News Summary
The Sonoma Valley Unified School District has voted to close Flowery Elementary School due to budget shortfalls and declining enrollment. This marks the third closure in the district as officials attempt to address ongoing financial challenges exacerbated by reduced student numbers. Community feedback highlights concerns regarding equity and the cultural impact of the closure. Although enrollment at K-5 schools is significantly low, discussions are ongoing about the future of educational programs, including a dual immersion program, and the implications of the transition plan mandated by legislation.
Sonoma, CA – The Sonoma Valley Unified School District board of trustees has decided to close Flowery Elementary School at the end of the 2025-26 academic year in response to ongoing budget shortfalls and a consistent decline in student enrollment. The board voted 4-1 on this matter, with Board President Catarina Landry, David Bell, Anne Ching, and Jason Lehman supporting the closure, while Gerardo Guzman opposed the decision.
This move marks the third school closure within the district as officials grapple with financial difficulties exacerbated by decreasing student numbers. The district has been actively working on a consolidation plan since 2022, which is aimed at addressing these budget-related issues.
Prior to the decision regarding Flowery Elementary, the district had already shut down Dunbar Elementary School at the end of the 2022-23 academic year and Adele Harrison Middle School at the conclusion of the 2024-25 year. Flowery Elementary stands out in terms of enrollment, serving a diverse student population of 363 students— the highest among elementary schools in the district. However, it operates with the lowest capacity of 440 students, highlighting a need for possible physical upgrades to accommodate the students effectively.
Community feedback on the closure has been significant, specifically from executives at La Luz Center, who have called for a delay in closing the school until an equity assessment is conducted. There are concerns about how the closure could impact families and the community’s cultural identity. Guzman, opposing the decision, voiced his worries regarding the adequacy of community input and suggested additional time to consider alternative solutions before finalizing such a significant closure.
The district’s enrollment data further underscores the challenges being faced. Currently, the K-5 schools in the district are operating at only 62.7% capacity, with projected enrollments suggesting a continued decline. Since 1999, K-12 enrollment across the school district has dropped by 39.4%, plummeting from 5,076 students to just 3,078 students as of April 2025.
Although Flowery Elementary is closing, there is ongoing discussion about the future of its dual immersion program. The board is exploring options for relocating this program, with potential sites including El Verano Elementary School, Sassarini Elementary School, or considering a new model that divides grades in a TK-2/3-5 format.
The board’s recent decisions also include measures to eliminate 40 classified employee positions and 14 certificated staff positions, which are projected to save the district approximately $2.91 million. Despite Flowery Elementary being the only K-5 school with a waitlist, the closure has provoked substantial public opposition, amplifying concerns about its repercussions on the surrounding community.
To comply with the California Environmental Quality Act, district officials will be required to develop a transition plan and update the boundaries of elementary schools as part of the closure process. Additionally, the arrival of a new superintendent may influence the timeline and final decisions regarding this school closure and the planned relocation of educational programs.
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Sonoma Valley Unified School District Votes to Close Flowery Elementary
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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BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
