save $80,724 this year utilizing this contractor to hire nine teachers. The savings comes from not paying retirement or benefit costs.
SRTA members are concerned about this action on three fronts.
First, these nine teachers were hired without any input from site staff. There is trepidation around a process which excludes teacher input. Past practice is clearly not sufficient to involve teachers in the hiring process.
Secondly, this contract raises enormous concern about the sustainability of the teaching profession. SRTA has pointed out the need to retain not just attract teachers to be able to meet the need. Improved teacher retention includes treating teachers as professionals, involving them in the decision making processes, reducing administrative burdens, supporting site cultures, and fostering effective leadership.
The last concern is for these teachers who will be in the SRTA bargaining unit, but not receiving negotiated healthcare benefits.
G. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
G.1. (Action) Approval of Resolutions Recognizing…
September as Suicide Prevention Month (Resolution)
September as Attendance Awareness Month. (Resolution)
September 15 to October 15, 2025, as Latinx Heritage Month. (Resolution)
This second PIP of the year will allow the district to fill a Special Education Teacher (SDC-ESN) position at Abraham Lincoln Elementary (1.00 FTE) for the 2025-2026 school year.
SRTA members realize the difficulty of learning the practice of teaching under the best of situations. Entering the profession without subject matter training or the course work that accompanies an internship or credential program is precarious at best.
G.4. (Discussion/Action) First Read and Possible Waive of Second Read of BP 4119.24, BP 4119.21, BP1114
SRCS proposes updating Board Policies on social media and teacher-student interactions to ensure a safe, professional, and consistent environment for everyone in our school community. The changes are a proactive response to the evolving digital landscape and are designed to provide clear expectations and protect staff, students, and the district.
The new policies establish clear, consistent guidelines for all staff. This ensures everyone understands what is and isn’t acceptable behavior on social media and other digital platforms, reducing confusion and the risk of non-compliance. These updates provide a clear framework for all professional digital interactions.
BP 4119.24– Maintaining Appropriate Adult-Student Interactions
As a system of practice, could staff representatives be invited to the table to discuss changes to board policy that dramatically impact expectations for staff prior to the policies going to the board?
SRTA members support disciplining and releasing of employees who have seriously broken professional standards. However, there is general concern about stated “ Inappropriate Conduct” that interferes with the “Connections First” mandate of our district while not actually deterring the worst offender.
Does the board really want to deter a teacher giving a student a token gift to honor their birthday?
When students are part of a teachers’ families social network, is staff expected to withdraw from that network to abide by these standards?
How do you build a real sense of community without sharing personal information?
Using other forms of communications with students besides district email allows for timely responses.
SRTA members are certainly free to use social media during their break or lunch. Perhaps the language can be changed to something more in line with instructional time with students, not “work hours” which seems to refer to the entire school day.
“Employees shall not use District property in social media posts without the express permission of the District. This includes, without limitation, the use of District facilities, classrooms or fields as a backdrop.” This goes too far. For instance, teachers should be able to publicly share a group photo of themselves taken at school, with the school logo. Being proud and active should be encouraged and shared with our communities!
Social media standards numbered 10 and 11 appear to repeat numbers 8 and 9.
G.5. (Discussion/Action) Second Read and Consideration of BP 3100 and BP 3312 and review of AR 3311
The Board Finance Subcommittee reviewed existing fiscal processes. Based on these discussions and an in-depth evaluation, the Subcommittee recommends these updates for Board approval and the review of the Administrative Regulation updates.
The Board shall annually establish budget priorities based on identified district needs and goals and on realistic projections of available funds.
The district budget shall show a complete plan and itemized statement of all proposed expenditures and all estimated revenues for the following fiscal year, together with a comparison of revenues and expenditures for the current fiscal year.
The Board intends to maintain a minimum assigned and unassigned fund balance of 10% of the total restricted and unrestricted general funds. The Board deems this amount to be sufficient to maintain fiscal solvency and stability and to protect the district against unforeseen circumstances.
What is the timeline for the board to establish annual budget priorities based on district goals?
How does a complete plan and itemized statement differ from the current budget which is undecipherable for most casual readers?
Asserting the desire for a 10% reserve when a 3% is currently unattainable suggests a long term goal. What are the mediating steps to achieve that goal?
Every contract entered into on behalf of the district shall be made available for public inspection, except when the law prohibits disclosure.
The district has said it is working to become more transparent. Will all contracts continue to be included in the board agenda, or just contracts above the $15,000 amount? How would the public know a contract even existed if they are not posted in the agenda? Simply posting items on a wall at the DO does not count at transparently providing public notice.
and review of Administrative Regulation: AR 3311-Bids
Only projects over $15,000 must publicly advertise for bids.
