This message recaps the December 10th Board of Trustees meeting. These communications are sent after each meeting to inform, summarize, and keep all employees apprised of decisions and presentations made each week. The full agenda is available at this link.
Resolution in Support of Students and Families at Santa Barbara Unified
We have been receiving questions from families and the community about resources and support for immigrant and migrant families and families of students who are LGBTQ+.
First, we want to reassure everyone that our schools are safe spaces for all students regardless of ethnicity, income, gender, or citizenship status. The Board approved a resolution written by District leaders in collaboration with SBTA, and CSEA leaders Tuesday night supporting our Immigrant and LGBTQ+ families.
Santa Barbara Unified believes in giving Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day by modeling a system that shows mutual respect, honors different perspectives, and values the individual humanity of each member of our school district. We will not tolerate harmful language, teasing, or otherwise discriminatory behavior towards any student for any reason. If you see something we encourage you to use the 3Rs reporting system- Recognize, Respond, Report.
Below are a few highlights of policies for our families:
- All students in California have a right to a free and public education free of discrimination and are compelled to attend through compulsory education.
- We do not require, request, or collect immigration status during the enrollment process.
- All students, staff, and families make up our district and foster an atmosphere of respect and inclusivity, whether in our classrooms or hallways.
- Everyone has equal rights and opportunities without regard to gender identity and expression.
- The District must follow Board Policies 0410, Nondiscrimination In District Programs And Activities, 4030, Nondiscrimination In Employment, 4319.11, Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment 5020, Parent Rights And Responsibilities, Board Policy 5124, Student Records, 5145.3 Nondiscrimination/Harassment.
Some of our families are feeling great stress during this time of uncertainty. We all must unite to support each other and feel welcome, regardless of opinions or beliefs.
Our diversity and experiences of students and staff make Santa Barbara Unified so special, and we want to make sure each person is seen, valued, and heard. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact a school administrator or counselor.
First Interim Budget Report
Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Kim Hernandez presented the First Interim Budget Report. The presentation is required by California Education Code to show a point-in-time status update on the District’s finances.
Revenue is coming in a bit higher than projected for the 25-26 school year, at 4.87%, instead of 3.75% as previously reported by the Santa Barbara County Assesor’s Office.
This report is the first time the recent salary increases are included in the budget. The District will need to make $9.65M million dollars in cuts next school year to cover increased costs along the expiration of One-Time Learning Recovery Grant Funds. In preparation for these projected cuts, District staff presented a series of Fiscal Sustainability reports that you can review on our website.
Fall 2024 Climate and Culture Survey Results
Assistant Superintendent of Student and Family Services, ShaKenya Edison, provided an update on the District’s Culture and Climate Survey to students, families, and staff. Responses are collected twice a year to collect real-time data and allow for course corrections if necessary.
The data shows growth for students grade 3-12 from the Spring. Information is not collected for the younger grades. School sites are reviewing the data with District leaders to determine next steps on how we can continue to make everyone feel like they belong in our classrooms.
Afterschool Enrichment Approval
The Board of Trustees approved the District’s new After School Enrichment bundle for elementary schools. The new program is in a pilot phase to ensure we have equitable opportunities for all students. Pre-registration already began in anticipation of this approval. The programs will start in January 2025.
Approval of the Agreements with The City of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Unified is entering into a new agreement with the City of Santa Barbara to provide increased services to our students. Both agencies have a shared interest in literacy efforts, recreation, community safety, and facility use programs and services, with the shared goal of enhancing educational outcomes, fostering community engagement, and promoting the overall well-being of families. The streamlined program outlines the collaboration that will be happening between departments to help students.