"To determine the impact of separation on SMMUSD and Santa Monica we are currently looking into hiring a consultant to work with the District’s Financial Oversight Committee (FOC).

The key financial questions revolve around unraveling the voter approved indebtedness of bonds and parcel taxes. A key question to answer is will Santa Monica end up with less resources to implement its educational program? Also, assuming Malibu becomes a basic aid district will they be able to sustain a separate district? Also, recent environmental concerns in Malibu will require an environmental analysis of the impact of separation involving the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Furthermore, there will be issues with staffing patterns and teachers in Malibu can have bumping rights if they choose to stay within the Santa Monica Unified School District. Lastly, we need to determine the distribution of real assets such as equipment, property etc. If it is determined that the impact on Santa Monica is positive and the voters in Malibu approve the separation, then I believe this proposal will receive more interest in Santa Monica.  Regardless of the outcome, I will continue to do my part in providing collaborative leadership and ensuring that residents in both communities are treated with dignity and respect."
Oct. 1, 2014 Oscar de Ia Torre

"Yes, if it is financially, legally and educationally viable.

A number of Malibu residents have expressed their desire to have their own Malibu school district. Supporters point to frustration with lack of representation on the School Board, a geographic divide, the fact that Malibu is its own City and should have its own school district, and policy differences.

I support exploration of separation. There are important legal, financial, educational and organizational questions which must be answered, however, and 'due diligence' will be complex. Separation must be a sound proposition for both districts -- leaving the remaining SMUSD whole and creating a new MUSD which will be able to stand on its own financially and provide high quality programs to Malibu students. While separation is explored, it is vital that the Santa Monica and Malibu parts of the district work together cooperatively and collaboratively in ensuring the best education for all of our children. The SMMUSD offers a very strong educational program for all students, whether they attend schools in Santa Monica or Malibu. We must work together to maintain and improve all schools as we explore separation."
Oct. 1, 2014 Laurie Lieberman

"One reason for separating is that Malibu and Santa Monica are quite different from each other and have different needs.

On the other hand, just as complementary or differing viewpoints can enrich a discussion, a school district is enriched when its jurisdiction encompasses two dissimilar communities.

Nevertheless, it is true that there is tension between some stakeholders in Malibu and the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Toxins found in some schools in Malibu, disagreements over lighting a football field, a preference for decentralized fundraising, and not currently having a board member who resides in Malibu are among the reasons for this tension.

However, SMMUSD cannot divide itself into two school districts without resolving several financial and legal issues.

While it seems that the current board is considering eventual unification, I am hoping the tensions will dissipate after the new board takes over and that the district will remain intact."
Oct. 1, 2014 Dhun May