SB Unified Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) ...

SB Unified Updates March 4, 2026 SB Unified Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Sign-up Families and community members are invited to join Santa Barbara Unified’s LCAP Parent Advisory Committee and help shape the district’s 2026–27 Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). The LCAP guides how we support student success and allocate resources. The committee will meet from 6:00 to 7:30 pm on March 17, April 13, May 6, and May 27 at the School District Office, 720 Santa Barbara St. Your input plays an important role in ensuring the plan addresses the needs of our students. If you are interested in participating, please complete the sign-up form by Monday, March 16, 2026.  Join the LCAP Committee Today!   Celebrations or Questions? If you have an SB Unified celebration or question to share, please email info@sbunified.org.

Thursday, Mar 05 2026

February Family Newsletter

Unified Link Santa Barbara Unified Family Newsletter February 4, 2026 Finding Hope in Each Other: A Note for February There was a time in my life when I experienced tremendous grief and loss. I sought support from many priests, therapists, and wise family members. One piece of advice kept surfacing: be of service. I remember thinking, "How can I help others right now when I am hurting?" But it was precisely that act of service that helped me heal. By turning outward, I began to see that every one of us is carrying a hidden burden. In that shared space, I found compassion for others and eventually, for myself. In that solidarity, I found hope. I know that most of us entered education for this very reason: to be of service and to improve lives. But we hurt, too. We need support just as much as our students do. This February, I encourage us all to: • Extend a hand of friendship to a colleague who might be struggling. • Model kindness and patience, even when your own tank is low. • Practice self-stewardship by caring for yourself with the same grace you offer others. Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love in all its forms. Let’s continue to be good stewards of ourselves, each other, and the hearts and minds of students. With gratitude, Dr. Hilda Maldonado Superintendent   Alternate Pathway to a High School Diploma - Family Information Sessions The Special Education Leadership Department will be offering information sessions on the California Alternate Pathway to a High School Diploma for families who are interested in learning more about this new initiative. The California Education Code establishes an alternative diploma pathway for students with disabilities who face unique challenges in meeting standard high school graduation requirements. This pathway provides increased flexibility for eligible students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to earn a high school diploma through modified coursework and/or alternative assessments, including the California Alternate Assessment (CAA), aligned to each student’s individual needs. These information sessions are intended for families of students who qualify for the California Alternate Assessment and would like to better understand this diploma option, eligibility criteria, and potential implications for postsecondary opportunities. Information Session Dates and Times February 9, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. | Zoom Link February 12, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. | Zoom Link     Junior High Master Schedule Update The Santa Barbara Unified Board of Trustees will meet on February 10 to discuss potential changes to the junior high school master schedule. Following a request from the Board in January, the meeting will focus on the possibility of adding an extra course period to better support student needs. As the District manages a significant budget deficit, the Board must weigh the benefits of a new schedule against fiscal realities and long-term flexibility. While schedule structures are policy decisions made by the Board to ensure public accountability and adaptability, the District remains committed to collaborating with teachers and staff on how these changes might impact working conditions. How to share your input: The community is encouraged to participate in this transparent evaluation. You can provide feedback by emailing dist_board@sbunified.org or by attending the meeting in person to offer public comment. For more detailed information on the fiscal context and the Board’s focus on student-centered solutions, read the full announcement here.   Helping Families Understand AI with Common Sense Media Artificial intelligence is increasingly part of our kids’ lives — from chatbots and homework help tools to recommendations in apps and games. To help families make sense of it all, Common Sense Media offers AI Risk Assessments. These assessments break down what a product can do, potential risks, and what parents should consider before kids use it.  Why this matters for parents: AI is everywhere, and kids are using it in new ways, often before parents realize it.  Some AI tools pose safety and developmental concerns  especially social AI companions and certain chat-style bots.  The assessments give families clear, research-based info they can use to have smart conversations with their children about AI. Visit Common Sense Media’s AI Risk Assessments page for the full guidance: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ai-ratings/ai-risk-assessments  Additionally, please remember our Parent Safety Resource at https://sbunified.onlinesafetyhub.io/    Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is a collaborative group of parents and district staff dedicated to supporting students with disabilities. SEAC provides input and guidance on all aspects of schooling that impact these students, working proactively with SBUSD staff to promote a culture of care, inclusion, and equity. The committee offers valuable feedback on the district’s Special Education priorities, including academics, safety, and the social-emotional wellness of students with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Membership includes parents and guardians of children with disabilities, educators, representatives from community agencies, and other interested individuals or groups.    Need more information? Want to attend a meeting?  Want to be a member?                                                                                                       Please Contact: Dr. Karla Curry, Director of Special Education, kvcurry@sbunified.org  Special Education Advisory Committee Meeting Dates (Spring 2026) March 11, 2026 (6-7:30 pm), La Cumbre Junior High School, Library   May 13, 2025 (6-7:30 pm), San Marcos High School, Library   *Dinner and childcare will be provided.    National School Counseling Week It’s National School Counseling Week, and we’re taking a moment to acknowledge the work our counselors do for SB Unified students. Their professional guidance creates a foundation for student success across the District. We know the heart and dedication it takes to support our community daily, and we are deeply grateful for the service they provide. Celebrations or Questions? If you have an SB Unified celebration or question to share, please email info@sbunified.org.

