Two school facilities bonds – Measure QS and Measure MM, both for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), are up for a vote this election. Since 2018, bond measures for the district have been separated into two school facilities improvement districts (SFID). Santa Monica is in SFID 1 and Malibu is in SFID 2. Measure QS is a bond measure for Santa Monica, Measure MM is for Malibu. In error, both measures were printed on ballots for both Santa Monica and Malibu residents. In a press release, SMMUSD clarified that “while voters may vote on both measures appearing on the ballot, the election for each measure will be determined by the voters in each area. Measure QS will be decided by the votes of Santa Monica voters. Measure MM will be decided by the votes of Malibu voters.” 

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder claimed responsibility for the error and maintained they “will ensure that only votes cast by eligible voters within the defined SFID boundaries are reported and certified.”

Despite the confusion, there’s reason to believe voters will say “yes” to the new bonds. Each measure needs 55 percent to pass. SMMUSD has historically relied on bond measures to improve school facilities, and past measures have enjoyed popular support. In 2018, Measure SMS for Santa Monica schools passed with 72 percent. Measure M for Malibu schools passed with 70 percent.

SMMUSD Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton explained that for both measures, the district will “prioritize the most urgent needs first, including modernizing classrooms, improving school safety, and upgrading aging infrastructure like plumbing and electrical systems.” The district will “also focus on creating more flexible learning environments to support future-ready learning, which is a big priority for us.”

Both bonds will be paid for by property owners through an increase in the property tax. For Santa Monica, property owners will be taxed an estimated $30 per $100,000 of assessed value annually. Malibu property owners will be taxed an estimated $40 per $100,000 of assessed value.

Measure QS

Measure QS is a school facilities improvement bond for Santa Monica schools for up to $495 Million. The district cited its aging buildings, some nearing 70 years old, in need of repair. According to the district, 65 percent of Santa Monica facilities were built between 1915 and 1970 and one in 15 of its classrooms are “severely sub-standard.” Current issues like leaky roofs and pipes and old air conditioning and heating units present immediate concerns for student health and safety. Additionally, the district hopes to modernize its science labs and libraries, while updating classroom technology, safety systems, and facility accessibility. 

Nearly 8,000 students attend the 12 SMMUSD schools in Santa Monica. In a presentation on the measure, the district said, “By investing in the modernization of our school buildings, we have the opportunity to continue to create world-class 21st-century learning spaces that foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.”

A list of projects under consideration is available to the public, and many of them are proposed to begin construction next summer. Proposed projects for Grant Elementary include updates to the school’s historic garden, library, and early learning areas. Grant was built around two trees that are now over 100 years old. Improvements to courtyards and other exterior places aim to transform them into outdoor learning areas. Seventy-five percent of the bond will go towards elementary and middle schools, with the remaining 25 percent going to Santa Monica High. 

The bond money can only be spent in Santa Monica schools and is subject to regular audits and civilian oversight. 

Measure QS has been endorsed by the Santa Monica City Council, the Santa Monica Malibu Classroom Teachers Association, and Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights.

Measure MM

Measure MM is a $395 Million bond measure for Malibu schools. It has many of the same priorities as Measure QS – improving and modernizing aging buildings and infrastructure. Malibu schools are nearly half a century old on average, and like Santa Monica, are deteriorating in ways that might impact student health and academic achievement if not addressed. The bond will also be used to remove hazardous materials like lead and asbestos.

One thousand students attend the four Malibu schools in the district, and the enrollment is expected to stabilize after a period of declining enrollment. In addition to campus upgrades, the bond will be used for technology updates, new learning labs, and school safety enhancements.

The measure will also fund the completion of the Malibu Campus Plan, developed by the district to separate Malibu Middle and Malibu High. A new high school to replace the current one is under construction and is expected to be completed in January 2025. The district is also planning on adding a new building to Malibu Middle complete with a wellness center, innovation lab, and special education suite. 

Measure MM has been endorsed by Malibu Mayor Pro Tem Marianne Riggins, Advocates for Malibu Public Schools, and the L.A. County Democratic Party.

Photo by Rylief, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.