Santa Barbara Board Candidates Faced Public Forum
Five candidates running for two seats debated district budget and leadership issues on Thursday night.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Administration
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Five candidates vying for two Santa Barbara Unified School Board seats participated in a public forum hosted by the Santa Barbara Reading Coalition. Approximately 40 residents attended the event at the Keller Williams office to hear platforms regarding test scores and fiscal challenges.
Why it matters
The election comes as the district grapples with significant financial instability and declining student enrollment. Candidates addressed their priorities for managing the $10 million deficit and the future of the superintendent's leadership.
The school district currently faces a $10 million budget deficit and declining enrollment. Five candidates are competing to fill two vacant board seats.
The players
Rose Muñoz
She is an incumbent member of the Santa Barbara Unified School Board.
Hilda Maldonado
She currently serves as the Superintendent of the Santa Barbara Unified School District.
Gabe Escobedo
He is a current school board member who is not seeking re-election.
Jacqueline Karlsen
She is a candidate for the school board who previously campaigned for the position in 2008.
Santa Barbara Reading Coalition
This is the local organization that hosted the school board candidate forum.
The details
During a moderated session, none of the candidates indicated they would renew the contract of Superintendent Hilda Maldonado. Incumbent board member Rose Muñoz recused herself from addressing that specific policy question, while candidates also debated broader issues including district test scores.
Timeline
The forum occurred on the night of September 24, 2026.
Jacqueline Karlsen previously ran for a school board seat in 2008.
Culture Shift
The candidates' refusal to commit to the current superintendent contract follows established oversight patterns under the California Education Code Section 35031. This trend reflects a broader shift toward increased board scrutiny regarding executive performance amid local fiscal pressures.
Residents can prepare for the upcoming board election by reviewing candidate platforms and the district's financial outlook. A recording of the forum will be available on the TV Santa Barbara YouTube channel for those who could not attend in person.
The takeaway
Voters should note that the next school board will inherit a substantial $10 million budget deficit that will likely dictate district priorities. Staying informed on candidate stances regarding long-term administrative contracts and fiscal planning is essential for residents this election cycle.
Further reading
For more information on local governance, visit the Administration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Santa Barbara News-Press.
Live Poll
Do you trust your local school board to effectively manage the district's budget and financial deficits?
