A high-ranking administrator for the Santa Maria Joint Union School District has been arrested on suspicion of obstructing a peace officer and drunken driving.

Yolanda Ortiz, 47, of Orcutt was arrested late Monday by the California Highway Patrol.

She was taken into custody on Old Tisbury Lane in a neighborhood near her residence, according to arrest records.

Ortiz was arrested on three misdemeanor charges — suspicion of obstructing a peace officer, driving under the influence of alcohol and driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood-alcohol content of 0.08%.

She was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail and released 90 minutes later with a citation, according to arrest records. Bail was set at $5,000.

Criminal charges had not been filed in Santa Barbara County Superior Court as of Friday. However, it can take time for the arrest information involving misdemeanor cases to reach the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office and for a formal filing of charges.

“The district is aware of a recent incident involving Mrs. Ortiz,’’ said Kenny Klein, SMJUHSD public information officer. “It appears to have taken place after the workday, and she was not acting in any official capacity at that time. We will be monitoring it closely. It’s a confidential personnel matter, so I am unable to comment any further at this time.”  

She reportedly was not in a district vehicle at the time.

Ortiz has been employed by the high school district since at least 2015 as the assistant superintendent of business services.  

Her most recent employment contract spans from June 7, 2022, to June 30, 2026.

The salary range for the position spans from $221,304 to $243,988 annually. The district also provides longevity pay spanning from 1% for six to eight years up to 5% for more than 18 years.

She also received an automobile allowance of $350 per month.

Ortiz was not in the office on Friday afternoon and did not respond to an email seeking a comment about her arrest.