School board approves 45-day budget revision
The update adds $11.23 million in state categorical funds for 2026–27, with the biggest pieces aimed at student support, professional development, and special education.
Two hosts walk through the week’s edition in conversation — 45-day budget revision for 2026–27, appointments, and what’s coming next. Generated by Aware, from this week’s verified summaries.
Most of the new money is restricted, but district staff said it should ease pressure on the general fund by paying for programs and costs already on the books.
The numbers shifted after Sacramento finished its work. The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education approved its 45-day budget revision for 2026–27 after Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Gerardo Cruz walked through changes tied to the adopted state budget. He said this year’s revision was driven less by one-time discretionary money and more by restricted categorical funds.
The largest allocation Cruz described was a $7.49 million student support and professional development block grant. He said the money comes with limits on how it can be used, including classroom needs and deferred maintenance, but can still free up the general fund by covering specific programs there. He also said the district would receive nearly $1 million in additional AB 602 special education funding, part of a broader effort to reduce how much unrestricted local money goes to special education costs.
Other additions included $280,000 for the Expanded Learning Opportunity Program and $490,000 from the Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant. Cruz said Olympic High School may receive LCFF equity multiplier funding, with about $50,000 still pending until the California Department of Education certifies the final school list. He told the board staff would return in December for interim budget transfers based on actual general ledger entries.
Appointments: acceptance of resignations and authorization to publish vacancies
Two local boards now have open seats. The City Council accepted one resignation from the Recreation and Parks Commission and another from the Housing Authority Board, then authorized the City Clerk to publish both vacancies.
Council took items 16A and 16B together. One item covered the Recreation and Parks Commission seat. The other covered the Housing Authority Board seat. Both actions were approved together, with no recorded opposition.
The vote does not fill either position. It starts the formal process for advertising the openings so applicants can come forward and the city can make new appointments later.
Virginia Avenue rehab faces funding gap
City staff and Community Corporation of Santa Monica said the Virginia Avenue Apartments rehabilitation now faces a projected $2.4 million budget gap. They tied the shortfall to construction and relocation costs, while later public speakers raised questions about overruns, accountability, and tenant impacts.
The project affects affordable housing tenants and may require additional financing to cover rising costs.
Education foundation presents $2.6 million check
The Santa Monica Education Foundation said it will provide $2.6 million to the district next year, including $1.8 million from its annual fund. The group highlighted support for arts, athletics, and mental health programs, and pointed to upcoming fundraising events in October and May 2027.
large dollar figure ($2,600,000)
Council backs bonds for 18th Street housing
The City Council approved a financing step for the 1318 18th Street affordable housing project, authorizing up to $80 million in revenue bonds. The action supports a 122-unit development with 50 permanent supportive housing units, and council approved the site’s final parcel map as well.
These approvals move a large affordable housing project closer to construction and shape how the property can be developed.
Council authorizes litigation in closed session
After closed session, the City Attorney reported that the City Council gave direction to initiate litigation under item 5C. The action passed 6-0, with Dan Hall absent, and the defendants and details will be disclosed when formal filing rules require it.
litigation
- Santa Monica City Council. Council held a public hearing and approved a request for the California Municipal Finance Authority to issue revenue bonds not to exceed 80 million for the 1318th Street project, a 122-unit 100% affordable development including 50 permanent supportive housing units. One public commenter raised concerns referencing prior bonds and other projects.
- Santa Monica City Council. Before the consent calendar vote, speakers commented on homelessness emergency enforcement and public safety, opposition to a Trapeze School license at Clover Park, general homelessness policy questions, and a complaint about interruptions and requested accommodations related to speaking.
- Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education. During the opening public comment period, speakers raised concerns about consent agenda contracts (including references to $60,000 for capital advisors and $40,000 for convocation-related services) and criticized the proposed parcel tax, citing district funding structure, interdistrict permits, and the city-district funding relationship. One speaker, as a parks commission vice chair, opposed the measure and raised concerns about joint use programming, taxes, and election code compliance.
What we didn’t fit in this Sundays edition
SANTA MONICA had 41 more items this week. Here are sixfour — the rest are on Aware.
- GOVERNANCEReport out of closed session actions. The board reported two closed session actions: authorizing a $17,500 district fund contribution toward a settlement offer in a specified superior court case, and authorizing settlement of $15,587.97 for a former classified employee. Both actions were reported as unanimously approved.
- GOVERNANCEOpening remarks and remembrance of William “Bill” Bixler. The meeting opened with remarks honoring William “Bill” Bixler, a longtime music teacher and jazz band director at Malibu High School who passed away in late July 2026. Board members and attendees shared brief memories and noted upcoming celebrations of his life.
- GOVERNANCEAmendment to prior authorization to purchase additional electric buses (Gillig) and related cost increases. Council approved an amendment related to purchasing 10 additional electric buses on top of 30 previously authorized (December 2024), addressing cost increases due to producer price index escalation, Santa Monica-specific equipment inflation, and sales tax changes, with funding described as 80% federal and 20% state grant.
- GOVERNANCEBoard backs November parcel tax measure after public criticism. The board adopted Resolution No. 2604 supporting the citizen-initiated 'Excellent Santa Monica Public Schools' parcel tax measure for the November 3, 2026 ballot. Earlier public speakers criticized the proposed tax and questioned district funding structure, joint use arrangements, and election compliance before the board approved its support resolution.
- GOVERNANCECouncil sets Human Services Grants rules for 2027-31. Council approved funding guidelines for the 2027-31 Human Services Grants Program and authorized release of the RFP. The new framework narrows eligible services, updates scoring, and adds an option to support frontline worker compensation tied to a living wage standard; later public input emphasized needs in youth, childcare, immigration, employment, and violence prevention services.
- GOVERNANCEApproval to increase contract authority for agreement with Los Angeles County for lifeguard services at Santa Monica State Beach. Council approved item 4G to increase contract authority for an agreement with Los Angeles County for lifeguard services at Santa Monica State Beach. A council member recused due to a stated financial interest affecting salary/employment.
- GOVERNANCECouncil starts Civic Auditorium assessment with Goldenvoice. Council authorized an exclusive negotiating agreement with AEG Presents/Goldenvoice for a six-month assessment of reactivating the Civic Auditorium as a live entertainment venue, with possible 90-day extensions. Later public input included both support and opposition to the proposed negotiations.
- GOVERNANCEBoard approves consent agenda after contract criticism. During opening public comment, speakers criticized consent agenda contracts, including communications and capital advisor spending. The board later approved the consent agenda, and staff clarified that a public claim about a '$40,000 DJ' was inaccurate and that the cited contract covered broader communications and professional development services.
- GOVERNANCEUnions raise payroll transition and negotiation concerns. SEIU Local 99 and SMMCTA both reported concerns tied to district operations, especially payroll and human resources strain during the system transition. SEIU cited inaccurate paychecks, limited summer bargaining availability, and unresolved contract violations, while SMMCTA also discussed professional learning and school funding advocacy.
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