Children and youth in Malibu and the surrounding unincorporated area have attended schools within the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) since prior to the City's incorporation. Local school families and community groups have long expressed the desire to separate from SMMUSD and to form an independent Malibu Unified School District (MUSD). On October 12, 2020, the Council voted unanimously to reinstate the City's petition for unification of an independent MUSD to the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Committee on School District Organization (County Committee). On March 3, 2021, the County Committee voted to hold a preliminary hearing on the City’s petition on Saturday, April 17. This is a victory, but a first of many steps in the journey to an independent MUSD. In preparation for the April 17 Preliminary Hearing, residents are urged to stay informed and stay involved. Here are some suggestions:
Submit personal testimonials sharing their experiences with SMMUSD and the reasons why they support the formation of an independent MUSD using the online form.
Stay informed by following the City’s social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Next Door) for regular updates and information about school separation.
Sign up for the School Separation e-notification list for updates, including the upcoming April 17 preliminary hearing, or visit the City’s web page for more information on local efforts to form an independent MUSD.