Santa Rosa families looking to transfer their children to neighboring school districts now face much stricter hurdles.
Per the Press Democrat, in a move to combat a massive financial crisis and declining enrollment, Santa Rosa City Schools has narrowed the allowed reasons for leaving the district. Transfers will now generally only be approved for specific cases, such as military duty, bullying, or to access programs not offered locally.
District leaders say the change is vital to keeping state funding—which is tied to attendance—within Santa Rosa schools. Since 2016, the district has lost over 4,000 students, leading to campus closures and staff layoffs.
However, leaders in neighboring districts like Windsor and West Sonoma County are criticizing the move, arguing it denies families educational choice and disrupts long-standing community patterns. While the transfer window is open year-round, the impact is expected to hit hardest this spring as families prepare for the next school year.
