Malibu City Council Unanimously Approves Separation Package, Joining SMMUSD in Advancing Plan for an Independent Malibu Unified School District
In a historic and unanimous vote, the Malibu City Council approved the full separation package that paves the way for the creation of an independent Malibu Unified School District (MUSD) at the December 8, 2025 Council meeting.
“Tonight’s unanimous vote reflects Malibu’s unwavering commitment to building our own independent, locally controlled school district that is responsive, community-driven, and positioned to deliver the highest-quality education for our children for generations to come,” said Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins. “The City Council and the SMMUSD Board are hand in hand on moving forward to the next phase. I am so proud and grateful to the countless residents who have worked and advocated for years to get it to this point.”
The action mirrors the December 1 unanimous vote by the Santa Monica–Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) Board of Education, marking the first time both governing bodies have formally endorsed all three foundational agreements required to move forward.
With this vote, the City of Malibu and SMMUSD formally align on the structural, financial, and operational framework for separation — bringing Malibu significantly closer to achieving its long-sought goal of local control over its public schools while ensuring a stable, equitable future for students in both communities.
The separation package includes:
- Property Tax Revenue Sharing Agreement – Establishing fair and sustainable allocation of property tax revenues between the two future districts.
- Operational Transfer Agreement – Detailing the transition of staff, facilities, programs, and services from SMMUSD to the two new districts.
- Joint Powers Agreement – Forming a shared governance structure to coordinate and oversee the transition process.
Monday’s discussion included presentations from City staff, legal counsel, and financial consultants who reviewed the agreements, mediation history, and long-term implications for both Malibu and Santa Monica students.
“This is a major milestone that Malibu families have been championing for more than 20 years,” said Wade Major, President of Advocates for Malibu Public Schools (AMPS). “With unanimous approval from both governing bodies, the path is now clear for the City and the School District to jointly pursue the special state legislation required to authorize the creation of two new school districts. This partnership marks the beginning of the final chapter in making independent districts a reality.”
Next Steps
With the separation package now unanimously approved by both the SMMUSD Board and the Malibu City Council, the next step is a collaborative effort between the City of Malibu and SMMUSD to pursue the special state legislation necessary for district reorganization. This legislation is required to formally authorize separation and establish the two new, fully independent districts.
The City will continue providing updates as the legislative process moves forward, including opportunities for community engagement and public participation.
For more information, and to review the complete agreements and FAQs, visit MalibuCity.org/MUSD.
