For over a dozen years I have been involved member of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District at both the school level as well as at the district level serving on various committees. Less so now that my son has graduated. Currently, I am concerned there will not be a Malibu resident on the next Board of Education.
There needs to be a Malibu resident on the podium at all Brown Act meetings from the Malibu community to represent views, circumstances, problems, successes, failures, etc. from the Malibu constituency.
There is no one running from Malibu in this current election and frankly I feel that it would be hard for anyone from Malibu to win due to the overwhelming vote of Santa Monica population, SMRR endorsements, and the current atmosphere in general. Maybe more notice needs to be given in Malibu. I encourage the board to be more proactive in encouraging citizens in Malibu to seek a position when there is an open seat.
I recommend a change in the bylaws and other documents so each city is properly represented on the podium. The bylaws should mandate that at least one representative from each city must have a seat on the SMMUSD BOE either by vote of both cities (as is currently done) or by the BOE itself (like when a BOE member resigns).
A Malibu SMMUSD BOE member will enhance good will and bring a better democracy for both communities. Sometimes the issues are different in our cities and a Malibu BOE member will make for a better relationship with our great cities.
To the Malibu community, I would strongly suggest that someone from each school attend every BOE meeting and then report back to the PTA’S and Site Governance committees. In order to be represented and have your voices heard you must actively participate at the district level as well as the school level.
David M. Kramer
SMMUSD Special Education District Advisory Council