My heartfelt appreciation goes to the voters of Santa Monica and Malibu who passed the District’s School Funding Measure and the cities of Santa Monica and Malibu who raised their level of financial commitment to the School District. These actions provided the means by which we may continue our important work on behalf of all of our youth.
I am encouraged by the progress we have achieved thus far. Test results show that our students’ scores have risen and an increased number of students from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds are enrolled in advanced placement classes. The continuation of these and many more programs that support our children’s academic success would not have been possible without the passage of Measure S. Documentation has shown that smaller class sizes have resulted in higher academic achievement. With the passage of Measure S, the District was able to maintain a teacher-student ratio of 20:1 in grades K through 3 as well as smaller class size in targeted middle and high school classes. Accessibility to our school libraries and librarians play a major role in student learning. Because Measure S passed, our students can still utilize these valuable resources. And, it goes without saying, that saving 90+ teaching positions keeps the core of our educational system intact.
I am enthusiastic and excited by our work in progress aimed at successfully raising the academic achievement of every student in the district. While faced with the funding crisis at the State and Federal level, the continued support of the cities of Santa Monica and Malibu, our students, classified and certificated staff, our parents, business community and residents truly means the difference between our success and failure. When considering the future of our children, we must succeed. Thank you again for passing Measure S and showing our children that we can and will keep our promise to take care of their needs and provide opportunities for an outstanding education.
John E. Deasy, Superintendent
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District