The Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) declared it would no longer proceed with layoffs impacting the arts department for the upcoming 2025-26 school year.
The district, facing a $9.4 million budget shortfall, had previously issued 85 Reduction in Force (RIF) notices in March, largely directed at music and arts programs.
Superintendent Hilda Maldonado announced on Friday, May 2, that layoffs for junior high band and Santa Barbara High School theater positions had been rescinded, signifying a significant shift in the district’s approach towards balancing its budget without sacrificing arts education…