Santa Monica Unified School District never loses money. The transitions are designed to give SMUSD rising revenues as they convert from shared Santa Monica and Malibu revenues (a.k.a Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District) to the revenues Santa Monica generates on its own (approximately $30 million in sales tax, rent and joint use funds plus becoming a self-funded Basic Aid district in the next few years, probably before the split takes effect). What Santa Monica does lose is the share of Malibuâs property taxes it has been getting over the last five years or so, since SMMUSD became âminimum state aidâ (a Basic Aid-âliteâ transition to Basic Aid, with the same benefits). So, if the problem is having less money, Santa Monica does not âloseâ money. If the problem is wanting a continued share of Malibuâs property taxes even after acknowledging Malibuâs right and need for independent local control, that canât be avoided.
It is clear. Santa Monica alone will have more money per student than all but a tiny handful (approximately three percent) of California schools. Malibu will have even more, but that is the nature of the two communities. Santa Monica will also gain local focus on major local problems (a focus that has plagued and hindered it for years) and it will eliminate a significantly more expensive part of the district.
Most importantly, see all the arguments why Malibu does not belong in SMMUSD as it has minimal control or representation. Ask yourself how youâd like your TV to be linked to your neighborâs remote control.
Karen Farrer