Story perspectives

Santa Rosa Schools Struggle with Budget Crisis Amid Enrollment Decline

3/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Santa Rosa City Schools faces severe financial issues due to aggressive spending and hiring.
Enrollment declined from 16,000 in 2016 to under 12,000 last year.
Salaries exceed state averages, with the interim superintendent earning $261,537 and the high school principal earning $170,000.
Some district executives have taken pay cuts to address budget deficits.
Contributing factors include a 2023 fatal stabbing and enrollment declines tied to COVID-19 and wildfires.

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Story summary

Santa Rosa City Schools faces severe financial issues due to aggressive spending and hiring.
Enrollment declined from 16,000 in 2016 to under 12,000 last year.
Salaries exceed state averages, with the interim superintendent earning $261,537 and the high school principal earning $170,000.
Some district executives have taken pay cuts to address budget deficits.
Contributing factors include a 2023 fatal stabbing and enrollment declines tied to COVID-19 and wildfires.