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Letter from Our Superintendent

Letter from Our Superintendent

Dear Cotati-Rohnert Park Community, 

I’m filled with gratitude and admiration for the strength, compassion, and unity that define our community. One thing is clear: this community shows up for ALL children.

At the heart of our work is a shared belief that every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported. Compassion, empathy, and collaboration are not just ideals; they are the foundation we continue to build upon. When we approach each other with open hearts and minds, we create a school culture rooted in inclusion, belonging, and dignity. Our strength lies in the richness of our diverse experiences, languages, cultures, and identities.

We all want the same thing: for our children to succeed and live healthy, fulfilling lives. By working together, families, educators, students, and community members, we lift each other up. We listen, learn, and grow as one. We celebrate each child’s journey and ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

To our students, your resilience and perseverance are inspiring. You remind us every day why this work matters. To our staff, your compassion and commitment make our schools safe, welcoming, and joyful places to learn. To our families, your encouragement and support fuel our shared success. Thank you for being our partners.

Even in times of challenge and uncertainty, the strength of our community shines. Life can be unpredictable, but kindness, connection, and support carry us forward. No one should feel alone, we are here for each other.

Accomplishments 2024–2025 This year brought incredible growth across departments and school sites:

Ed Services

  • Launched the Restorative PBIS Academy for all site administrators
  • Completed Federal Program Monitoring (FPM) with zero findings
  • Reclassified over 100 Multilingual Learners (65% LTELs) with targeted PD for EL assistants

Expanded Learning Opportunities

  • Year-round programs are now at all elementary and middle schools
  • Finalized Expanded Learning Plan and launched new registration system (Activity Hero)
  • Hosting the largest Summer Enrichment Academy (SEA) to date

Business Services

  • Passed Measure BB Bond
  • Led district-wide Budget Roadshow meetings
  • Ensured proper implementation of Prop 28 arts funding

Human Resources

  • Strengthened labor relations through Labor and Management Partnership and Interest-Based Bargaining 
  • Hosted 5 teacher residents through the Early Childhood Residency Grant
  • Implemented SB553 workplace safety plans

Special Education

  • Reallocated Special Day Class services to better meet enrollment and equity needs
  • Updated SPED MOU in collaboration with staff and stakeholders

Student Services

  • Updated Title IX and 504 protocols with new training and documentation
  • Increased unduplicated income verification to 55%, adding $1.6 million to the budget
  • Coordinated response plan to support immigrant families

Highlights from Our Schools

  • Monte Vista: Launched morning circles and visual communication supports for inclusion
  • University Elementary La Fiesta: Expanded Guided Language Acquisition Design (GLAD) and Project-Based Learning (PBL) work and vertical House Groups to promote core values.
  • Evergreen: Reduced behavior referrals through bias-based bullying training.
  • Richard Crane: Earned Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) Platinum, expanded Tier 2 learning supports.
  • John Reed: Opened Wellness Center, added food pantry, and mobile health clinic
  • Hahn: Implemented Orton-Gillingham literacy grant, arts programs, and Panther Patrol.
  • Thomas Page Academy: Revised mission/vision, launched Safe School Ambassadors, hired full-time counselor.
  • Lawrence Jones: Strengthened restorative practices and English Language support.
  • Technology Middle School: Expanded electives, Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) rollout in progress.
  • Ranch Cotate High School: Advanced Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC) goals, increased Advanced Placement participation, and English Language success.
  • Technology High School: Implemented 4 Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways, completed Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC), and launched Ethnic Studies.
  • El Camino: Shifted to Project-Based Learning (PBL), added mental health counselor, grew 11th grade program.
  • Preschool: Hosted parent education nights, expanded inclusion with North Bay Children Center (NBCC) partnership.

Looking Ahead: Goals for 2025–2026 Goals

  • Increase English Language (EL) achievement by 10%
  • Align Superintendent site visits with academic goals and Single Plan Student Achievement (SPSA) reviews
  • Study equitable grading practice
  • Review the “Portrait of a Graduate” work

Social-Emotional Goals

  • Ensure every student has one caring adult connection
  • Address behavior proactively through expanding restorative practices

Fiscal Goals

  • Reduce hiring needs through retention strategies
  • Increase funding through improved attendance and income verification
  • Promote district progress and transparency with partners

Attendance Matters, and we need your support! Consistent attendance is key to academic success and district funding. Each day a student attends matters not just for learning but for developing strong relationships and commitment to success. We appreciate your partnership in this effort.

In closing, I want to thank each of you for your trust, partnership, and commitment. It is a privilege to serve this community. Together, we are educating students and building a stronger, more connected future for all.

In partnership,

Maite Iturri, Ed.D.

Superintendent