Tag: SMMUSD

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, December 2, the Malibu Education Foundation announced that the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) voted unanimously in support of Malibu becoming its own entity, Malibu Independent School District. The SMMUSD held a special Board of Education meeting on Monday, December 1, from 5-8 p.m. at the SMMUSD District Office located at 1717 4th Street in Santa Monica. The purpose of the meeting was to come to an agreement on three key elements; financial, operational, and the governing framework needed to separate the two currently adjoined school districts. The Malibu meeting is scheduled for after the SMMUSD meeting. According to the city of Malibu, the three governments include Property Tax Revenue Sharing Agreement, outlining how property tax revenues will be allocated; the Operational Transfer Agreement, which details the transition of staffing each facility involved, services, Joint Powers Agreement, and shared oversight during the transition. Santa Monica and Malibu leadership both publicly shared interest in two separate, quality school districts. Both pros and cons have been posted on X and other social media sites. Posts and accusations that the schools are participating in “segregation in 2025,” have been unfounded thus far. “The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) and the City of Malibu are advancing a major milestone in the effort to create two independent school districts; the Malibu Unified School District (MUSD) and the Santa Monica Unified School District (SMUSD). Both SMMMUSD and the City of Malibu remain committed to equity, fairness and ensuring high-quality education for students in both future districts.” The proposal to separate Santa Monica and Malibu into two separate school districts was passed in late November.   By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On October 27, the Communication Specialist for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), Diana Bouchaaya, announced the acceptance of 10 SMMUSD students into the 2025 Southern California Vocal Association (SCVA) Regional Honor Choir. The SMMUSD congratulates the following students receiving this prestigious honor; Ansel Brodkin, Alex Chaiet, Anna Cervantes, Karin Cervantes, Ava Collins-Cona, Curtis DiMundo, Zoey Jaffa, Mina Lotan, Harper McCallum, and Milo Smith. According to the SMMUSD press release, this select-group of students will represent the Santa Monica High School (SAMOHI) at the University of Redlands, November 6-8 with 270 other extraordinary student vocalists from across Southern California for three days of rigorous rehearsals that will culminate in a public concert. The full text of the press release including ticket information may be found below. SMMUSD Choir   By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On July 28, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District School District (SMMUSD) announced its new appointments to the SMMUSD School Board. Superintendent, Dr. Antonio Shelton shared the news in this month’s publication of “The Wave.”

The 2025-2026 school year starts with a financial update.

“SMMUSD recently had both the Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) and S and P Global (Standard and Poor’s) ratings Affirmed to Aa1 and AA+, respectively, on existing general obligation bonds. Taxpayers will save more than $22 million over the life of the bonds through lower borrowing costs associated with higher ratings than originally estimated to the Board of Education [BOE] in February 2025.

During the July 15 SMMUSD BOE meeting Manuel Cute’ Ramos was named the new Director of Fiscal and Business Services.

“Ramos brings more than a decade of experience in finance, operations and strategic planning, with a strong focus on educational equity and systems improvement. He most recently served as the senior director of finance operations and data at The Knowledge House a nonprofit committed to digital equity and workforce development.

Prior to that, he held leadership roles at Alliance College-Ready Public Schools and Partnership compensation reform initiatives across large school networks.”

On June 5, at the SMMUSD BOE meeting, the hiring of Dr. Alyssa O’Grady was approved. O’Grady is the new Director of Assessment, Research and Evaluation. She has over 12 years of experience in education serving as a high school teacher, Director of Instruction, High School Assistant Principal, TK-8 Principal, and most recently, elementary school principal for the Redondo Beach Unified School District (RBUSD).

The appointment of Dr. Michael Hoover was approved at the July 5 BOE meeting as well. Dr. Hoover began his new role over the summer. He brings more than 20 years’ experience in education with a strong focus on inclusive practices, and behavioral support systems along with educational equity. He is committed to the success of the students, collaborative problem solving and promoting access to all students regardless of the grade level.

Dr. Hoover will be serving as one of four special education coordinators for the students and families of students with special needs.

On June 24 BOE meeting, SMMUSD approved the appointment of Brandy Phillips at the new Chief Communications Officer.

In addition, the SMMUSD BOE has hired the following new principals.

Jane Han was named the New Santa Monica High School (Samohi House) Principal on the June 5, BOE meeting. Han comes with 15 years educational experience including roles as principal, assistant principal of instruction, lead teacher, and Math Chair.

Sally Wennes has been named the new principal at Malibu Elementary School. She has 20 years of experience in public education and has served as principal at Moorpark Unified School District, Oxnard School District, and Conejo Valley Unified School District.

Natalie Rollhaus Burton has been named the new principal of Franklin Elementary School. This appointment was approved by the board at the June 24 BOE meeting. Burton has over two decades of experience in public education, eleven of which were within SMMUSD.

By Sharon

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Monday, January 13, many students in the Los Angeles County Unified School District (LAUSD) previously evacuated, returned to school. LAUSD has close to 430,000 students enrolled in school, some of whom come from schools with significant fire damage and will not be returning to school anytime soon.

