Santa Barbara Unified School District Email Format
Education Administration ProgramsCalifornia, United States1001-5000 Employees
Santa Barbara Unified School District is the public education administrator overseeing 21 schools in Santa Barbara, California, including traditional, continuation, charter, and alternative programs. Founded in 1866, the district traces its roots to the region's early history and maintains a long-standing role in local education. With a sizable workforce, it coordinates instruction, student services, and district-wide operations across its diverse school offerings. In 2026, the district announced partnerships with First 5 Santa Barbara County and United Way of Santa Barbara County to bring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to the community. It is actively developing the 2026-2027 Local Control and Accountability Plan, inviting input from staff, families, students, and community members, and it was recognized with a 2026 Excellence in Communication Award from CalSPRA. The year also saw a civil lawsuit alleging abuse at Dos Pueblos High and related claims against the district and staff, alongside a $2.4 million state grant to support a teaching-residency program.