Seven North Bay school districts have notified the state they are in financial trouble, with Sonoma County reporting more “at-risk” districts than any other county in California.
The Press Democrat reports the crisis is driven by a mix of declining enrollment and rising payroll costs. Santa Rosa City Schools and Rincon Valley Union face the most “negative” outlooks, warning they may soon be unable to meet payroll without massive cuts.
In response, Santa Rosa is closing six schools, while Petaluma, Cotati-Rohnert Park, and several smaller districts are moving forward with teacher layoffs and furlough days to avoid a state takeover. Officials say the “fragmented” nature of Sonoma’s 40 districts is making the recovery even more difficult.