Sonoma Valley, September 2, 2025
News Summary
The Sonoma Valley Unified School District board has decided to close Flowery Elementary School at the end of the academic year due to budget shortfalls and declining enrollment. This marks the third school closure as part of the district’s financial restructuring efforts. Community leaders are urging a reconsideration of the closure, citing the lack of adequate public input and concerns over cultural impact. Enrollment has decreased significantly over recent years, prompting tough financial decisions, including job cuts within the district.
Sonoma
The Sonoma Valley Unified School District board of trustees has voted to close Flowery Elementary School at the end of the 2025-26 academic year. The decision, which passed with a 4-1 vote, is the result of ongoing budget shortfalls and declining enrollment across the district.
The members who voted in favor of the closure include Board President Catarina Landry, David Bell, Anne Ching, and Jason Lehman, while Gerardo Guzman opposed the motion. This marks the third school closure in the district aimed at addressing financial challenges and a significant drop in student numbers.
In recent years, the district has initiated a consolidation plan starting in 2022 to combat its fiscal difficulties. Two schools have already closed: Dunbar Elementary at the end of the 2022-23 school year and Adele Harrison Middle School at the conclusion of the 2024-25 year. The closure of Flowery Elementary comes despite it being the district’s most populated K-5 school, serving 363 students, though it has the lowest capacity of 440, highlighting the need for potential physical upgrades.
Community leaders and executives from La Luz Center have urged the district leadership to reconsider the closure, suggesting that it should be postponed until a thorough equity assessment can be executed. Guzman voiced concern over the adequacy of community input on a decision that heavily influences family life and local identity. The proposed closure has sparked considerable public opposition, with residents arguing it jeopardizes the cultural fabric of the community.
Within the context of enrollment, the district’s K-5 schools currently operate at only 62.7% capacity, with projections indicating a continued decline in student numbers. The district has experienced a 39.4% drop in K-12 enrollment since 1999, reducing its student population from 5,076 to 3,078 by April 2025. Financially, the district anticipates a substantial deficit of $2.98 million for the 2024-25 school year, with an additional projected deficit of $1 million the following year.
In a broader effort to bolster its financial standing, the board also voted to eliminate 40 classified employee positions and 14 certificated positions, aiming to save approximately $2.91 million.
The closure of Flowery Elementary also raises questions regarding the relocation of its popular dual immersion program. The board is evaluating possibilities for relocating this program to El Verano Elementary School, Sassarini Elementary School, or implementing a new transition model for different grade groupings.
It is important to note that the proposed closure must adhere to the California Environmental Quality Act, which includes developing a transition plan and updating elementary school boundaries. Furthermore, the upcoming appointment of a new superintendent may influence the timeline and decision-making related to school closures and relocation of programs.
As Flowery Elementary remains the only K-5 school with a waiting list, its potential closure poses a particularly sensitive issue that has drawn attention from various community stakeholders.
FAQ
Why is Flowery Elementary School being closed?
Flowery Elementary School is being closed due to budget shortfalls and a decline in student enrollment within the Sonoma Valley Unified School District.
What has led to the closures of other schools in the district?
The district’s ongoing financial challenges prompted a consolidation plan initiated in 2022, leading to the closure of Dunbar Elementary and Adele Harrison Middle School in previous years.
What are the implications for students currently enrolled at Flowery Elementary?
Students and families will be affected by the closure, and options for relocating the dual immersion program and accommodating current students will be assessed by the district.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Vote Outcome | 4-1 in favor of closure |
| Current Enrollment | 363 students |
| Capacity | 440 students |
| Projected Deficit | $2.98 million for 2024-25 |
| Previous Closures | Dunbar Elementary and Adele Harrison Middle School |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Flowery Elementary School to Close After Board Decision
Additional Resources
- Sonoma News: Flowery Elementary School Closure
- Sonoma Sun: School Board Should Delay Closure Decision
- Sonoma County Gazette: Board Votes to Close Bilingual School
- Press Democrat: Sonoma Valley Trustees Consolidation
- Kron4: Sonoma County School District Closures
- Wikipedia: California Environmental Quality Act
- Google Search: Sonoma Valley Unified School District
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