Haley: Schools Need Measure D

Dear Neighbor,

It is an honor to be serving as Superintendent of Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District. Since , my mission has been to continue our forward momentum by improving student achievement and ensuring our students are prepared for college and 21st-century careers. I believe strong community support is essential to continued student success. 

Ongoing Funding Cuts Threaten Our Local Schools 

It is no secret that recent state budget cuts have drastically reduced funding for our Cotati-Rohnert Park schools. In thepast four years alone, the state has cut $8.4 million from our local schools, or more than 27 percent, and we may face another $2 million reduction in funding next year.

Budget reductions have involved making some extremely difficult decisions over the past four years, including: 

• Closing two elementary schools and one middle school.

• Cutting over 75 teaching position.

• Reducing salaries and benefits for all staff.

• Increasing class sizes and shortening the school year.

Cotati-Rohnert Park has been working hard to maximize education funds effectively and efficiently in order to protect our schools and retain our valuable and qualified teachers. 

Moving Forward Despite Budget Challenges

We’re proud of the continued growth and achievements of our students and the tremendous accomplishments of our committed teaching staff. In the past year we have been focused on improving student achievement in each school in the district, while acknowledging the challenges individual schools face due to budget constraints. 

To protect our local schools and provide stable funding to help minimize further cuts, the Cotati-Rohnert Park Governing Board has voted to place Measure D — the Quality Teacher and Academic Instruction Measure on the June 5, 2012 ballot.

Funds from Measure D will go directly to Cotati-Rohnert Park schools in part, to help maintain small class sizes and ensure all students receive the individualized attention from teachers they need. While funding from Measure D will not offset all of the cuts, it can help minimize their negative impact on core academic instruction.

Thank you for your support of our local schools. If you have any questions about Measure D or our schools, please feel free to email me at superintendent@crpusd.org or call 707-792-4722. 

Dr. Robert Haley

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