The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District is preparing campuses, staff and families for potentially severe storms this winter, as officials brace for the effects of a strong El Niño system.
The effort follows Gov. Gavin Newsom's statewide emergency proclamation and the city of Malibu's declaration of a local emergency in anticipation of the weather pattern.
District officials said the work is being coordinated through SMMUSD READY, short for Readiness, Education, Awareness, Disaster Preparedness and You, a program aimed at protecting students and staff, keeping essential operations running and maintaining instruction. The district activates its Emergency Operations Center as needed to coordinate resources and communication with schools, families and emergency partners.
"Our priority is the safety and well-being of our students and staff," Superintendent Antonio Shelton said in a statement. "We also recognize the importance of maintaining learning opportunities whenever possible, while ensuring that safety guides every decision we make."
Crews are inspecting roofs, gutters, storm drains and heating systems, and the district is planning for possible power outages and monitoring transportation routes. Significant roof work has been completed at Will Rogers Elementary School, John Adams Middle School and Santa Monica High School, according to the district.
"We are taking steps now to make sure our schools are ready for the winter storms," said Gerardo Cruz, the district's assistant superintendent and chief financial officer.
Generators are in place at Malibu schools to provide backup power for essential operations. At Webster Elementary School, the district has left concrete K-rail barriers installed after the Franklin Fire as an added precaution.
If storms disrupt in-person classes, the district's Continuity of Learning Plan provides curriculum-aligned digital and take-home materials for students in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade. Officials cautioned that offerings may vary by school and that families should not assume live Zoom classes will be available during weather-related closures. Students will not face academic penalties if they cannot access the materials during a closure, the district said.
Families are urged to monitor the district website and ParentSquare for closure announcements and school-specific instructions. Malibu families should also follow guidance from their school principals.
The district keeps at least a three-day supply of breakfast and lunch meals for schools in both cities, along with shelf-stable food that does not require refrigeration in case of power outages.
Officials said they will closely watch Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu's canyon roads, where severe weather can cut off access to the community. The district is coordinating with the cities of Malibu and Santa Monica, Los Angeles County and other emergency agencies, and said transportation and dismissal decisions will prioritize safety.
"For our parents, teachers and students in Malibu and Santa Monica, our focus is on preparing for the conditions we may face along the coast and making sure our communities are ready," Chief Operating Officer Carey Upton said.
The district said it will continue updating families and staff on preparations and potential disruptions, with the goal of returning students to in-person learning as soon as conditions allow.
Visit https://www.smmusd.org/departments/communications/ready/smmusd-ready for more information or to sign up for alerts.
Edited by SMDP Staff