LAUSD Superintendent, Alberto M. Carvalho made the following statement in a January 13 press release. The full text may be found on the LAUSD website.

“It was poignant seeing many of our students and employees return to school. The resilience of our students, families, and employees has been inspiring. While we continue to address the impact of wildfires our focus remains on providing a safe and supporting learning environment. We deeply appreciate our dedicated employees, including our classified and certificated substitutes, for your unwavering commitment to students under these extraordinary circumstances.”

The following schools remain closed due to mandatory evacuation orders; Canyon Charter Elementary, Kenter Canyon Charter Elementary, Palisades Charter Elementary, Marquez Charter Elementary, Topanga Charter Elementary, Lanai Road Elementary, Roscomare Road Elementary, Community Magnet Charter, and Paul Revere Middle School. Updates may also be found on the District/School websites.

In addition, the district will have additional resources to aid students and teachers as they transition back to school. Due to a shortage of teachers, Substitute teachers are encouraged to fill in where they are needed most.

“As Los Angeles Unified moves forward, plans for rebuilding Palisades Charter Elementary and Marquez Charter Elementary Schools, and addressing long-term recovery are underway. The district is committed to keeping families and communities informed throughout the process.”- LAUSD Super Intendent, Alberto Carvalho

The following information came directly from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.

“All Santa Monica schools will reopen Tuesday, January 14, 2025. We will be prepared to implement our inclement weather schedule if air quality changes.”

More information on the air quality response may be found on the SMMUSD website.

“Malibu schools will remain closed Tuesday and Wednesday, January 14th and 15th due to ongoing safety concerns of the Palisades Fire along with road closures and power and gas outages in some neighborhoods.”

By Sharon

MALIBU/SANTA MONICA—On Monday, October 28, the city of Malibu disclosed that the Los Angeles County Committee Public Hearing on Malibu School District Separation, will take place on November 8 and November 13.

According to the city of Malibu website, the city’s movement to form an independent Malibu Unified School District (MUSD) continues to advance, as the LA County Committee on School District Organization will hold public hearings on Malibu school district separation.

-Friday, November 8, 6 p.m. at the SMMUSD District Office Board Room, 1717 4th Street, Santa Monica

Remote participation available

-Wednesday, November 13, 6 p.m. at Malibu High School, 30215 Morning View Dr, Malibu

Remote participation available

The hearings mark a big step in Malibu’s ongoing effort to separate from the Santa Monica – Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) and create an independent public school district for Malibu. The city remains committed to ensuring the best possible educational outcomes for students of Malibu and Santa Monica districts, as well as maintaining an open and transparent process throughout.

Community members are asked to join this important conversation, in-person or remotely, and help shape the future of Malibu’s schools. For more details about Malibu’s school separation effort, visit www.MalibuCity.org/MUSD.

By Trevor

MALIBU/SANTA MONICA—On Friday, September 13, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) and the city of Malibu announced that both entities’ subcommittees have come to an agreement on a proposed school separation package.

The package is now ready for public review and includes three key agreements: A Revenue Sharing Agreement, an Operations Transfer Agreement, and a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) Agreement.

According to a news release, the agreements outline the framework for how resources, operations and services will be shared or divided between the two entities, ensuring that both Malibu and Santa Monica students continue to receive a high-quality education post-separation.

Separation Package details:

1. Revenue Sharing Agreement: This agreement outlines the distribution of existing and projected revenues between SMMUSD and the successor educational entities, ensuring financial stability for both districts.

2. Operational Transfer Agreement: This agreement details the allocation of staffing, operational processes, and resources, facilitating an efficient division of services and resources between SMUSD and MUSD.

3. Joint Powers Agreement (JPA): This agreement establishes a shared entity responsible for overseeing and implementing the agreements governing the planned division of SMMUSD.

“It is a good feeling to be able to share these long-awaited agreements with the public and I am looking forward to participating in many discussions prior to any votes being taken,” said Jon Kean, SMMUSD School Board Vice President and unification sub-committee member. “While there is a lot left to do, this is yet another significant milestone toward unification.”

“This marks a crucial step forward for Malibu as we move closer to creating an independent school district that reflects the unique needs and values of our community,” said Doug Stewart, Mayor of Malibu. “The Separation Package is a result of a collaborative effort aimed at ensuring both Malibu and Santa Monica students receive an exceptional education. I want to extend my gratitude to the members of the subcommittee, whose hard work and dedication have been essential to reaching this point.”

Following the finalization and approval of these agreements by both the city of Malibu and the SMMUSD Board of Education expected in October, the next steps will involve the Los Angeles County Committee on School District Organization scheduling a public hearing, potentially as early as November 2024.

For more details and to review the separation package visit www.smmusd.org/MalibuUnification or https://malibucity.org/musd.

By Trevor

MALIBU—On July 18, the city of Malibu disclosed that it asked the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) County Committee on School District Organization (County Committee) to schedule hearings to consider the City’s Petition to form an independent School District from territory within the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SM- MUSD).