Thursday, Feb 05 2026

January 27, 2026 Board Meeting Recap

SB Unified Board Brief January 28, 2026 January 27, 2026 Board Meeting Recap This article summarizes the January 27 2026, Board of Trustees Meeting. The full agenda is available on our website: Board Meeting Agenda   New Commitment to Literacy: The LETRS Initiative The Board officially adopted Resolution No. 2025-2026-24, marking a major investment in how our students learn to read. By aligning instruction with the "Science of Reading," the District aims to ensure every child is a proficient reader by the end of 3rd grade. Expert Training: All K-3 teachers and instructional leaders will complete LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) training,a gold-standard program for teaching phonics, fluency, and comprehension. Teachers will be getting updates on this process in the weeks to come. Support for Educators: The District will provide this training at no cost to staff. The Goal: A full rollout is expected by the end of the 2028-2029 school year, with regular progress reports to ensure student outcomes are improving.   Expanding Student Wellness & Mental Health The District presented an update on its Integrated Wellness Approach, which focuses on building a culture of belonging and providing direct mental health support on every campus. Stronger Connections: Survey data shows that SBUSD students have a "trusted adult" on campus at rates that outperform national averages, providing a critical foundation for student safety. On-Site Wellness Centers: High school Wellness Centers are now fully operational, and work is underway to bring these dedicated spaces to our junior high schools. Accessible Care: Through the RISE program and partners like FSA and Daybreak, hundreds of students are receiving therapy and crisis intervention on campus at no cost to families. Sustainable Funding: By utilizing the state’s CYBHI initiative, the District is securing long-term funding to ensure these mental health professionals and centers remain a permanent part of our schools.   Honoring Black History Month The Board adopted Resolution No. 2025-2026-23, officially recognizing February as Black History Month. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the formal observance of Black history in the United States, centered on the national theme: "A Century of Black History Commemorations." Elevating Our History: The resolution emphasizes the importance of inclusive curricula that accurately represent the contributions and resilience of African American and Black individuals as fundamental to the American experience. Local Action: The District reaffirmed its commitment to combating anti-Blackness through the work of the Committee Advancing Black Achievement, Wellness, and Excellence (CABAWE) and continued partnerships with local organizations like Healing Justice SB, SBCC, and Gateway. A Commitment to Equity: Beyond a month-long celebration, the Board pledged a steadfast commitment to anti-racism and the elimination of barriers to ensure all Black students and families feel a deep sense of belonging and support year-round.   Annual Financial Audit Update The Board received the independent audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. This state-required annual review, conducted by the firm Eide Bailly, LLP, ensures that the District’s financial statements and use of federal funds are transparent and accurate. A Clean Review: The audit serves as an official "check-up" on the District’s financial health, verifying that management is following standard accounting principles and federal compliance rules. Rigorous Oversight: Before reaching the Board, these reports were thoroughly reviewed by the District’s Audit Committee on January 20, 2026. Commitment to Transparency: These annual audits are a key part of the District’s responsibility to the community, ensuring that public funds are being handled with integrity and used as intended to support student success.   Recognizing Excellence: Collaborative Spirit Award The Board took a moment to celebrate the Santa Barbara Junior High Math 7 Team with the Collaborative Spirit Award. This honor recognizes staff members who go above and beyond to work together for the benefit of their students. Teamwork in Action: The Math 7 team was highlighted for their exceptional coordination and shared dedication to student success. Their ability to collaborate on lesson planning and instructional strategies serves as a model for professional excellence across the District. Impact on Learning: By working as a unified front, this team ensures that every 7th-grade student at SBJH receives high-quality, consistent math instruction, fostering a stronger academic foundation for all.   SB Unified Board to Discuss Junior High Master Schedule Options The Santa Barbara Unified Board of Trustees will convene on February 10 to learn about junior high school master schedule options. At the beginning of January, the Board of Trustees requested a public discussion on the impact of adding a course period to address diverse student needs. The Board aims to weigh the benefits and impacts against fiscal realities and the varying student learning needs at each campus. The District is currently working to address a substantial budget deficit and is considering reductions, even before accounting for potential cost increases from ongoing labor negotiations. Labor Negotiations & Legal Context The Santa Barbara Teachers Association (SBTA) recently proposed during contract negotiations changes to both junior high student schedules and high school student course loads.   California's collective bargaining law guarantees employees the right to bargain over mandatory subjects, meaning matters that directly define the employment relationship, including wages, hours, and working conditions.   Because these two items directly affect students’ school day and instructional minutes, rather than teacher working conditions, they are nonmandatory subjects of bargaining and do not belong in a labor contract. Nevertheless, the District’s stance on collaboration remains consistent: the District seeks to collaborate with all stakeholders, including teachers, on student-centered solutions. The District does not include decisions about student schedules, course structure, and instructional minutes in a binding labor contract for three main reasons: Preserving Collaboration: The District can collaborate through public action without permanently binding future governance to a labor contract. Flexibility: Converting student policy into binding labor contract language restricts the District's ability to adapt to future fiscal and enrollment shifts and changing student needs. Public Accountability: Major policy and resource decisions should be made by the elected Board in public view, not at the negotiation table behind closed doors. The District’s Board has a responsibility to implement the best policies to improve student outcomes and balance budgets, which it cannot do if it relinquishes control over these decisions. The District remains fully committed to its legal obligation to negotiate the impacts of any decisions that affect teacher working conditions. If the Board approves a schedule change, any effects on working conditions will be negotiated with SBTA. Public Participation  The aim of the February 10th Board discussion is to transparently evaluate these impacts and hear from all stakeholders. The public is invited to provide feedback by emailing dist_board@sbunified.org or offering public comment at the meeting.   Celebrations or Questions? If you have an SB Unified celebration or question to share, please email info@sbunified.org.

