Board approves $863,826 Arenda Education contract to launch Bright Futures work

The Santa Maria‑Bonita School District board on July 9 approved a one‑year contract with Arenda Education worth $863,826 to support the district’s Bright Futures initiative for the 2025–26 school year.

Assistant Superintendent Miss Lo Chungvu told the board the contract will fund a systems‑level partnership to strengthen Tier‑1 instruction, develop common assessments and build capacity among teachers, site leaders and counselors. “This partnership is aligned to these commitments,” she said, adding the work includes instructional calibration, professional development and equity‑driven leadership.

The Bright Futures project was developed after a district baseline study that included classroom observations, student shadowing, staff interviews and family surveys. Miss Lo said the study identified persistent achievement gaps, inconsistent Tier‑1 instruction and frequent intra‑district student mobility as priorities the contract aims to address. “The Bright Futures project is about removing barriers for real learning,” she said.

Arenda representatives Jenny and Sarah outlined three core components: teacher‑team support and common assessments, leadership development for principals and cabinet, and counseling alignment to support student‑centered interventions. Jenny said the work will emphasize in‑person cohort sessions across the district’s 21 sites and that “we want to deliver 100% of the sessions in person” when feasible.

Miss Lo said the contract spans July 2025 through June 2026 and noted a formal launch keynote is scheduled for Aug. 12. She also told the board the district will stop administering the Panorama survey next year to reduce duplication once grade‑level formative assessments are in place.

The board moved and seconded the agreement and conducted a roll‑call vote; verbal responses were recorded in the affirmative and the chair declared, “Motion carries.” The contract will be funded through the district’s Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP).

The meeting also recorded two administrative appointments from closed session — Jamie Fontes as elementary assistant principal and Dr. Norma Doblas as DLI program specialist — both approved unanimously; the board reported approval of a settlement with SMIA addressing back pay and related remedies that referenced PERB decision number HO‑1761.

The board had no further discussion items. President Cordero noted summer programs, a recent job expo and summer meals totals in board reports, and adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Aug. 13, 2025.