You may recall last year’s series of community workshops as part of the School District’s Facilities Master Plan project. A critical part of that process was a complete assessment of every school and the identification of site-specific needs. For the first time, we have extremely detailed information about each site, including our four Malibu schools.
To fund these substantial needs, the board of education voted to place Measure BB on the November 7 ballot. I was very involved with the Facilities Master Plan process as the board liaison, and I was a strong supporter of the bond. I made my decision after careful consideration of the needs at our schools. There’s never an ideal time to ask the voters for funding. I feel strongly that it is not in our best interest to wait any longer. If we do not pass the bond now, we will lose out on state matching funds.
If passed, Measure BB, a $268 million bond measure, issued over the next several years, will provide the funding to upgrade, repair and renovate our schools. As an added incentive the district is also permitted to furnish and equip our schools to meet our educational needs.
In Measure BB all district schools will benefit; this language is clearly stated in the text of the ballot measure. Site-specific needs have been addressed with the community through workshops and surveys. The district will continue to work in collaboration with the schools to prioritize specific needs. The plan identified $80 million in projects just for Malibu.
If measure BB passes, we will continue to expand public access to our facilities and create new possibilities for our entire community. My children are experiencing an enhanced education as a direct result of the facilities created from the last bond. It is my hope that we will provide the next generation of Malibu students with a learning environment that not only meets their needs but exceeds our expectations.
Please remember to Vote on November 7.
Kathy Wisnicki
Vice President, SMMUSD Board of Education
Director, Malibu Foundation for Youth and Families