Malibu Parents: A Local District for a Better Education

Malibu’s parents have been at the forefront of the unification effort because we see firsthand what our kids need. An independent Malibu Unified School District (MUSD) means smaller class sizes, neighborhood schools, and programs that reflect Malibu’s values and unique rural community culture. No longer will decisions about our children’s education be made miles away with minimal Malibu input. 

We will no longer endure unnecessary school closures from administrators 40-plus miles away. 

We will no longer have to move heaven-and-earth to secure school safety resources, like backup power for school buildings and classrooms. 

With local control, Malibu parents will have a direct line to the decision-makers – because we will be those decision-makers, serving on a Malibu-only school board.

Under the current SMMUSD structure, Malibu students make up less than 15% of the district. It’s no surprise that Malibu parents have often felt unheard on key issues (from curriculum to campus repairs). By separating, we ensure that 100% of our school district’s focus and resources will be dedicated to Malibu’s kids.

Malibu kids will spend less time on the road and more time learning.

No more long bus rides to Santa Monica for district-wide programs or meetings – our district offices and events will be right here. Our beaches and our mountains will become classrooms. We will be able to explore creative school scheduling, outdoor education days, and other innovations that a one-size-fits-all larger district couldn’t accommodate and which will be competitive with the very best private schools in the area. 

With local control, we will strengthen a Malibu-specific TK-12 educational pathway that will entice more parents and families to remain committed to our public school district through their child’s or children’s high school years.

>The program here is to make sure that both parties are able to continue, and at the same time, give the Malibu school district a chance to get built up so we can deliver the educational alternatives we want for Malibu children.” – Malibu Mayor, Steve Uhring, on the balanced financial plan for separation.

Academics and Opportunities:  Santa Monica High offers many courses and activities – will Malibu students lose out? No. Malibu schools already provide an excellent education, and that won’t change. In fact, with an independent school district we can *add* programs that our kids currently travel for or miss out on. For any specialized courses or extracurriculars we can’t immediately offer, the plan is to establish partnerships (perhaps through a Joint Powers Agreement) so students in each city can join the other’s programs if desired. For example, Malibu and Santa Monica could share certain high school electives, athletic competitions, or performing arts events. Our goal is to give Malibu kids the best of both worlds.

All the benefits of a focused, small school district plus continued access to any regional opportunities we choose to collaborate on.

Malibu parents have spoken consistently at meetings and hearings: "we want the best for all children, and we firmly believe two smaller districts will serve students better than one oversized district. Decades of research show that smaller school districts often have higher parent satisfaction and engagement.

 

By right-sizing governance, we empower those who care most – parents, teachers, and local leaders – to innovate and improve our schools.

In short, an independent Malibu USD will be “the village raising our children.” It’s a school system run by and for Malibu families. With local control, our kids will benefit from a community that is 100% invested in their success. And Santa Monica’s kids will likewise be in a school district 100% focused on their success. That’s a win-win we can all support.