photo credit: Santa Rosa City Schools
Lisa August, acting superintendent of Santa Rosa
City Schools district.

The school board of Santa Rosa City Schools voted last week to terminate its contract with now-former superintendent Dr. Daisy Morales.

Stepping into the role as interim superintendent: Lisa August.

KRCB's News spoke with August about her new role, and what it means for the region's largest school district, as it's facing budget cuts and campus closures.

For just how long she'll serve as superintendent is beyond her control, but for the time being,  August said she is excited to take the helm at the district, even at a time of tumult.

"My core values are focusing on academics and enrichment, safety, and building trust," August said.

August spent nearly a decade in administrative and executive roles at districts in the Northern Sierra, but is no stranger to Santa Rosa City Schools.

She's worked in district leadership since November 2022, as associate superintendent of business services.

"So business is actually everything aside from HR that supports our school sites," August said. "So my everyday work isn't in specifically the dollars and cents."

Just how long August will be at the helm isn't entirely clear.

"For now, I've accepted the acting superintendent role," August said. "We expect an interim appointment to be on the next agenda because that has to be done at a regular board meeting."

The Sonoma County Office of Education is assisting Santa Rosa City Schools district in a nationwide search for the next permanent superintendent.

The two previous superintendents: Daisy Morales and Anna Trunnell, were both recruited from outside the area.

Santa Rosa Teachers Association President Kathryn said she hopes to see permanent leadership that's invested in the community.

"I would really love to see someone whose roots are here, who understands the importance of Santa Rosa City Schools in Sonoma County, and is ready to be part of this community, understanding our families and not trying to impose ideas," Howell said.

One thing August said she would not change: the shake up of various campus leaderships across the district.

"When you look at how an organization is run, what supports different sites need, it's really important to consider the strengths of each of the team members," August said. "And so with the re-configurations and movement of staff, I am confident in the recommendation that was made."

In the search for a permanent superintendent, Santa Rosa district staff said they plan to contract with Leadership Associates, who've helped place other local superintendents like Maite Iturri in the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District.