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Board approves ESY waiver to align special-education services with summer Camp Elevate
Summary
The Santa Maria-Bonita School District board approved a state waiver to reduce extended-school-year (ESY) from 20 to 15 days while increasing daily hours from four to five, allowing ESY students to participate concurrently with Camp Elevate to promote inclusion and peer interaction.
The Santa Maria-Bonita School District board voted to approve a waiver to change the district’s extended-school-year (ESY) program so it runs at the same time and on the same schedule as Camp Elevate.
During a presentation, Mr. Uribe said the proposal would reduce ESY from 20 days to 15 days while increasing daily instructional time from four hours to five so students eligible for ESY can attend alongside general-education peers. He said the change is intended to promote inclusion, meaningful peer interactions and stronger collaboration between special-education and general-education staff. Uribe told the board the district consulted stakeholders, including the DLAC (which gave unanimous support) and local unions; he estimated about 175 students currently qualify for ESY.
Board members asked about staffing and whether the district had sufficient employees to operate the expanded schedule. Uribe said the district already has multiple applicants for paraprofessional and support roles and that hiring would follow HR protocols to ensure qualified candidates. District staff and trustees emphasized that teachers and support staff in Camp Elevate will be aware of inclusion needs and that related service providers will continue to deliver IEP-required supports.
Trustees moved and seconded the resolution to approve the waiver, and the motion carried without recorded opposition.
Why it matters: The change shifts ESY delivery toward inclusive summer programming rather than separate, more restrictive summer placements. Supporters said it will give students with disabilities access to typical peer interactions and maintain continuity of services; some trustees sought assurance the district can staff the program before full implementation.
What’s next: District staff will submit the approved waiver to the state and proceed with Camp Elevate staffing and enrollment as described. The board was told the district expects to monitor implementation and stakeholder feedback.
