Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Special Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves transfer of extensive support‑needs programs from county to district
Summary
The board approved a plan to transfer extensive support‑needs (ESN) programs serving three district students from the county office (SBCEO) back to the Santa Maria Bonita School District, with a target to assume full operations in 2026–27 and noted current county costs of about $333,000.
Trustees voted to approve a planned transfer of extensive support needs (ESN) programs from the Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) to Santa Maria Bonita School District, citing goals of increased inclusion and local oversight.
Dr. Palmston presented on behalf of program lead Armando Aribe and described a timeline: SBCEO will continue to serve the three students for 2025–26 while transition planning occurs; the district will hold transition meetings with families in spring 2026 and aim to assume full program operations in 2026–27. Staff detailed program structure that would include medically fragile supports at Bruce Elementary and an ESN class at Tommy Kun Junior High, with staffing adjustments (an LVN, instructional assistants and ESN teacher) determined by student needs.
Staff said the district currently pays about $333,000 annually to SBCEO for these services and expects costs to shift as the district brings programs in‑house, including the addition of a licensed vocational nurse to support medical needs. Trustees commended staff for pursuing the transfer and for anticipated cost savings and closer family engagement.
The board approved the transfer by motion and roll call.
What happens next: staff will continue transition planning, finalize staffing and budgeting, and report on the operational plan ahead of the 2026–27 school year.
