Open Session - SMBSD Board Meeting - March 11th, 2026

The Santa Maria Bonita School District Board held its regular open session meeting on March 11, 2026. Key procurement-related discussions included the approval of a consent agenda item authorizing the purchase of an assessment and analytics platform through an existing Education Technology Joint Powers Authority agreement. The board also certified the district's second interim budget report for fiscal year 2025-26, which detailed revenue and expenditure updates, including a $10 million increase in special education contracted services and a $2.2 million negotiated salary increase. Additionally, the board approved the annual transportation plan for 2026-27, highlighting ongoing partnerships with First Student for bus services and plans to expand field trip transportation. Other agenda items included the adoption of a resolution to reduce or eliminate certain certificated positions due to funding and program needs, though no layoffs were expected. The meeting featured extensive updates on strategic initiatives such as family resource centers, recruitment efforts, universal design for learning, restorative practices, and curriculum alignment. Board members also requested future agenda items related to staff diversity, ICE activity impacts, and ethnic studies. The meeting concluded with board and superintendent reports emphasizing community engagement and educational priorities.