Santa Maria‑Bonita board approves after‑school contracts for Think Together, YMCA and Boys & Girls Club in 4–1 vote
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Summary
After public comment from local nonprofits and parents, the Santa Maria‑Bonita School District awarded after‑school program contracts across 21 sites to Think Together, the Santa Maria Valley YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club of the Central Coast; the motion passed 4–1 with one dissenting vote from Missus Cordero.
The Santa Maria‑Bonita School District Board of Education voted 4–1 on May 6 to award after‑school program contracts for 21 school sites to three providers: Think Together, the Santa Maria Valley YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club of the Central Coast.
District staff presented the results of a competitive request for proposals (RFP) that attracted 17 submissions and deemed 14 responsive. Patricia McKnight, the district procurement presenter, described a three‑phase evaluation — technical scoring, cost scoring and a timed structured interview — and said the top three proposers were Think Together (29 points), YMCA (24) and Boys & Girls Club (23). The district said current ASP enrollment is 2,272 students and the RFP allows a maximum capacity across 21 sites of 2,810 student seats.
The recommendation drew public comment from local providers and partners. Joe Dana, a local educator and member of the Santa Maria Valley YMCA board, urged the board to “reconsider the recommendation to award after‑school programming at 13 of your schools to a non‑community organization, Think Together,” and said established community organizations like the YMCA and Boys & Girls Club have long track records in the district. Katie Wallace, director of district partnerships for Think Together, said her organization hires locally and “we tailor our programs to meet the needs of the schools we work in.” Shannon Seifert, CEO of the Santa Maria Valley YMCA, described longstanding local partnerships and urged continued collaboration.
Board members pressed staff on cost and staffing. District staff said the costs in the board packet are “not to exceed” and remain subject to final negotiation; they also said proposers recruit and hire local staff and that the district will maintain regular oversight, site visits and collaborative training. A board member asked for a breakdown of fixed, per‑staff and per‑student costs; staff said they would provide more detailed figures after the meeting.
Board members also discussed contingency plans if a provider cannot staff assigned sites. Lori Grock, the district presenter, said contract language allows cancellation and substitution of contractors if partners fail to meet requirements and stressed that the district monitors partner performance through weekly meetings and site visits.
Board President Cabral called the motion to approve the awards; the roll call vote produced four ayes and one no (Missus Cordero). The approved award will proceed to negotiations on final contract amounts and implementation plans ahead of the next school year.
Votes at a glance: the board approved awarding RFP 544 for junior high and elementary after‑school programs to Think Together, Santa Maria Valley YMCA and Boys & Girls Club of the Central Coast (motion moved by Mr. Valencia, seconded by Mr. Hollinshead; outcome: approved 4–1).
