Ivan Diaz

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence to honor two recently deceased members of the district family: Santa Maria High School assistant principal Nathan Dunla and district lead maintenance employee Eduardo Alvarez. The Superintendent was absent due to a family bereavement. In closed session, the board approved a resignation agreement with an employee, and personal actions were also approved. Student reports highlighted numerous activities, including a Thanksgiving week to spread positivity, an FCCLA canned food drive, a ballet event by the Balorico dance group, EOP assistance with CSU and UC applications, and outstanding achievements in winter sports such as girls soccer winning blue championship and boys soccer earning gold champions. Various music and spirit events were also detailed, including participation in parades and a winter concert. Reports from Regetti emphasized holiday band performances, a staff member receiving a community award, an animal shelter drive, and a student winning a regional Poetry Out Loud competition, advancing to the state competition. Delta reports focused on upcoming visits, a winter fair with an attendance raffle, robotics competitions, and a free store event for students and parents, along with an update on the CTE construction class project. Board member reports acknowledged student achievements, praised the Fiesta Mexicana performances, and noted attendance at CSBA training. Employee organization reports included a detailed presentation on Fund 17 usage and concerns regarding contract negotiations, specifically the disparity between a 9% increase for the Superintendent and minimal increases (around 1%) for classified staff like food service workers and bus drivers. Concerns were also raised about perceived wasteful spending on symposiums and staff training themes, and a request was made to prioritize terminating contracted staff over laying off classified employees. An example of classified staff dedication involved an administrative assistant and transportation dispatcher coordinating last-minute charter buses for students traveling to Chicago.

The open session commenced after closed session actions, where the board unanimously approved all certificate and classified personnel actions, and the appointment of Mr. Sal Reoso as the new Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, effective July 1, 2026. Student reports included updates on robotics tournament success, upcoming field trips, spirit week activities, and ELPAC testing schedules. Reports also covered wellness week activities, academic plan registration timelines, and Black History Month celebrations organized by various student groups. The Superintendent reported on local economic development commission discussions regarding the general plan update requiring two high schools, provided condolences for a recent student death, confirmed district support for a Black History Celebration event, and outlined ongoing support related to immigration enforcement concerns. Additionally, the process for filling the vacancy for the Santa Maria High School Principal position was discussed. Board members shared feedback regarding input received from student advisory councils concerning desired qualities in the new principal.

The board meeting commenced with closed session actions, including the unanimous approval of personnel actions and a student matter. Student reports from Delta High School highlighted a successful holiday store, a winter fair with a blanket giveaway, and robotics team success at a tournament. Santa Maria High School reported on its winter fair, special education activities, FFA meetings, and upcoming events. Regetti High School discussed senior milestones, FAFSA completion support, class registration planning, a respect day focused on team building, and active winter sports. Pioneer Valley High School reported on its winter fair participation, the band director marching in the Rose Parade, upcoming graduation ticket sales, a rally, and strong winter sports team performances. The Superintendent's report welcomed the community back for the second semester, thanked staff for facility maintenance and coaching during the break, highlighted the marching band's performance at the Thanksgiving parade and the band director's participation in the Rose Parade, detailed the successful five-day winter intercession classes, noted the launch of semester 2 preceded by staff PD days, and expressed commitment to maintaining safe and welcoming spaces for all students and families amidst local immigration enforcement concerns, noting high student attendance. Board reports touched upon the continuity of safe school environments, congratulations to the expanding robotics program, and discussion of an Artificial Intelligence framework document. The faculty association representative raised serious concerns regarding educator retention, citing 2026 statewide data indicating that increasing costs of living (86%), housing affordability (82%), and financial strain (54% seeing colleagues leave) are critical issues impacting educators, despite their continued passion for teaching (77%).

This document outlines the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District's approach to integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into education, prioritizing student learning and well-being, safety, equitable access, data privacy, security, and academic integrity. It details district-approved AI tools for students and staff, and introduces a framework (Red, Yellow, Green Light) to guide teachers and students on appropriate AI application in the classroom, emphasizing responsible and ethical use and proper citation of AI-generated content. The guidance also addresses academic integrity and prohibitions regarding the use of AI for harmful or inappropriate content.

The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District's Pupil Transportation Services Plan for 2025 outlines the provision of transportation for eligible students, prioritizing those with disabilities and homeless children and youth. The plan details current services, including bus routes, wheelchair-equipped buses, and support staff, and proposes future improvements such as additional routes and driver trainers. It emphasizes safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations like the McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act, ensuring equitable access to education and is subject to annual review and Board approval.