Santa Rosa City Schools have voted to close three middle schools: Santa Rosa, Herbert Slater, and Comstock, to address a $20 million budget deficit.
Santa Rosa and Slater Middle Schools will close at the end of this school year, with students moving to Santa Rosa and Montgomery High Schools respectively. Comstock will close in June 2026, consolidating with Piner High. The closures mark the end of traditional middle schools in the district, raising concerns about integrating younger students with high schoolers, and the impact on specialized programs and extracurricular activities.
Parents express anger and sadness, citing a lack of transparency and rushed decisions. Many worry about the transition plans, the potential loss of valued programs, and the emotional toll on students. Teachers and staff face uncertainty about their future.
The district acknowledges the challenges and plans to hold town hall meetings to address community concerns, but many questions remain unanswered as the district struggles to balance its budget.
