Teacher voices concern about insurance hikes as community praises new summer program

Public comment at the Santa Maria‑Bonita School District board meeting on June 24 featured gratitude for a new summer program and urgent appeals from staff and families about district services.

Anna Levin, representing the Boys & Girls Club of Mid‑Central Coast, thanked the district for enabling an Allan Hancock College summer site that offers arts, STEM, literacy and sports activities and daily meals for local youth. "This program represents what can happen when organizations come together around a shared vision for youth," Levin said, praising the partnership and saying the program helps students experience a college campus.

Carmen Hernandez, who identified herself as being from Miller School, spoke in Spanish about repeated difficulties obtaining interpreter help and a staff response she described as inappropriate. She said a staff member, identified in her remarks as Mr. Palmerston, would not print documents for her and that she felt the treatment she received was "racist," and asked the board what qualifications district interpreters must meet.

Nina King, a teacher at Ariana's Junior High, urged district leaders to align the Bright Futures initiative with concrete supports for staff, saying proposed medical‑insurance cost increases of "approximately 14%" would significantly affect employees. "Retention happens when employees feel valued, respected, and supported," King said, asking the board to avoid placing that financial burden on teachers.

The board did not take action during public comment; board members acknowledged the remarks and proceeded to the regular agenda.