State of Education 2026

Description

2026 State of Education: The Future of Education

The 2026 State of Education brings together educational leaders, business professionals, and community stakeholders to explore how our schools are preparing students for the future. This year’s program includes a moderated panel focused on the future of education.

Program Overview

The program will begin with remarks from Dr. Kevin Walthers, Superintendent/President of Allan Hancock College, who will discuss how higher education partners with local school districts to support high school pathways, career readiness, and long-term student success.

Following Dr. Walthers’ presentation, the program will transition into a moderated panel discussion focused on the future of education. The panel will explore student success, workforce readiness, technology, mental health, and cross-sector collaboration efforts across the Santa Maria Valley.

The program will conclude with closing remarks and a networking reception featuring information tables in the reception area, offering attendees the opportunity to connect with education partners, learn about local programs, and continue the conversation.

Featured Speaker

Dr. Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D.

Superintendent/President, Allan Hancock College

Dr. Walthers has served as Superintendent/President of Allan Hancock College for 13 years. With headcounts exceeding 20,000 students, Allan Hancock College is the largest regional provider of post-secondary education for Central Coast residents. The college features a multitude of programs including a Veteran Success Center, a STEM Academic Success Center, a DREAM Center, and an innovative Promise Program.

The college’s signature initiative, The Hancock Promise, is a private/public partnership that provides local high school students with two years of free tuition at Allan Hancock College.

A first-generation college student, Dr. Walthers attended Eastfield Community College in Mesquite, Texas. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, a master’s degree in educational administration from East Texas State University (Commerce), and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy from the University of Utah.

Dr. Walthers is an active participant in the Northern Santa Barbara County community, serving on the Chambers of Commerce for Santa Maria and Solvang, the board of the California Nature Art Museum, Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley, and the Breakfast Rotary Club of Santa Maria. He also serves on the statewide board for California Community College CEOs and is a board member for the California Community College Athletic Association.

Moderated Panel Discussion

Moderator:
Dr. Susan Salcido, County Superintendent of Schools
Santa Barbara County Education Office

Dr. Susan Salcido has served as Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools since 2017, working alongside 20 public school districts, 10 charter schools, and two community colleges across Santa Barbara County to support students, families, and educators from early learning through high school and beyond.

Panel Participants

Antonio Garcia, Superintendent
Santa Maria Joint Union High School District
Appointed in 2020, Antonio Garcia serves as Superintendent of the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District, which includes four comprehensive high schools serving grades 9–12 and approximately 8,930 students.

Dr. Darren McDuffie, Superintendent
Santa Maria-Bonita School District
Appointed in 2022, Dr. Darren McDuffie serves as Superintendent of the Santa Maria-Bonita School District, which includes 21 schools serving grades TK–8 and approximately 17,408 students.

Dr. Holly Edds, Superintendent
Orcutt Union School District
Appointed in 2020, Dr. Holly Edds serves as Superintendent of the Orcutt Union School District, which includes 11 schools serving grades TK–12 and approximately 4,911 students.

Emilio Handall, Superintendent
Guadalupe Union School District
Appointed in 2018, Dr. Emilio Handall serves as Superintendent of the Guadalupe Union School District, which includes two schools serving grades TK–8 and approximately 1,323 students.

The program will conclude with a networking reception and information tables in the reception area, offering attendees the opportunity to connect with education partners, learn about local programs, and continue the conversation.

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
• Location: Allan Hancock College, Boyd Concert Hall, Fine Arts Complex (Building F), 800 South College Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93454
• Agenda:
  • 4:00 P.M.: Doors Open
  • 4:15 P.M. - 6:00 P.M: Program
  • 6:00 P.M. - 6:30 P.M: Networking Reception & Information Tables
• Cost:
  • Chamber Members: $50.00
    
  • Educators: $50.00
  • Future Members: $65.00
• RSVP by February 23, 2026- 5:00 PM.

Information Table Participation: This option is fully booked and no longer available. 

• Information tables are reserved for education-related organizations only.
• Booth availability is from 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM.
• As part of participation, we kindly ask that each information booth sponsor a teacher to attend the event.

Teacher Sponsorship

• Cost per sponsored teacher: $50
• Organizations may sponsor more than one teacher, if desired.

If you are interested in reserving an information booth and/or sponsoring one or more teachers for the 2026 State of Education, email yuliana@santamaria.com.

We appreciate your continued commitment to education and hope you will consider joining us for this important community conversation. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Please join us at our
2026 Business Expo & Job Fair May 14 2026