‘Lack of vision and guiding principles’: January 22 SRCS Board Meeting sees overwhelming public outcry

Concerned members of the community in the chamber (Photo Credits: Cory Brown)

Written By: Natalia Woods, Arts and Entertainment Editor

Anger, frustration, uncertainty—these are the words that sum up the emotions in the air of the Santa Rosa City Schools Board meeting held on January 22, 2025. Before the Open Session of the meeting could even begin, the room was at maximum capacity, the seats and back railing filled with passionate members of the SRCS community. The Fire Marshall stated that the board had never seen this number of people in the chamber, and subsequently, he told many people to wait outside until public comment began. Sarah Jenkins, board trustee, spoke on behalf of the Board during the board member report, ensuring “that no decisions have been made…” regarding the school closures. “The rumors are flying,” shared Jenkins. “but we have not even had the start of a conversation as a board and as a team.”

Once the school consolidation report finished up, public comment began– which reached its cap of 90 minutes, though there was still not enough time for everyone to speak. Nearly all of the public comments came from concerned high school students, staff, and parents. Person after person urged the board to keep their school open, listing the different programs and features that made their school so valuable. 

Various Maria Carrillo High School students made their perspectives clear, urging the board to take accountability for their actions. Janae Burgess, President of the Student Voice Club here at Carillo, questioned the board, asking “Why students are facing the repercussions for mistakes that didn't come from our end.” 

Senior Maddie Smith shared that same sentiment, along with the frustration felt at the Board’s lack of financial efficacy and transparency. “How long will it take until we’re in the same position… if the district doesn't stop overspending?” Smith asks. “School closure is a short-term solution to a way bigger problem… and the community has seen no plans from the district to change its behavior.” 

Natasha Deakins, Leadership and English teacher at Carrillo and someone who has been in the SRCS district for 25 years called the Board out on the root of their problem.“It's easy to blame school closures on declining enrollment, but it’s evident that our current lack of vision and guiding principles has led to a lack of fragmented school system, one that is now pitting school against school.” That comment was in response to the clear hostile environment that was felt in the chamber, with groups of students fighting to keep each of their schools open. Deakins continued, saying “I hope you’ll not look at making cuts just for today, or next year, but you help craft a long-term vision…that will heal the pain this process is causing.” 

Senior ASB President Sheikylah Kahoro advocated on behalf of her fellow classmates, passing out pamphlets highlighting some of Carrillo’s special programs and giving an explanation as to why there was an absence of MCHS students at the board meeting. “Board meetings occur during final exams, many school sporting events, and even drama productions,” she explains. “We have been busy being students.”

Lisa August, Associate Superintendent, confirmed that January 27 would be the last meeting of the School Closure and Consolidation Committee unless they need more time to come to a decision, in which a special meeting would be held on February 3. Smith summed up the frustration felt by everyone affected by the district’s decisions last night. “We have no reason to believe that this in the long run will solve the problem,” she says. “Prove to us that being [in Santa Rosa] is worth our time.”