September 10, 2021
RE: Senate Bill 328 and Mandatory School Start Times
Dear Bargaining Unit Members:
This is a joint communication from the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (“SMJUHSD”) and the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Faculty Association (“FA”) providing you with an overview of Senate Bill 328 (“SB 328”) and its impacts on the school schedule.
SB 328 was signed into law on October 13, 2019, and establishes new mandatory (non-negotiable) school start times for most middle and high schools. Specifically, SB 328 adds section 46148 to the Education Code which requires high schools to set the beginning of the school day no earlier than 8:30 AM and the new start times must be implemented by July 1, 2022.
Starting with the 2022-2023 school year, we intend to maintain the present 7 period day and shift the workday times from 7:25 AM – 3:10 PM to 8:25 AM – 4:10 PM. The bell schedule will be adjusted in the same manner.
We understand this new state requirement will have a huge impact on families, students, and many school activities. However, we will continue to work together to provide a positive work and school experience for all.
Sincerely,
Kevin Platt
Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources
Matt Provost
SMJUHSDFA President