After nearly 70 years, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education has voted unanimously to approve a separation package that will split the district into two independent entities. This move marks a major milestone in Malibu’s decades-long quest for local control over its schools.
The package includes agreements on financial, operational, and governance frameworks, as well as a property tax revenue sharing agreement and a joint powers agreement to oversee the process. Board members said the agreements will ensure both cohorts of students receive comparable education while maintaining fiscal health.
Malibu’s push for independence began in the 1970s, but negotiations stalled and restarted multiple times over the next decade. The district recently finalized its separation package with Santa Monica officials after years of mediation. The Malibu City Council is set to consider the agreement on December 8, if approved, both districts will pursue necessary legislation and state approvals to establish two independent schools.
This move addresses concerns about funding and resource allocation between the two districts, and supporters argue it will allow each district to focus on distinct needs and long-term planning. The agreements aim to prioritize student success while ensuring fiscal stability for both districts.
Source: https://smdp.com/news/education/school-board-approves-historic-malibu-santa-monica-district-split