As a Malibu resident and co-chair of Measure BB, the school bond on the November ballot, I feel that it is important that the voters of Malibu get the correct information regarding this bond and its impact on our city.
It is always distressing to me to read letters attempting to pit the two wonderful cities of Santa Monica and Malibu against each other. We have had a mutually beneficial relationship for many years. We share our fragile coastline and our concerns for protecting the environment. We also share the Santa Monica/Malibu Unified School District, which connects our two cities in our desire to educate our children in the best possible way.
The City of Santa Monica has been exceptionally generous to our district, donating a minimum of $6.5 million each year. These funds are used to benefit all of the schools, including those in Malibu. The reality in our state is that we are often asked to pay for educational necessities that the state won’t provide. School bond measures are the only way we have of taking care of school facilities. In the last two bond measures, EE and X, Malibu schools received more than their fair share of the funds.
We have also enjoyed the benefit of increased property values that are a direct result of our outstanding public schools. Malibu High School received a substantial proportion of the funds from our last bond measure, Prop X. Point Dume Marine Science School also received a substantial proportion of the money in order to reopen its doors and accommodate the 300 additional students who moved here during the 1990s. Our schools need repairs, upkeep and maintenance, just like our homes.
We need to update our technology and our libraries so that our kids can compete in today’s world. Some of the things that will be accomplished with Measure BB are unglamorous, such as mold and asbestos abatement or fixing school traffic problems. We will also be able to modernize our high school library, get rid of portable classrooms and expand playing fields, needs identified in our Facilities Master Plan.
We must pass this bond now in order to be able to qualify for state matching funds. It is in the best interest of our district and our school board to provide the best learning environment for all students. Measure BB will make that possible.
Laura Rosenthal