As a disturbed Santa Rosa parent, I am deeply impacted by the decision of our school board to close local schools and prematurely force our 7-8 graders into high school, throwing them into an environment dealing with serious safety issues without adequate preparation. The board's decision ignores the potential solution of consolidating the multiple school districts we currently have.

Santa Rosa currently harbors nine separate school districts, each with their respective office overhead costs and nine superintendents earning more than $250k a year. Rather than shifting the burden to our children, I propose that we consider consolidating these nine districts into two, significantly reducing administrative costs. This cost-saving strategy aims to preserve every school, making an immediate and wide-ranging impact on our community.

The decision from the last board meeting is not final. With an 25% voter support for this petition we can by proclamation appoint the California Department of education to act immediately to consolidate these 9 districts.  Our community is strongly against school closures and we have the power to influence the final decision. By reducing the number of districts, we can save substantial administrative expenditures, avoid disrupting our students' education, and maintain the valued institutions that make us proud to call Santa Rosa our home.

As concerned parents, educators, and community members, let's unite and voice our opposition against the school closures and for the consolidation of school districts. Please sign this petition and let the board know that we will not let our schools close without a fight.