Santa Rosa City Manager weighs in on school safety debate, signaling support for return of campus officers

Santa Rosa’s top government administrator has written to the city’s school chief about rising concern over campus violence in the district and called for a host of measures that could include the return of campus officers.

In a Thursday letter, City Manager Maraskeshia Smith told Superintendent Anna Trunnell her outreach was prompted by concern over campus safety “that has become increasingly significant in recent months.”

“As the individual responsible for overseeing our city’s safety and a dedicated advocate for our youth’s welfare, I am writing to address the urgent issue of school safety,” Smith wrote. “Our schools are facing complex challenges that require a well-structured, comprehensive strategy.”

“One potential strategy to consider,” she continued, “is the integration of School Resource Officers into our educational institutions.“

Letter from City Manager Smith to Superintendent Trunnell

The letter from one chief administrator to another comes amid greater pressure from teachers and Santa Rosa families for stronger action from the district to confront a rising tide of violence on some campuses.

The letter was sent the same day three Herbert Slater middle schoolers were arrested for a fight that started in a classroom and ended in one student brandishing a knife at the other two before fleeing the school.

No one was hurt, but the two-hour lockdown that ensued led to an outpouring of concern from parents who feel there has not been significant improvement to safety since a student was fatally stabbed at Montgomery High School in March.

Smith’s letter is the first clear, public declaration from City Hall calling for immediate action.

Though Police Chief John Cregan has publicly voiced support for the return of campus officers to Santa Rosa schools, the City Council has yet to take an official stance. Several members have expressed interest in seeing the program reinstated. It was left to expire in 2020 and has been under study nearly ever since.

Recent episodes of campus violence, however, have again underscored school safety as a top issue for many Santa Rosa residents.

Mayor Natalie Rogers supports reinstating campus officers on school campuses, though she said she could not speak for the council as a whole on the topic.

“I understand there are concerns about SROs,” she said. “I believe that the concerns need to be addressed and I support the Santa Rosa Police Department wanting to go back into the schools — many of them have children in the schools. They want to keep their children, our children and the staff in the schools safe.”

Rogers is a member of a committee with two other council members and school board members discussing the potential return of campus officers. Rogers said she no longer feels the committee is the best way to come to a resolution.

“Our children are still not safe at school,” she said. “We can sit around and talk … but I would like to see more action, because we need to figure it out. Parents should not have to worry about their children when they send them off to school.”

Smith, in her letter to Trunnell, also proposed the district implement violence prevention programs, increase access to mental health resources, form more community partnerships, bolster parent and family engagement and enhance security infrastructure.

“This initiative … could form a robust, multitiered framework for prevention and safety,” Smith said. “This plan would address immediate concerns and lay the groundwork for sustained security within our schools.”

The letter is limited in its ability to affect change. The school district is located within city limits but the city doesn’t have jurisdiction over school matters.

Smith, in her letter, asks to discuss the ideas with Trunnell and to collaborate on an “enduring safety plan.”

It’s not clear what type of sway the letter will have on district conversations. The school board remains deadlocked on the question of whether to reinstate campus officers.

Smith, in an interview with The Press Democrat, said Trunnell responded to her letter and is open to working with her on a solution.

The response to campus violence has been reactionary but there are proactive steps the school and city can take to safeguard campus safety, she said.

And now is the time to act before another tragedy on campus, she added.

Smith said the urgency of the situation prompted her to make clear to the district and community her feelings on the issue and though she often prefers taking a more behind-the-scenes role “sometimes we have to take a stand.”

Though the decision ultimately rests with the school board, Smith said as chief administrators it’s her and Trunnell’s job to provide their elected leaders with recommendations and solutions.

“For me, that is having school resource officers. It’s not the only solution and I understand there are many approaches we can move forward with, and maybe my approach is right or maybe my approach is wrong, but we need to do something,” she said.

When asked for comment about receiving Smith’s letter, Trunnell said Friday: “As partners, it is important to be at the table together in conversation about collaborative efforts to keep everyone safe. We have a shared interest in prioritizing school safety.”

She pointed to a highly anticipated school board meeting on Wednesday, where a conversation about school safety is on the agenda.

“The goal of this discussion will be to identify multiple strategies and safety measures that potentially include city and county partners,” Trunnell said. “The board and I are invested in this work, as is also evidenced by our recent collaboration with the City Manager and city leaders.”

Report For America corps member Adriana Gutierrez covers education and child welfare issues for The Press Democrat. Reach her at Adriana.Gutierrez@pressdemocrat.com. You can reach Staff Writer Paulina Pineda at 707-521-5268 or paulina.pineda@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @paulinapineda22.