August 4, 2025

Santa Rosa City Schools to Start Year Without SROs

News Summary

Santa Rosa City Schools will begin the new school year without School Resource Officers due to budget constraints. Following safety discussions after a tragic incident, the district aimed to reinstate the SRO program, yet financial challenges have led to its postponement. With a significant budget shortfall and ongoing discussions about school safety, alternative measures, including civilian safety staff, will be implemented to ensure student welfare as the district faces tough financial decisions.

Santa Rosa City Schools students will start the new school year without the presence of school resource officers (SROs) on their campuses. This decision follows extensive discussions about safety and security since the tragic stabbing of a student at Montgomery High School in 2023, prompting the school district to initially consider reinstating the program.

The absence of SROs is a significant shift for the Santa Rosa City Schools district, which had previously advocated for their return after a series of safety incidents heightened concerns among parents and students. However, both the city and the school district are currently grappling with severe budget constraints, leading to the postponement of the anticipated SRO program. The estimated cost for the SRO program is approximately $1.7 million annually, with an additional $570,000 allocated for necessary equipment and training.

Facing a budget shortfall exceeding $45 million, the Santa Rosa City Council has approved over $11 million in budget reductions for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, which includes the elimination of around 40 positions. These budget cuts highlight the financial struggles impacting the community’s ability to fund the SRO initiative. City Manager Maraskeshia Smith noted that difficult financial decisions are impairing the city’s commitment to fulfill the SRO program as planned.

In light of these developments, Santa Rosa’s Police Chief John Cregan has stressed the necessity of maintaining a police presence on school grounds to enhance safety and deter violence. Despite lacking SROs, the city has implemented measures to promote safety on secondary campuses through civilian safety staff teams, which are assigned to monitor safety concerns and incidents. However, these teams are not intended to replace the SROs but rather serve to bolster supervision and security at schools.

The current budget issues have also directly affected the Santa Rosa School District, which has announced the closure of six schools and laid off 150 staff members, as it navigates its own $11 million deficit. School officials are actively seeking external funding to support the SRO program, but progress has been hindered by a tight state budget and uncertainties at the federal level. The school district has been exploring grant opportunities, including a potential U.S. Department of Justice grant that might partially fund the SRO program. However, local officials have found the eligibility criteria unacceptable, particularly concerning requirements to enforce immigration laws.

The background on school safety in Santa Rosa reflects a broader context of rising violence and public concern. The SRO program has roots dating back to 1996 but was paused in 2020 amid national conversations about police practices following high-profile incidents of police brutality. The impetus for reinstating SROs escalated after the fatal stabbing of a Montgomery High student, Jayden Pienta, which sparked renewed interest in developing a structured campus officer program.

In addition, there are ongoing concerns about communication during emergencies, especially with recent incidents involving threats and violent behavior in schools. As parents express frustration over the lack of timely notifications about these events, the district acknowledges the need for improved communication and transparency. In response to community feedback, efforts to enhance collaboration between the educational institutions, local law enforcement, and community organizations will be prioritized to address safety concerns and reduce youth violence.

As financial uncertainties loom over the Santa Rosa School District, adjustments have been made within safety advisor roles as part of an overarching strategy to cope with the ongoing fiscal crisis. Stakeholders are focused on reinforcing community ties and fostering programs geared at addressing the root causes of violence, ensuring a safer environment for students moving forward.

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Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER

CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga 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 Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.

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