Santa Maria-Bonita School District plans to bring students back to the classroom in fall

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - The Santa Maria-Bonita School District is planning to bring students back to the classroom this fall.

“The reopening of the school is contingent,” said SMBSD Superintendent Luke Ontiveros. “We’ve adopted a calendar for next year. We’re assuming that all things going forward, you know all things about improving public health situation, knock on wood.”

This plan would have most students back at the school in person full time while also offering remote learning for parents who are still not ready.

Alana Terrones teaches third-graders at Adams Elementary. She's ready for her students to be back in the class.

“I think that’s where teachers do their jobs the best. I think that’s where kids learn the best, is when they’re with us in the classroom,” said Terrones.

But this plan depends on the approval of the governor's state budget and other moving parts.

“Budget to be approved, has to be approved by the 15 of June,” said Ontiveros.

Teachers hope the plan moves ahead so they can be back to what they call "some normalcy."

“I would love to get back to what I know. Teaching is about having a classroom full of students and getting to do my job in person and not on Zoom,” said Terrones.

Parents will be updated as the district learns more. For now, the first day of in-person school is set for August 12, 2021.