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Board approves Think Together contract to fill VAPA specialist vacancies using Proposition 28 funds
Summary
Trustees approved a one‑year contract with Think Together (California Schools Talent Collaborative) to provide up to three VAPA specialists for 2025–26, billed at $49.41 per hour and funded by Prop. 28; the contract includes a sliding conversion fee if contractors become district employees.
The board approved a contract on Oct. 8 with Think Together (doing business as California Schools Talent Collaborative) to supply up to three certificated VAPA (visual and performing arts) specialists for the 2025–26 school year to address hard‑to‑fill arts positions.
Mrs. Grock presented the item and explained the district needs VAPA specialists so elementary teachers can be released for PLC time and so students continue to access arts instruction. The contract covers actual teaching hours at $49.41 per hour and includes a sliding conversion fee — up to $2,000 if a Think Together specialist makes the switch to district employment in fewer than three months, phasing down to $0 after 10 months — designed to encourage eventual district hiring of successful contractors.
Staff said Think Together was selected because it can provide certified instructors who meet substitute‑certification requirements; local arts organizations can provide artists but not certified teachers cleared to work independently with students. The initial recruitment yielded ten candidates, including three who live in Santa Maria and others from the central coast willing to relocate. Funding for the contract comes from Proposition 28 (Arts and Music in Schools).
The board moved and approved the contract by roll call.
What happens next: Think Together will continue recruitment and start placements; staff said the contract is intended to bridge current vacancies while the district seeks permanent hires.
