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?

On 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.

At the August 20, 2025, Study Session, the Board of Trustees continued its discussions on elementary school consolidation. Trustees directed staff to develop a transition plan, including logistics and cost analysis, for the possible closure of Prestwood Elementary at the end of the 2025-26 school year. Staff presented this information to the board during the regular meeting on September 11, 2025.

The most recent action occurred at the special board meeting on September 23, 2025, where the Board voted 4-0 to adopt a resolution enabling the District to move forward with the potential consolidation of Prestwood Elementary School following the 2025-26 school year.

This resolution is not the final action. The final decision is scheduled for October 9, 2025. Before that date, the District will complete two required steps:

1. A detailed school transition plan outlining community outreach and support for students and families.

2. The required California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) study.

Community input is welcomed and encouraged throughout this process.

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.

At this time, the district does not have any finalized plans for the future use of  the Adele Harrison and Prestwood campuses. We are not currently negotiating any sale or lease, nor are we in contact with interested developers.

The process is governed by extensive state laws designed to ensure public input and transparency. It is a multi-step and typically lengthy process. The first required step is the formation of a surplus property advisory committee, commonly known as a "7-11" committee.

The 7-11 Committee is a surplus property advisory committee required by statute. It must consist of between 7 to 11 members who are representative of the community.

• The committee will discuss whether the properties are surplus to the district's long-term needs.

• It will consider potential future uses of the properties.

• The committee's meetings are open to the public and include opportunities for public comment.

• Once its study is complete, the committee will submit a publicly available report with its recommendations to the School Board at a public meeting. These recommendations are advisory, and the Board will make the final decision. The district has established a dedicated webpage for information on the 7-11 committee and its meetings.

If the Board determines a site is surplus and decides to explore a sale or lease, it triggers additional public procedures to ensure an open and competitive process:

1. The district is legally required to give various public entities the first opportunity to lease or purchase the property.

2. If those entities decline, the property must then be offered to members of the general public.

3. Any final lease or sale must be Board-approved at a public meeting, providing a further opportunity for public input.

The sole beneficiaries of any sale or lease proceeds are the students of the Sonoma Valley Unified School District.

• If a sale occurs: Proceeds are generally placed in a restricted fund that can only be used for infrastructure projects that support our schools.

• If a lease occurs: Lease payments are typically unrestricted and can be used to supplement the general fund for operational expenses.

Both scenarios help the district address its fiscal needs, allowing it to maintain focus on and expand program opportunities for students.

No. The Board will consider a diverse array of possibilities for the sites. Other potential outcomes include:

• The Board may decide to retain the properties for future district needs.

• The sites could be put to alternative uses that benefit the district.

• The properties may be made available to other types of public or community organizations.

The California Department of Education (CDE) provides guidance and best practices that school districts must follow during a school consolidation or closure process. These guidelines ensure a fair and transparent process, with an emphasis on community engagement and equity. For more detailed information, you can review the official California statewide guidance on school closures from the Office of the Attorney General.

Guidance Regarding Laws Governing School Closures and Best Practices for Implementation in California

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.