Thursday, Jan 29 2026

Deadline This Friday: Important information about en...

SB Unified Updates December 1, 2025 Dear Santa Barbara Unified families:   Enrollment New student enrollment opened, December 1, for those enrolling for the first time and for former students who are returning after an extended absence from the Santa Barbara Unified School District. In addition, for those interested in a school transfer for the 2026-27 school year, the open enrollment window has opened as well.  Families who are enrolling with the Santa Barbara Unified School District for the first time, may either complete the enrollment process through the Aeries Online Enrollment portal, OR you may contact your child’s school for assistance.   For 2026-27, children are eligible for Transitional Kindergarten if they turn four (4) by September 1.  Children are eligible for Kindergarten if they will be five (5) on or before September 1. Open House For information about upcoming tours or Open Houses in elementary or junior high, contact your school of interest directly for more information. For information regarding high school open houses click here. Intra-District Transfer (transfers within SBUSD) If you are interested in your child attending a school OUTSIDE of their school of residence, but live INSIDE the Santa Barbara Unified District Attendance Area, you will need to complete a transfer request in addition to the enrollment process. The priority window to apply for a transfer is December 1, 2025 through January 16, 2026 at 5 PM. Online Transfer Application opens December 1 on the District website - here. Additionally, paper applications are available for pick up at each school site, in the Student & Family Services office located at 720 Santa Barbara Street, or on our website here Priority window transfer decisions will be made and families notified by February 27, 2026.  Decisions and notifications for transfers submitted after the priority window will be made on April 2, 2026.   Inter-District Transfer (transfers between districts) If you are interested in your child enrolling in Santa Barbara Unified District school, but live OUTSIDE of the District’s Attendance Area, please contact your District of Residence for further information on Inter-District Transfers.     Student(s) already attending a school in the Santa Barbara Unified School District on an Inter-District Transfer must renew their Inter-District Transfers each year. The window to submit an Inter-District Transfer for the 2026-2027 school year is December 1, 2025 through January 16, 2026 at 5 PM.   Reminders Here are a few friendly reminders from the Student & Family Services Team to keep in mind during our Open Enrollment and the Transfer Application Window: Information for enrollment, transfers, and open house events can be found on our website at https://www.sbunified.org/schools1/enrollment-registration  Student enrollment is based on the student’s home address. If you are interested in attending a school outside of your attendance area, an approved transfer is required.  The deadline to submit a transfer application is January 16, 2026 at 5pm. Transfers submitted after January 16, 2026 are considered late transfers and will be reviewed on space availability and in the order in which they are received.  Transfers received after the July 2026 deadline will only be reviewed for 2nd Semester/Term 3. All paper transfers applications must be submitted to the Student & Family Services Office.  Families cannot submit their applications to our school sites.   If you have questions, please contact your child’s school or Student Services at (805) 963-4338 ext. 6278 (English and Spanish) and/or ext. 6208.

