Adele Harrison Middle School is closing as part of a larger districtwide effort to optimize resources, improve academic programming, and respond to changing enrollment trends. Consolidating into one middle school campus allows us to enhance educational offerings, strengthen student supports, and improve operational efficiency.

The closure of Adele Harrison Middle School takes effect at the end of the 2024-25 school year. Starting in Fall 2025, all middle school students in Sonoma Valley Unified School District will attend Altimira Middle School.

Students who would have attended Adele Harrison will be enrolled at Altimira Middle School beginning in the 2025-26 school year. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for every student, including orientation events, peer activities, and staff support.

The district is planning a series of transition activities throughout the upcoming school year, including:

• Student and family orientation nights

• Campus visits for current Adele Harrison students

• Peer buddy programs

• Dedicated counseling and social-emotional support

• Ongoing communication from school leadership

Yes, in a positive way. The consolidation enables us to expand course offerings, provide more robust electives, and ensure consistent access to programs such as visual and performing arts, STEM, and language courses. Larger enrollment at one site will also allow for more consistent academic and social-emotional supports.

Yes. Facility assessments and planning have confirmed that the Altimira campus has the capacity to serve all middle school students in the district. We are making site improvements to ensure that the campus is welcoming, safe, and equipped to handle increased enrollment.

Class sizes will remain unchanged. The district will fully honor the current union contract by upholding all negotiated class-size limits.

Even as we consolidate facilities, our mission remains firm: to advance an inclusive educational environment that provides targeted support, skilled staff, and deep collaboration—ensuring each student with special needs thrives academically, socially, and emotionally.

Consolidation often increases the pool of students and even develops sports programs that were previously not viable at smaller schools. With more participants, athletics can become more competitive and sustainable, offering depth and variety across sports and levels. Beyond athletics, consolidation can boost musical ensembles, arts, clubs, and academic competitions, given a larger student body and combined resources. Opportunities may expand for groups like chess, debate, yearbook, robotics, performing arts, and honor societies.

After-school programs should not be affected by school consolidation. The only concern that the district has regarding after-school programs is the possible loss of federal funding for the programs that are being offered.

The district is undertaking seismic upgrades at the Altimira campus to enhance safety and seismic resilience. This two-phase project will be carried out over the summers of 2025 and 2026.

Transportation routes and schedules are being updated to support the new middle school configuration. Additional busing options may be introduced where needed. Details will be shared well before the start of the 2025-26 school year.

Creekside High School has been temporarily relocated to the Adele Harrison campus. The district will also operate a transition program at that location. La Luz has rented portable units at the site from the district to support its program offerings. In compliance with the Education Code, the district’s 7‑11 committee will soon evaluate the future disposition of the site. Later this year, the Board of Trustees will make a final determination on the school's long‑term use based on the information provided by the 7-11 committee.

The Board has decided to delay choosing a new name, mascot, and school colors for one year. Following board policy, it will gather input from staff, students, and the community before making a final decision.

School closure has necessitated the following reductions in staffing:

• Classified:

  • Kitchen Manager II (middle school)

  • Food Service Assistant II (middle school)

  • Campus Supervisor II (middle school) 8 hours per day

  • School Office Manager (middle school)

  • Attendance & Welfare Technician (middle school)

  • Health Assistant (middle school)

  • Office Assistant/Receptionist (middle school)

  • Accounting Specialist (ASB) (middle school) 1 hour per day

  • Senior Custodian (middle school)

  • School Library & Student Device Technician (middle school)

• Certificated:

  • Principal, middle school

  • Vice principal, middle school

  • Math teacher, middle school As the transition continues over the summer months, we are committed to minimizing disruptions and supporting our employees through this change.

What is the latest update regarding Elementary School Consolidation?

As of June 17, 2025, the Board of Trustees rescinded the resolution that would have closed Flowery Elementary School at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. The original resolution, passed on May 8, 2025, had designated Flowery Elementary for closure and proposed relocating its Dual Immersion program to either El Verano or Sassarini Elementary, or to another campus as part of a TK-2 and 3-5 grade split. This initial decision was contingent upon three conditions:

1. Revised attendance boundaries.

2. A transition plan for students and families.

3. A review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

The Board's decision to rescind the resolution on June 17 came after they reviewed new information regarding these conditions and requirements. The Board will continue its discussions on elementary school consolidation at a study session on August 20, from 3 to 6 p.m., at the District Office. A final decision on a possible school closure is expected in the fall, potentially as late as November.

It is the board’s intent to continue to offer the dual immersion program in the district, and allow for expansion if possible. The Board is considering various options such as leaving it Flowery, expanding it to a K-8 program at one site, or moving the program to another site.

We are committed to open and transparent communication throughout this process. Regular updates will be shared via:

• School and district websites

• Email newsletters

• Parent meetings and town halls

• Social media channels

Please contact the Sonoma Valley Unified School District Office at (707) 935-6000 or visit our school consolidation webpage for more information.