Dear Sonoma Valley Unified School District Families,

I am delighted to introduce myself to you, and truly honored to step into the role of Acting Superintendent of Sonoma Valley Unified School District. I assume this position with deep respect for our community, our educators, and—most importantly—our students.

I bring to this role a broad range of educational leadership experience, including most recently serving as our District’s Associate Superintendent of Business Services. In that capacity, I have worked closely with our Board of Trustees, school leaders, and community members to support our schools through sound fiscal stewardship and strategic planning. My background also includes years of service in both educational operations and school site leadership, and I am committed to ensuring every decision we make reflects what is best for our students.

As we move forward together, I want to assure you that our commitment to students remains at the heart of every decision we make. While this is a time of transition and change, I truly believe we are up to the challenge. Change can be difficult, but it can also be an opportunity to grow stronger as a district and community.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to our dedicated educators and staff who continue to show up each day with professionalism, care, and a deep commitment to our students. Their hard work is especially evident as we begin the important and complex process of merging our two middle schools. This work is not easy, but it is being done with thoughtful planning and with students' best interests in mind.

I also want to extend my sincere thanks to our Board of Education for appointing Troy Knox, our Director of Special Education, to serve as the special project coordinator overseeing the integration of our middle schools. His leadership and deep understanding of student needs make him an ideal choice to help guide this important and complex transition. I’m confident that with his support, this effort will remain centered on what matters most—our students.

As we move ahead, our focus remains on delivering high-level academic programs that prepare our students for success—today and in the future. We are also committed to keeping you informed every step of the way through clear, timely, and strategic communication.

I know that building and maintaining trust takes time and action. That work starts with listening and continues with transparency, collaboration, and a shared commitment to progress. I believe that—together—we will move Sonoma Valley Unified toward a brighter future for all.

Look for more information to come regarding our middle school integration and other important work over the Summer. Thank you for your partnership and support.

Warm regards,

Rena Seifts, Acting Superintendent
Sonoma Valley Unified School District