Friday, Jan 16 2026

January 13, 2026 Board Meeting Recap

SB Unified Board Brief January 14, 2026 January 13, 2026 Board Meeting Recap This article summarizes the January 13, 2026, Board of Trustees Meeting. The full agenda is available on our website: Board Meeting Agenda   Early Retirement Incentive Approved The Board approved a one-time $15,000 early retirement announcement incentive to provide a one-time benefit to eligible employees. Eligibility Criteria To qualify, employees must meet all of the following requirements: Service: Hired by SBUSD prior to September 30, 2015 (10 years of service). Age: Must be 60 years of age on or before August 30, 2025. Timeline: Must sign the early retirement contract by February 12, 2026, with a retirement date between June 12 and June 30, 2026. Important Notes Classified Employees: This agreement is subject to the CSEA 610 approval process and member ratification before going into effect. Once the incentive is approved, CSEA members will be notified Certificated Employees: This replaces the standard $1,500 incentive; however, those who do not qualify for the $15,000 incentive may still be eligible for the standard amount. Next Steps: Those who qualify will be contacted directly regarding their eligibility. If you have specific questions, please email HR@sbunified.org.    Cottage Health Gifts $1.5M to San Marcos High for Health Careers Academy The Board approved a significant partnership between San Marcos High School (SMHS) and Cottage Health to support the Building Community Wellness project. Under this agreement, the SMHS Health Careers Academy will be renamed the Cottage Health Careers Academy at San Marcos High School for the next 20 years. Key Highlights The Gift: Cottage Health is donating $1.5 million to the project. Facility Upgrades: Funds will support the construction of a new mini-campus for the academy and the modernization of the campus Wellness Center (originally built in 1958). Construction is slated to begin this summer. Student Impact: Beyond the funding, Cottage Health will provide expertise, internships, and "Project Lead the Way" curriculum support. Expansion: Beginning next fall, the academy will expand to include 9th-grade cohorts, raising enrollment to 240 students, with a long-term goal of serving nearly 400 students.   Santa Barbara Charter School Renewal The Board conducted a public hearing regarding the charter renewal petition for Santa Barbara Charter School (SBCS). The school, which serves grades TK–8, has submitted a request for a seven-year renewal term running through 2033. The Board is scheduled to vote on the renewal in February.   Updates to Board Policy due to State Law Changes The Board conducted a first reading and discussion of two bylaws updated by state law (AB 1390) and CSBA guidance. No final vote was taken at this meeting.     Celebrations or Questions? If you have an SB Unified celebration or question to share, please email info@sbunified.org.

Thursday, Jan 15 2026

SBUSD AND CALIFORNIA SCHOOL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION (C...

Labor Negotiations Update Santa Barbara Unified School District January 14, 2026 SBUSD AND CALIFORNIA SCHOOL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION (CSEA) HOLD SECOND BARGAINING SESSION SBUSD Makes Counterproposal on CSEA Rights CSEA Offers Proposal on Health & Welfare Benefits Introduction This is the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s (SBUSD) second Negotiations Update for 2025-2026 “reopener” contract negotiations between the District and the California School Employees Association (CSEA). “Reopener” negotiations mean this is the third year of a three-year contract.  SBUSD Offers Counterproposal on CSEA Rights CSEA Rights: SBUSD made a counterproposal on the way CSEA conducts union business within the District. CSEA Offers Proposal on Health & Welfare Benefits Health & Welfare Benefits: CSEA proposed enhancements to the current employer contribution to health benefits. Next Steps:  The next negotiation session is on February 6, 2026. Dr. John Becchio, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Conrad Tedeschi, CPA, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Esteban Camara, Personnel Manager Classified Joanna Powell, General Counsel Valerie Galindo, Roosevelt Principal Alex Sheldon, San Marcos Assistant Principal

Thursday, Jan 15 2026

Santa Barbara Unified & Santa Barbara Teachers Assoc...

