The city also honored five employees for their years of dedicates service. From left are Nick Sosa, Laurel Bane, Megan Siren, Mayor Siri Pulipati, Vice-Mayor Garrett Gatewood, Councilmember David Sander, Councilmember Joe Little, Maria Lopez and City Manager Micah Runner. Photo courtesy of City of Rancho Cordova

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) – During the Rancho Cordova City Council meeting on Feb. 18, the future of public education within the city was discussed. The conversation centered on concerns about school services and the feasibility of creating a standalone school district for Rancho Cordova students.

Cathy Dominico, financial consultant with Ryland Strategic Business Consulting, presented an overview of ongoing discussions about the adequacy of educational services, emphasizing concerns about student support and school locations. Currently, Rancho Cordova is served by four different school districts: Folsom Cordova Unified School District, Elk Grove Unified School District, Sacramento City Unified School District and San Juan Unified School District.

“You have different educational models being delivered to the various areas of the city and that is a topic of conversation about having one cohesive school district,” Dominico said.

Dominico outlined a feasibility study that would evaluate nine state-mandated criteria to determine if a school district reorganization is possible. The study will focus on two main areas: substantiating Rancho Cordova’s community identity and developing an educational program plan. Community outreach efforts will include focus groups within each school district and a broader citywide survey.

Potential outcomes of the study could include advocating for improved student services, adjusting school locations or formally pursuing the creation of a new Rancho Cordova School District.

Councilmembers and residents expressed strong support for change. Vice-Mayor Garrett Gatewood was vocal about his frustrations with Folsom Cordova School District, citing historical issues within the district.

“I am done dealing with the Folsom Cordova School District,” Gatewood said. “The amount of pain that they brought us — embezzling our money, trying to take away our positions, wrecking our schools, and lowering standards. They don’t understand African American, Hispanic and minority kids. They don’t know how to help us. We have to do what we did when we became a city and pull ourselves by our own bootstraps and go fix our own problems. Their interest is Folsom; our interest is Rancho Cordova.”

Gatewood emphasized the need to create a Rancho Cordova School District, arguing that local control would better serve students.

“I do not want to see another generation of Rancho Cordova kids being left behind and that is what they are doing,” said Gatewood.

Councilmember David Sander, Ph.D. echoed Gatewood’s concerns, pointing out disparities in educational outcomes.

“If you have a community that is perfectly safe but your schools aren’t any good, you are really crippled as a community,” Sander said. “The status quo is not good enough. Twenty-one % of kids at Cordova High school are at state standards for math. How is this an adequate situation? We have to do this study because the alternative is to once again do nothing.”

Councilmember Linda Budge emphasized the importance of adequate resources for teachers.

“I have met some great teachers but if they are not given the facilities or the support, they need to do the job and educate our kids. We are just banging our heads against the wall,” Budge said.

Mayor Siri Pulipati also weighed in, highlighting the findings of a recent report.

“We asked for a report, and that report shows in black and white that Rancho Cordova is not getting what it deserves,” Pulipati said. “We were lacking in all aspects.”

Several residents spoke in favor of splitting from Folsom Cordova Unified School District.

“Forming a new district better serves our community and strengthens our schools,” said resident Melody Grainger-Mayor. “A one-size-fits-all approach is no longer effective. By creating two separate districts, each city can better allocate resources and make decisions that directly benefit students and families. It would create stronger more focused leadership, create greater financial efficiency and enhanced student success.”

Resident Conrad Mayor agreed, stating, “At best, we reached for mediocrity. Since we became a city, that is no longer acceptable.”

Resident Helen Beshaw emphasized the need for an education system that reflects Rancho Cordova’s diversity.

“We are a melting pot, meaning you are going to have different educational levels, learning levels and learning styles,” Beshaw said. “It’s a good thing that we start a split.”

Resident Lupe Hernandez acknowledged concerns about duplicating services but argued that the city’s students deserve better.

“We cannot let any child fail or not believe in themselves,” Hernandez said.

In other meeting news, the city also honored five employees for their years of dedicates service.

“As an organization, we believe it is essential to recognize our staff when they reach significant career milestones,” said Brenda Roach, Rancho Cordova human resources representative. “The achievements of our city are a direct reflection of their dedication and invaluable contributions.”

Honorees included Nick Sosa, a senior planner, who was recognized for 10 years of service. Megan Siren, assistant to the city manager, was also honored for a decade of dedication. Victor Ramos, a senior maintenance and operations technician, celebrated 15 years with the city, as did Laurel Bane, a management analyst for facilities. Maria Lopez, public works division manager, was recognized for 20 years of service.

“This is a testament to the success of the city,” Runner said. “I want to recognize the team for their commitment as we celebrate these great achievements.”

Elliot Stevens was nominated by Vice Mayor Garrett Gatewood as a member of the Planning Commission. Photo courtesy of city of Rancho Cordova

The council also voted unanimously to approve Vice-Mayor Gatewood’s nomination of Elliot Stevens as a regular member of the Planning Commission. Stevens, a Rancho Cordova native, expressed his enthusiasm for the role.

“I’m excited for the nomination,” Stevens said. “I want to give back to the community. I have been here since I was a child and I love Rancho Cordova.”

The newly-appointed commissioner will serve through December 2026.