Sonoma, CA, August 22, 2025

News Summary

The Sonoma Valley Unified School District has voted to close Flowery Elementary School at the end of the academic year, citing declining enrollment and budgetary constraints. The decision, passed by a 4-1 vote, raises concerns among community members about the impact on vulnerable families and the diverse community served by the school. Advocates have called for a delay to conduct an equity assessment. With ongoing financial shortfalls projected, the district aims to address a significant deficit while reorganizing resources and maintaining educational support for students.

Sonoma, CA – Flowery Elementary School to Close Amid Financial Challenges

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, following a 4-1 vote. This action stems from ongoing issues related to declining enrollment and budgetary constraints within the district.

The board’s decision was made during their regular meeting, where board President Catarina Landry, along with members David Bell, Anne Ching, and Jason Lehman, voted in favor of the closure. Gerardo Guzman was the sole member opposing the motion. This marks the third school closure in the district, which has been grappling with financial shortfalls and a significant drop in student enrollment.

The closure decision has spurred public outcry, particularly highlighting the importance of Flowery Elementary for the diverse community of the Springs. Advocates have called for a delay in the closure process until an equity assessment can be conducted. Concerns have been raised regarding how this closure could adversely affect vulnerable families in the area. Additionally, Guzman cited the need for more community involvement and further review of the closure’s consequences.

Background on Enrollment and Financial Issues

Flowery Elementary has the highest enrollment among the district’s elementary schools, with 363 students currently enrolled. However, it also has the lowest capacity at 440 students, indicating that the school is near its limit but lacks the necessary facilities for physical upgrades. According to the latest enrollment data, there are 1,254 K-5 students currently registered in the district, which has a collective capacity of 1,999 students, resulting in a utilization rate of 62.7%.

Following Flowery Elementary’s closure, the remaining schools within the district are projected to accommodate up to 1,559 K-5 students, raising the overall utilization rate to 80.4%. The district has experienced a decline of 39.4% in K-12 enrollment from 1999 to 2025, with forecasts indicating continued reductions in student numbers.

Financial Projections and Staff Reductions

Financial analysis reveals that the district is facing a projected deficit of $2.98 million for the 2024-25 school year, with further financial challenges anticipated in subsequent years. Responding to these budgetary pressures, the board also voted to eliminate 40 classified employee positions and 14 certificated positions, aiming to save approximately $2.91 million.

The board’s resolution on the closure tasks staff with exploring relocation options for Flowery’s dual immersion program, possibly transferring it to El Verano Elementary School or Sassarini Elementary School. Additionally, grade levels among the remaining schools will be reorganized to accommodate the student population.

Next Steps and Transition Plan

While the closure of Flowery Elementary is set to proceed, a transition plan will be developed, which includes planning for new boundary adjustments and ensuring compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Key Takeaways

• Closure of Flowery Elementary School at end of the 2025-26 school year.
• Vote passed 4-1 by the Sonoma Valley Unified School District Board.
• Current enrollment data shows significant disparities between capacity and student numbers.
• Projected district deficit for 2024-25 is $2.98 million.
• Previous closures include Dunbar Elementary and Adele Harrison Middle School.

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Additional Resources

• Press Democrat: Sonoma Valley Elementary School Closure
• Sonoma News: Flowery Elementary School Closure
• Sonoma Sun: Trustees Reevaluate School Closures
• Sonoma County Gazette: Bilingual School Closure Vote
• Sonoma News: Overview of Sonoma School Closures
• Wikipedia: School Closure
• Google Search: Sonoma Valley School Closure
• Google Scholar: Sonoma Valley School Closure
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Sonoma Valley
• Google News: Sonoma Valley School Closure

Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER

PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa 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 Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.