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Faculty association presents reopener proposals; public commenter criticizes LCAP and suspension metrics
Summary
The faculty association presented its 'sunshine list' reopening proposals seeking bargaining on compensation and benefits; a public commenter urged the board to reconsider LCAP decisions, citing a 21% suspension rate for foster youth and concern about replacing supports with school police.
Patricia Pagnado, speaking for the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Faculty Association, thanked staff and said the association is seeking to bargain reopeners for the 2025–26 school year, including compensation, salary schedule and employee benefits under Article 16.4 of the collective bargaining agreement.
"We respectfully demand a bargain... to recruit and retain a well qualified, high quality workforce," Pagnado said as she presented the association's sunshine list and reopeners. The board acknowledged receipt; staff noted a public hearing on proposals will be held in September.
During public comment, a community member (listed on the agenda as Michael Lovell) sharply criticized the district's handling of fiscal policy and the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), citing suspension metrics for foster youth and expressing concern that counselor supports were removed while school police were added under LCAP actions. "If you look at your 3rd goal within the LCAP... suspension rates for foster youth went to 21 percent, and then this year, part of the action steps is school police within the LCAP," the commenter said. The board did not reverse the budget or LCAP items at the meeting; staff said the reopener presentation satisfied public-notice requirements and that a formal public hearing will follow.
