The Sonoma County Office of Education is taking a drastic step to prevent Santa Rosa City Schools from falling into a state takeover.
The Press Democrat reports County Superintendent Amie Carter has appointed a financial adviser to oversee the district’s budget. Robert Shemwell, a veteran administrator, will now have “stay-and-rescind” authority—meaning he has the power to pause or void any spending authorized by the Santa Rosa school board.
Officials say the move is a critical safeguard as the district enters a high-stakes 60-day window. Trustees must identify approximately 23 million dollars in savings by June, with a state-mandated deadline for layoff notices fast approaching on March 15th.
While Board President Nick Caston called the oversight an “anticipated backstop,” county officials described the district’s financial situation as a “steep hill to climb.” This marks a historic level of intervention for the county’s largest district, which is already set to close two more campuses this June following the closure of four others last year.