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Welcome to the Business Services Department

The Business Services Department is dedicated to ensuring the fiscal health and integrity of the Sonoma Valley Unified School District. Our core mission is to manage the district's financial resources with transparency, efficiency, and accountability, all in direct support of our primary goal: providing exceptional educational opportunities for every student.

We are responsible for a wide range of essential functions, including budgeting, accounting, payroll, purchasing, and managing all of the district's financial assets. By maintaining fiscal stability, we ensure that our schools and staff have the resources they need to create a positive and productive learning environment.

 

 

What We Do

Our team manages the financial operations that keep the district running smoothly. Key areas of our work include:

  • Budgeting & Financial Planning: We develop and manage the district's annual budget, and we create multi-year financial projections to ensure long-term stability.

  • Accounting & Auditing: We oversee all financial transactions, including accounts payable and accounts receivable. We also prepare for and support annual independent audits to ensure compliance and transparency.

  • Payroll & Benefits: We process payroll for all district employees and manage employee benefits.

  • Purchasing & Contracts: We oversee the procurement of goods and services and manage all vendor contracts.

  • Facilities & Bond Management: We manage the financial aspects of our school facilities, including the oversight of bond funds for construction and modernization projects.

We invite you to explore the resources below to learn more about the district's financial operations.

 

Office Hours:

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

Business Deptartment Staff Directory

 

For Staff

For commonly used staff forms & other resources, please visit this page:

Staff Forms & Resources

 

Developer Fees

To review fee rates and application procedures, please visit this page:

School Impact / Developer Fees

Notice:

E-Rate Year 29 (2026–2027) — Request for Proposals #2026-01

Sonoma Valley Unified School District (SVUSD) invites qualified vendors to review E-Rate Year 29 (2026–2027) – RFP #2026-01.
Please visit our Addenda & Questions Portal for all official updates, clarifications, and addenda related to current bids and solicitations.

Resources & Information

  • School Budget & Finances

    Learn how we manage our school district's budget to support students and staff by accessing key financial documents and resources.

  • 2025-26 Proposed Budget

    This document provides an overview of the Sonoma Valley Unified School District's Proposed Budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year. It includes financial summaries, multi-year projections, and details on revenue sources and expenditures. The budget aims to ensure fiscal stability while maintaining high-quality educational opportunities for all students.

  • Bond Facilities and Projects

    This section contains documents and information regarding school facilities improvement projects. Access RFQs, agreements, project plans, schedules, board updates, and FAQs, showcasing the district’s commitment to enhancing educational environments.

  • Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee

    The committee ensures that bond funds are used wisely for school improvements, such as building new schools, upgrading existing facilities, and purchasing land. Importantly, bond funds are not used for everyday school operations like salaries or ongoing expenses.

  • School Impact / Developer Fees

    Sonoma Valley USD levies developer fees on new, remodeled, and additional residential and commercial projects to fund school facility improvements. Review fee rates, application procedures, and detailed information on how these fees support our schools. Visit this page to learn more.

  • Government Claim Form

    This form is used to file a claim against SVUSD for injury or damages. Please review the warning on the form regarding potential cost recovery.

Business Services Directory

Rena Seifts
Acting Superintendent / Associate Superintendent Business Services
Email: rseifts@sonomaschools.org
(707) 935-4249 

 

Margaret Ludlow
Administrative Assistant 
Email: mludlow@sonomaschools.org
(707) 935-4249 

Annette Albini
Accounting Technician - Accounts Receivable (Retiree Payments, Developer Fees)
Email: aalbini@sonomaschools.org
(707) 935-4215

 

Summer Elliott
Accounting Technician - Accounts Payable
Email: selliott@sonomaschools.org
(707) 935-4021

 

Jo Fichtenberg
Administrative Support Assistant
Email: jfichtenberg@sonomaschools.org
(707) 935-1614

Melanie Smith
Payroll Analyst: Last Names A-L
Email: mrsmith@sonomaschools.org
(707) 935-6095

 

Lynnea Spencer
Payroll Analyst: Last Names M-Z
Email: lspencer@sonomaschools.org
(707) 935-6009