School District, Malibu Agree on Separation Package

By Jorge Casuso

September 13, 2024 -- School District and Malibu City officials announced Friday they have reached a "milestone" agreement on a proposed package to separate the district.

The package -- which is ready for public review -- has three agreements that "outline the framework for how resources, operations and services will be shared or divided between the two entities," the joint announcement said.

The announcement comes some two months after negotiations between the two parties hit a major obstacle that derailed the 13-year effort to establish an independent Malibu Unified School District (MUSD) ("School District Separation Plan Breaks Down," July 19, 2024).

School Board Vice President Jon Kean called the package "yet another significant milestone" in efforts to divide the District, adding that "there is a lot left to do."

“It is a good feeling to be able to share these long-awaited agreements with the public and I am looking forward to participating in many discussions prior to any votes being taken,” Kean said in a statement.

Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart called the agreement "a crucial step forward" for Malibu that "reflects the unique needs and values of our community.”

“The Separation Package is a result of a collaborative effort aimed at ensuring both Malibu and Santa Monica students receive an exceptional education," Stewart said in a statement Friday..

The proposed package is composed of three separate agreements:

• A Revenue Sharing Agreement that outlines the distribution of existing and projected revenues to ensure financial stability for both districts;
  
  
• An Operational Transfer Agreement that details the allocation of staffing, operational processes and resources, facilitating an efficient division of services and resources, and
  
  
• A Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) that establishes a shared entity responsible for overseeing and implementing the agreements.

Once the agreements are finalized and approved by both parties, which is expected in October, the LA County Committee on School District Organization will schedule a public hearing as early as November, District officials said.