S A N TA M O N I C A
REFLECTING THE CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY smmirror.com
April 23 – April 29, 2021 Volume LXXXV, Issue 90
INSIDE
SAMO PRIDE ANNOUNCES RETURN OF ART WALK PAGE 2
County Holds Hearing on Effort to Split Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Los Angeles County Office of Education makes no decision, will return in June By Sam caTaNZaro
A long-awaited public hearing took place over the weekend regarding an effort to split the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD). The City of Malibu has filed a petition with the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Committee on School District Organization. seeking the formation of an independent Malibu Unified School District (MUSD). On Saturday, April 17, 2021, at a preliminary public hearing, LACOE heard arguments from both sides plus an hour of public comment on the issue, which has been in the works since 2011. The committee asked no questions, did not make a decision and will hear the proposal again
in June to take an initial vote. At the meeting Saturday, Malibu officials argued that their city pays an unequal amount into SMMUSD’s coffers compared to Santa Monica. Malibu dollars account for 30 percent of the SMMUSD revenue yet the city only has 15 percent of the district’s population. “The only category where we are ahead is in the amount of property taxes we disproportionately pay to SMMUSD to enhance programs that are mostly in Santa Monica,” said Malibu Mayor Mikke Pierson. Other reasons Malibu cites in supporting a separation include the physical distance between Malibu and Santa Monica, the different character of these communities, inadequate representation of Malibu on the SMMUSD Board of Education and the need for local control over the education of Malibu’s children. SMMUSD officials argued that a Malibun split would harm overall diversity, equity, educational programs and finances. Following the hearing, the District said that Malibu did not provide current data or statistics to justify the financial methodology of their proposal. In addition, the District argues
Roosevelt Elementary School on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica.
Photo: Sam Catanzaro
Malibu did not “explain the fact that recent studies have demonstrated that, given future population projections, the City of Malibu would not have enough students to sustain a stand-alone district.” SMMUSD officials also made the case that a new
Malibu Unified School District would lack diversity.
from Lavant with 4:45 seconds remaining. After converting on the 2 point conversion the Vikings played inspired defense with Issac Silva, Michael Sergev and Ryland Hawkins making key tackles
to hold the Centaurs offense in check. On 4th and
“One of the elements that has always made our
district so strong is the fact that we are comprised
District Split, see page 4
Samohi Vikings FroshSoph Defeat Culver City Centaurs in Final Seconds Vikings come out on top in big game By chaD WiNThroP
2020 was a tough year for Santa Monica High School football as Covid-19 restrictions forced all high school sports to shut down for the season. In early 2021 the decision was made to play a 5 game make-up season with no playoffs instead of the normal 10 game season. The Samohi FroshSoph team struggled early in the season as opt
outs from Covid and injuries took their toll on the roster. But good things come to those who wait and for parents and fans of Vikings Football the final game of the season against the Culver City Centaurs delivered in spectacular fashion. The Centaurs took 20-6 lead with 6:10 in the 4th quarter, but the Vikings responded quickly with Vaughn Jelks returning the kickoff to the Culver City 41 yard line. A quick pass from quarterback Ivan Lavant to Kamal Jabari and some tough inside running by tailback Sam Lipske behind left tackle Jaden Montenez and left guard Paco Vandenbrook set up Juaquin Nava for a 30 yard touchdown
3 with 1:28 remaining Linebacker Pierce Reynoso
Football, see page 2
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