Brianna Garcia presents the results of the Folsom Cordova Unified School District Reorganization Feasibility Study.

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - In June of 2023, a Special Joint Meeting between the FCUSD Board, City of Rancho Cordova, and City of Folsom focused on the feasibility of splitting the district into two school districts – a Folsom district and a Rancho Cordova district.  At that time the Board unanimously decided to hire School Services of California to proceed with the study.

Folsom City Council members, Anna Rohrbough in front, present their response to the FCUSD Reorganization Feasibility Study.

The three organizations met again in a Special Joint Meeting on January 29, 2024, to learn the answer to, “Is it feasible?”  School Services of California consultants Brianna Garcia and Matt Phillips reported that three of the nine criteria that govern school district reorganizations in the State of California, numbers 4, 6, and 9, could “not be substantially met.”

This was so because (entire wording may not be included here, for brevity) Number 4: The “reorganization could exacerbate existing racial and socioeconomic disparities and segregation already inherent in the communities being served.”  Number 6: “The reorganization could result in significant disruption to educational programs in the districts, especially to the smaller Rancho Cordova USD, and would have a negative impact on the educational performance of the students within Rancho Cordova USD, based on the data analyzed within this study.”

School Services of California consultants Matt Phillips (left at podium) and Brianna Garcia, present the results of the FCUSD Reorganization Feasibility Study to the School Board, the City Council of Rancho Cordova (on the left, out of sight) and the City Council of Folsom. 

Number 9: “The reorganization would result in lowered revenues per ADA (average daily attendance) and increased personnel costs per FTE (full time equivalent) in Folsom USD which may lead to a substantial negative effect on the fiscal status.”

Board president Tim Hooey requested comments from both cities, and from the Board.

David Sander, PH.D., mayor of Rancho Cordova, attended the meeting remotely from Washington D.C.  “This report was, frankly, shocking,” Sander said.  “. . . There are massive disparities (between Folsom and Rancho Cordova schools).”  Council member Garrett Gatewood and vice mayor Siri Pulipati agreed and expressed their support of a division, while being open to other solutions that might bring about the desired result. 

Brianna Garcia of School Services of California presents results of the FCUSD Reorganization Feasibility Study to the City of Rancho Cordova (left), City of Folsom, (right), and the FCUSD Superintendent Sarah Koligian and the FCUSD Board of Directors.

“The next logical step for Rancho Cordova is to put this on our City Council agenda and invite people to come and comment,” said Rancho council member Linda Budge. 

City of Folsom council member YK Chalamcherla thought that something legislative might be the answer to achieving a split, which was echoed by some others present.

“Rancho Cordova is just booming,” said Folsom council member Rosario Rodriguez.  “On the economic side, I just see long term success for your students and for the residents of Rancho Cordova, and I think this (split) would be a very positive thing for the City of Rancho Cordova.” 

Vice mayor Sarah Aquino said that it made sense to have Rancho Cordova take the lead on any sort of split, and “I think it sounds like there is support from the City of Folsom.”

FCUSC Board members (from left) David Reid (wearing glasses), Chris Clark, Tim Hooey, Jennifer Laret, and Kara Lofthouse deliberate at the Special Board Meeting on January 29.

Board vice president Jennifer Laret, from Rancho Cordova, said, “Raising your kids in Rancho Cordova sometimes feels like you’re screaming and no one’s hearing you . . . this report feels like we’re finally being heard.” Later, Laret said, “I was pleased with the civility and compassion that was exhibited during the meeting.  It was clear that after discussion, all three entities are committed to student success and are willing to explore options, including a possible District reorganization.”

Board member Chris Clark of Rancho Cordova said, “We’re going to get there . . . I feel cautiously optimistic.” Board clerk David Reid commented, “If Rancho Cordova wants their own district, then Rancho Cordova should have their own district . . . I’m a fan of local control.”  Student Board member Van Merrill said that before, he had been undecided, but after listening to the discussion he is now in favor of the split.

“While we can pledge support or . . . want to move forward,” said Board member Kara Lofthouse of Folsom, “it’s important for everybody to remember that this decision can’t be made here. There are people above us who are going to be making those decisions.”

Board president Tim Hooey summarized, saying it was worthwhile continuing to talk about reorganization of the District.  However, given the results of the feasibility study, Hooey said it appears that none of the group wants to move forward with the study. “It is a great idea to have a formal conversation with Elk Grove USD, San Juan USD, and Sac City USD,” Hooey said. “That would allow Dr. Koligian to explore Districts that maybe we would want to bring into either Rancho Cordova USD or Folsom Cordova USD.”

The Special Joint Meeting of January 29, 2024, can be viewed in its entirety at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQv1eHodQeY