Labor Negotiations Update Santa Barbara Unified School District January 9, 2026 Santa Barbara Unified & Santa Barbara Teachers Association (SBTA) Meet For Fifth Labor Negotiation Bargaining Session SB Unified Offers Counterproposal on Early Childhood Education (ECE) Meetings SBTA Makes Initial Proposals on Wage Increase & Adding Course Takes Introduction This is the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s (SBUSD) fifth Negotiations Update for 2025-2026 “reopener” contract negotiations between the District and the Santa Barbara Teachers Association (SBTA). “Reopener” negotiations mean this is the third year of a three-year contract.  SB Unified Offers Counterproposal on Early Childhood Education (ECE) Meetings SBUSD offered language about meeting structure for Early Childhood Education with a virtual option and compensation if the meeting day stretches past an eight-hour workday. SBTA Makes Initial Proposals on Wage Increase & Adding Course Takes SBTA proposed increasing wages by $3,000 per unit member SBTA proposed that high school staffing levels will be calculated by student requests. Next Steps:  The next negotiation session is January 29, 2026.  Dr. John Becchio, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Conrad Tedeschi, CPA, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services ShaKenya Edison, Assistant Superintendent of Student & Family Services Joanna Powell, General Counsel Casie Killgore, Franklin Principal Bill Woodard, Dos Pueblos Principal Gregory J. Dannis, Labor Negotiations Counsel

Saturday, Jan 10 2026

Welcome Back, Families!

Unified Link Santa Barbara Unified Family Newsletter January 7, 2026 Welcome Back, Families! Dear Santa Barbara Unified Families, Welcome back! As we turn the page from winter break, we also reach the midpoint of the school year. This serves as a powerful reminder that every day counts and that this next chapter is vital for your child’s learning and growth. We know the break may have brought joy to some and challenges to others. Between an unusually rain-soaked winter and heightened uncertainty among some families about recent federal immigration actions, we understand that students may be returning carrying a wide range of emotions. Please know that our schools remain safe, welcoming spaces for all. We are beginning this next stretch by intentionally checking in, listening closely, and creating space to care for your children. This chapter of the year calls us back to our shared commitment: every child, every chance, every day. We are honored to partner with you in your child's education. Sincerely, Dr. Hilda Maldonado Superintendent Santa Barbara Unified School District   Celebrations or Questions? If you have an SB Unified celebration or question to share, please email info@sbunified.org.

Thursday, Jan 08 2026

Reminder! School & DO Winter Closures

Reminder! In observance of the holidays, please be aware of the following closures: School Winter Break :  Monday 12/22 through Tuesday 1/6 District Office Closed :  Wednesday 12/24, Thursday 12/25, Wednesday 12/31, & Thursday 1/1 Wishing you a peaceful holiday season filled with joy and relaxation, and a New Year brimming with promise and opportunity. 

Saturday, Dec 20 2025

Let’s Unplug and Unfold a Book—Together!

Unified Link Santa Barbara Unified Family Newsletter December 18, 2025 Let’s Unplug and Unfold a Book—Together! Dear Santa Barbara Unified Community, As we head into this season of rest and reflection, I invite you to join me in a districtwide celebration of something that unites us all—the joy of reading. In my family, reading was a value we shared with our parents and siblings. While time away from class offers a chance to rest and recharge, it can also lead to more unstructured hours at home—time that often drifts toward screens without a shared plan or purpose. That is why, I am excited to launch our Unplug & Unfold Reading Challenge, a simple yet powerful opportunity for families to step away from screens, open a book together, and explore new worlds through the pages of a story. Here is your challenge: Unplug. Choose a moment to put devices aside and create intentional time for reading. Unfold a Book. Select a story that sparks curiosity and imagination—picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, audiobooks read aloud—every format counts. Explore New Worlds. Let reading take you somewhere new, whether it’s a faraway land, a historical moment, or a character’s journey. Our team has prepared helpful resources for our elementary families, including reading tips and book recommendations curated by librarians and staff from every school across Santa Barbara Unified. I encourage you to visit our new webpage to explore these inspiring tools: https://www.sbunified.org/departments/educational-services/family-reading-lists  Share Your Reading Adventure As part of this celebration, I warmly invite students and families to share their reading experiences with us. After completing the challenge, please send a short video or email to info@sbunified.org telling us: What book you read What you enjoyed Or why you would recommend it to others Selected submissions may be shared with our community after the break as we highlight the many wonderful stories our students and families discovered. At Santa Barbara Unified, we believe literacy opens doors—to opportunity, to understanding, and to each child’s fullest potential. This challenge is a joyful reminder that reading is something we can celebrate together, as one community. Thank you for partnering with us to nurture a love of learning in every child. I cannot wait to see the books you choose and the stories that inspire you. With appreciation, Dr. Hilda Maldonado Superintendent

Friday, Dec 19 2025