Malibu Pushes for Independent School District After Split Approved

Malibu moves forward with plans to form its own school district after the Santa Monica‑Malibu district split received approval on Monday, December 8, 2025. The city’s residents, who have long campaigned for a separate district, are eager for immediate change, while the district’s leadership indicates the transition will likely not occur until the 2028‑2029 school year.

The Split and the City’s Response

On Monday, the Santa Monica‑Malibu school district voted unanimously to approve the division that would allow Malibu to operate independently. The decision came after years of advocacy by parents, teachers, and community members who argue that a local district would better address the unique needs of Malibu students.

The city council, which must approve any major move, gave its approval during a meeting that evening. Five of the council members voted in favor, marking a significant milestone in the push for separation.

Agreements That Paved the Way

Last week, the district reached three key agreements that will guide the split:

• Property‑tax funding: The allocation of local property taxes will be adjusted to reflect the new district boundaries.
• Equipment and resources: A fair division of existing equipment and school resources has been established.
• Oversight body: A seven‑member oversight committee will administer revenue transfers and mediate any disputes that arise during the transition.

Mark Dipaola, president of the Malibu Elementary PTA, reviewed the agreements and stated: ‘I’ve reviewed the agreements. They are not perfect. They are as good as we’re ever going to get.’ His comments underscore the practical nature of the compromises reached.

Residents’ Immediate Demands

Malibu residents have consistently called for an immediate start to the new district. During a rally that night, students, parents, and neighbors joined forces to continue the long‑standing fight for separation. Despite the community’s enthusiasm, the district’s leadership has communicated that the earliest realistic start date for the independent district would be in time for the 2028‑2029 school year, a little under three years from now.

The Role of the Mayor and the County

Mayor Marianne Riggins emphasized that the city council and the school district’s board of education will need to collaborate with Los Angeles County officials and state lawmakers in Sacramento to finalize the details. Riggins noted that the process will involve a thorough review of funding formulas, staffing arrangements, and infrastructural requirements.

Timeline and Next Steps

• Immediate: City council approval and public rally.
• Short term: Drafting of final agreements with county and state.
• Mid term: Establishment of the seven‑member oversight body.
• Long term: Transition of schools, staff, and resources by the 2028‑2029 school year.

The district’s board has indicated that no additional delays are anticipated beyond the projected timeline, provided all parties remain cooperative.

Key Takeaways

• Malibu residents have secured city council approval for an independent school district following the district split.
• Three agreements—tax funding, resource division, and oversight—have been finalized to support the transition.
• The earliest feasible start for the new district is the 2028‑2029 school year, according to district officials.

The move represents a significant shift in local education governance, reflecting both community demand and administrative planning. While the transition will take several years, the groundwork laid by the recent agreements and council approval sets the stage for a new chapter in Malibu’s educational future.

Closing Thoughts

The decision to split the Santa Monica‑Malibu school district and the subsequent approval by Malibu’s city council mark a pivotal moment for the community. As residents, educators, and officials work together to navigate the logistical and financial aspects of establishing an independent district, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth transition that benefits students and families alike. The coming years will test the collaboration between local and state bodies, but the foundational agreements provide a clear roadmap toward the 2028‑2029 school year when Malibu’s independent district is expected to open its doors.