A petition was filed with the County Committee in 2017 by the city of Malibu, but requested that the County Committee pause the petition process to allow time for mediation with SM-MUSD. The parties were not able to reach common ground.

“We have made every possible effort to work through mediation with SM-MUSD, but unfortunately, we could not find a solution that adequately reflects the interests and aspirations of our community,” said Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart. “Our priority remains to provide our children with the best possible educational environment, tailored to the specific needs of Malibu.”

While the parties reached an agreement on a Revenue Sharing Agreement, the recent mediation sessions did not yield progress on the two remaining agreements: the Operational Agreement and the Joint Powers Authority Agreement.

The city of Malibu noted it is a better use of its resources to return to the County Committee process. By resuming the petition process with the County Committee, Malibu aims to gain greater control over educational resources, curricula, and school management, ensuring that the unique characteristics of the community are effectively addressed

Malibu officials are satisfied that the mediation process was framed by two guiding principles: (1) formation of an independent Malibu Unified School District is in the best interest of all students and (2) that both successor educational entities should be allocated a sufficient share of funding to provide a similar level of service at each school site as prior to separation.

Malibu was preparing for the District to join in its efforts to finalize separation before the County Committee but discovered that the District intends to challenge Malibu’s petition — despite years of agreeing that separation is in the best interest of all students. The city of Malibu is committed to the principles as they move forward with the County Committee process.

“Our pursuit of an independent school district is about empowering our community to take charge of our educational future. We believe that local control will lead to more responsive and effective educational policies that directly benefit our students,” said Councilmember Paul Grisanti.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) and the city of Malibu entered into a mediation process in 2022 in the hope of achieving a fair and equitable unification, in other words, split into two school districts.

The SMMUSD indicated in news release on July 19 that as the petition does not meet at least seven of the nine criteria needed for unification and would impose devastating hardships upon students in the Santa Monica area, the District has no choice but to “oppose this petition vehemently.”

“The District created a timeline to complete unification once and for all in partnership with the City” said SMMUSD Attorney David Soldani. “Going back to a fatally flawed 2017 petition is a baffling decision and the District has no choice but to fight the City of Malibu’s attempt to disenfranchise SMMUSD students residing in Santa Monica.”

“If the City of Malibu tells the County Committee to hold the petition until after November the District would gladly return to mediation and work collaboratively to achieve unification” said Kean. “But we cannot be the only side willing to do this work. Malibu wanted an independent district and the finish line was in sight. Them abandoning a fair and equitable solution now is baffling.”

The Los Angeles County Office of Education Committee on School District Organization has been made aware of this unexpected decision by Malibu and will announce next steps in the petition consideration process.

“We are extremely disappointed that the City has chosen this path that will now inevitably delay this process by many years,” said Kean. “Our hope is that the County Committee honors the agreed upon timeline and delays this petition so we can finish unification once and for all.”

By Trevor

MALIBU—The city of Malibu and the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) are working together with the California Coastal Commission (CCC) to advance the voter-approved Malibu High School (MHS) Project for the benefit of students and families in the community.

“The City of Malibu and the School District remain committed to working together to advance the project and have had several discussions about next steps since the Coastal Commission’s July 12 meeting,” said Malibu City Manager Steve McClary. “The City and the School District are coordinating a meeting with Coastal Commission staff to work together as cooperatively and expeditiously as possible to get the project back before the City Council and back to the Coastal Commission in the fall.”

“We want to thank Malibu parents, staff and community members who shared and expressed the urgency to the Coastal Commission regarding the schedule of this project,” said SMMUSD Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton. “Our Malibu students deserve this state-of-the-art educational facility as soon as possible and we seek to prevent further delays that will cost local taxpayers money.”

The city of Malibu indicated in a news release that on July 10, the Malibu City Council voted unanimously to request that the CCC deny the one-year extension requested by its staff and sent a letter to the CCC requesting that the item be placed on a CCC meeting agenda as soon as possible so that the school could be built without further delay.

There were delays as a result of the Woolsey Fire and the pandemic with the coronavirus starting in 2020 were costly. There was a one-year delay proposed by the CCC staff could raise construction costs to the point that the project could become infeasible, according to the SMMUSD.

The Local Coastal Plan Amendment (LCPA) must be approved by the Coastal Commission and adopted by the city of Malibu. The amendment to the Local Coastal Plan (Specific Plan) will allow the Malibu Campus Plan to be implemented in four phases over the next 10 to 15 years.

For each phase of the Specific Plan there will be a Coastal Development Permit approved by City Planning to be constructed. Phase 1 of the campus plan includes a new high school building, restoration of the surrounding Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA) and associated development. Phase 1 is fully funded by general obligation bond Measure M, which passed overwhelmingly by voters in November 2018.

Malibu and the SMMUSD are working constructively with the CCC to advance the project to meet the educational needs of the Malibu community. For more details about the project, visit the SMMUSD website.

By Trevor