In front of a packed audience at the Carrillo Recreation Center, Santa Barbara Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Hilda Maldonado provided a comprehensive look at the status of local public schools during the Santa Barbara Education Foundation’s (SBEF) annual State of Our Schools. The presentation offered parents, community members, and local leaders gathered for the event insight into the district’s challenges, successes, and vision for the future.
Following an introduction by SBEF Executive Director Dr. Pedro Paz, Dr. Maldonado opened with an overview of student demographics. Of Santa Barbara Unified students, 61.1% are socioeconomically disadvantaged, 8.3% are unhoused, 13.5% are students with disabilities, and 15% are emergent multilingual learners.
She also noted that unlike many other districts, more than half of Santa Barbara Unified’s student population is made up of high school students. This presents a challenge in terms of the increase in resources needed to teach secondary students.
Throughout her presentation, Dr. Maldonado emphasized the need to adapt to a rapidly changing world, especially when preparing students for future challenges. She stressed that systemic changes are necessary to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to the resources they need to succeed in higher education and beyond.
“To do that, we need to change our system. Right now, we are designed to get the results we are getting,” Maldonado stated, highlighting the importance of fostering critical and creative thinkers who can thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
“We are also looking at ways to eliminate systematic inequalities, inequities, and injustices.” Dr. Maldonado emphasized that universal design for learning will benefit all students, not just those who need it the most. Citing the Curb-Cut Effect, or when disability-friendly features are used and appreciated by a larger group than the people they were designed for. The idea is that increasing access for those who need it the most benefits everyone.
During the presentation, she also highlighted additional key priorities for the district, including improving math scores, addressing the shortage of special education teachers, updating curricula, and enhancing the culture of belonging for students. The superintendent stressed that there is still significant work ahead to bring the district where it needs to be, but the commitment to progress remains strong.
Following Dr. Maldonado’s presentation, a panel of local education leaders shared their on-the-ground perspectives about the district’s current status. Panelists included John Schettler, Executive Director of Student and Family Services; Bill Woodard, Dos Pueblos High School Principal; Denise Alvarado, Executive Director of Elementary Education; and Erick Gonzales Ramirez, SBUSD Student Board Member.
To watch the entire State of Our Schools presentation, please visit sbefoundation.org/state-of-our-schools-tickets.
SBEF also wishes to recognize and thank the sponsors of the State of Our Schools, including Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo, Huckabee, KBZ Architects, UCLA Health, Chaucer’s Books, Future Leaders of America, Santa Barbara Teachers Federal Credit Union, Scott and Sons Electric, and AE Group Mechanical Engineers.
Founded in 1985, the Santa Barbara Education Foundation promotes private support of Santa Barbara’s public education system, serving almost 12,000 students in 21 schools. For more information, visit santabarbaraeducation.org.
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