When mid-August rolls around, a new group will lead after-school activities at 13 schools—nine elementary schools and four middle schools—in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District (SMBSD). The new arrangement for the 2026-27 school year marks Think Together’s first time serving schools in Santa Barbara County. But the statewide nonprofit’s local ties don’t start there. Longtime […]
Santa Maria-Bonita School District
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Santa Maria-Bonita makes steps toward new school at Blosser Ranch
Before starting on a new campus at Blosser Ranch, builders need to secure enough dirt to fill around 30 Olympic-sized swimming pools. They also need drivers to bring it on-site. Over the course of six to 10 weeks, it’ll take 12 to 15 trucks hauling dirt eight to 10 hours a day to get the […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Santa Maria middle schoolers put their creativity on display
Junior high students in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District are proud to present their artwork for one weekend only at the city’s public library. Expanding Perspectives is displayed inside Shepard Hall. Community members are invited to opening night on May 8 from 4 to 6 p.m. The exhibit is also open to the public on […]
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Santa Maria-Bonita brings on a statewide nonprofit to run after-school programs
Two local groups will continue providing after-school enrichment for elementary and middle school students in Santa Maria, but a statewide organization will soon be in the mix, too. Santa Maria-Bonita School District board members voted 4-1 on April 15 to approve three-year contracts with the Boys and Girls Club of the Central Coast, the Santa […]
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Santa Maria-Bonita sites transition to community schools
About 90 percent of Santa Maria-Bonita School District students fall into at least one high-needs category. They might be a foster youth, a special needs student, a second language learner, or part of a low-income household. The district aims to better support students with a holistic approach called community schooling, made possible by more than […]
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More cultural arts programming is headed to Santa Maria-Bonita schools
Starting in January, students at 15 elementary schools will have the opportunity to join a ballet folklórico dance program after school. The Santa Maria-Bonita School District board approved a roughly $59,000 contract with Children’s Creative Project at the Dec. 10 meeting. “By securing these services, we demonstrate our commitment to providing students with high quality, […]
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A position’s worth: Unsatisfied by a 1 percent raise, Santa Maria-Bonita employees enter mediation with the district
This October marks Cheryl Ausan’s 31st year making breakfast and lunch for hundreds of schoolchildren a day. She’s been stationed in cafeteria kitchens within the Santa Maria-Bonita School District (SMBSD) for all 31 of those years. For the past 20, she’s held the title of food service worker at Ida Redmond Taylor Elementary School on […]
