SMJUHSD Monthly Board Meeting (March 10th, 2026); 6:30 PM Open Session.

The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District held its monthly board meeting on March 10, 2026. Key procurement-related actions included the approval of two technology contracts funded through the E-rate program: a $1,147,834.80 contract awarded to Astound Business Solutions for wide area network fiber services, and a contract awarded to Gigacom for district-wide core switch upgrades. Both contracts were awarded following a request for proposals process and were approved by roll call vote. Additionally, the board approved revisions to several board policies related to safety plans, data privacy, and directory information release, which may impact future procurement and vendor compliance requirements. The board also approved the employment agreement for a new assistant superintendent of human resources with a salary of $223,672.43. The district presented its 2025-26 second interim budget report, highlighting revenues, expenditures, and reserves, and adopted a positive certification. A first reading of a new board policy on artificial intelligence was presented, focusing on ethical and responsible AI use in education, with final approval pending. Overall, the meeting addressed significant technology procurement, budgetary approvals, and policy updates relevant to district operations and vendor engagements.