August 2026
 

Dear Santa Maria-Bonita Families and Community,

Welcome back to a brand new school year. On behalf of the Santa Maria-Bonita School District, I am so happy you are here. We have been looking forward to this. Our teachers, staff, and administrators spent the summer preparing so that when your child walks through the door, everything is ready and every person there is glad to see them.
At Santa Maria-Bonita, each year, we choose one belief to carry forward together as an organization and live it intentionally. This year, our belief is:

"We believe every person has the power and responsibility to take action and make a positive impact."What does that mean for your family? It means that every person in this district understands they have real influence over your child's experience at school, and we hold ourselves accountable to use that influence well. It means we do not wait for problems to fix themselves. We act. And it means we believe in you. Families are not bystanders in this work. You are partners. Your voice, your involvement, and the relationship between home and school make all the difference.

This year, we are excited to continue the Bright Futures Project, a five-year commitment that will serve as our roadmap for providing a REAL education—Rigorous, Empowering, Accelerated, and Liberating, for every student. Four priorities are guiding our work across all 21 schools in 2026-2027. You will see and feel all of them on our campuses.

• Strong, Challenging Learning in Every Classroom
• Support for the Whole Child
• Safe, Welcoming Schools
• Strong Family and Community Partnerships

I became a superintendent because I believe deeply in the potential of every child and the power of a great school district to change lives. Santa Maria-Bonita has reaffirmed that belief for me every single year.

The families of this community trust us with the most important people in their lives. We do not take that lightly. Not for a single day.

This year, I am asking all of us, staff and families alike, to show up fully. To communicate openly. To work through the hard things together. And to keep our eyes on what matters most: the young people who walk through our doors every morning, full of potential, full of possibility, and counting on us to get it right.

I am excited for this year. I hope you are too. I look forward to seeing you on our campuses, at our events, and in the work we do together for the children of Santa Maria-Bonita.


With gratitude and excitement,
Dr. Darren McDuffie
Superintendent
Santa Maria-Bonita School District