Prequalification required to bid on projects over $1,000,000.
Exceptions are listed for not awarding jobs to the lowest bidder.
School consolidation moves were completed at 7 campuses (Albert Biella ES, Brook Hill ES, James Monroe ES, Herbert Slater MS, Santa Rosa MS, Montgomery HS, Santa Rosa HS). In total, an estimated 400 relocations occurred this summer across almost all SRCS sites. Cost: $181,178
Infrastructure improvements were completed at multiple sites, including the Piner HS building G courtyard and the James Monroe ES drainage project.
District-wide exterior painting (Phase 2) occurred at Abraham Lincoln ES, Rincon Valley MS, and Elsie Allen HS, each finishing under budget. Cost: $1,047,005 Savings: $73,895 (6.6%)
Gym Floor Refinishing & Striping was completed at Santa Rosa HS, Montgomery HS, and Rincon Valley MS. Each project was also delivered below contracted costs. Cost: $185,023 Savings: $27,797 (15%)
Phase 1 of the district-wide access control project began at four schools (Maria Carrillo HS, Montgomery HS, Santa Rosa HS, Rincon Valley MS) to enhance campus security; completion is scheduled for 2025–2026. Contract Cost: $8,186,523
New Facilities:
Montgomery HS Two-Story Classroom Building – construction substantially complete, occupied and operational, two months ahead of schedule. Contract Cost: $29,693,927
Central Receiving Warehouse – construction complete, pending final punch list items and closeout. Contract Cost: $8,226,756
Work has begun for 2025-2026 projects, including new Transitional Kindergarten (TK) classroom buildings at three sites, a new two-story classroom building at Piner HS, modernization of DeSoto Hall at Santa Rosa HS, and district-wide safety upgrades such as Electronic Access Control and Fencing at all sites.
SRTA members are confused about the access control project.
Many thought this was a summer project, but it is now stated to be complete this school year.
How will these mechanisms work? Will we still have our new keys?
Who will be tasked with adjusting door access on fobs or cards? There are ongoing concerns about district control of bell schedules, and fears of great frustration if this is not controlled at the site level.
SRTA members feel like cuts at sites were severe, while the district office has actually grown unnecessarily. California has a maximum of 8 administrative employees allowed per 100 teachers in a unified district. If 31 site admin are assumed, the total number of teachers would need to be nearly 938 to justify those positions. SRTA records show about 864 certificated unit members at the moment. (Not all of these are teachers.) It would appear this is further evidence of being overstaffed at the district office.
Having a chart with names and positions is helpful, but it doesn’t solve the “Who should I call?” problem.
Medina- AP instruction data with number of years of experience of
teachers
Caston- Site funding finance report with various amounts and sources
-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:
Panorama and Youth Truth Survey Data (August 2025)
Discussion and update on Reconfiguration and Ad Hoc Committee with SCOE (August 2025)
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? Is there data that the ISP program is sufficient to meet this need?
VAPA Program Highlights (Feb 2025)
Plan and timeline for implementation of Dr. Gillespie’s recommendations around Special Services (January 2025)
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 continues to diminish as time passes.
Student Voice Policy
J.3. SRCS Third Interim Letter from SCOE
SRCS is called out for continued deficit spending, and put on warning about cash flow concerns. SCOE awaits a detailed fiscal recovery plan. The ability for the district to continue operations is a concern. The following areas are identified for immediate action:
Failure to prioritize expending restricted funds before unrestricted funds
Deficit spending in the current or two subsequent fiscal years
Failure to decrease deficit spending over the past two fiscal years
Decreasing and/or unstable enrollment and/or average daily attendance (ADA)
Unstable or decreasing projected unrestricted fund balance
Identification rate of students as eligible for special education is above the countywide and/or statewide averages
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
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.
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.
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), DonnaFernandez (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
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
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)
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)
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.
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.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.
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.
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 RedlinedCleaned Internet access and safety
BP 5116.1 – Interdistrict Open Enrollment RedlinedCleanedStates priorities for allowing students to leave SRCS.
BP 5117 – Interdistrict Attendance RedlinedCleanedStates students shall be accepted until limits are full.
BP 5131.8 – Mobile Communication Devices RedlinedCleanedMobile communication devices shall be turned off during instructional time. Exceptions are enumerated.
BP 4040 – Employee Use of Technology RedlinedCleaned 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.
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?
