Ashley Benjamin

The committee meeting agenda includes a report from the Assistant Superintendent of Business and Fiscal Services and a discussion regarding the 2026-27 Measure R Proposed Annual Plan. Ad hoc subcommittee reports will be presented on topics including budget recommendations, unfunded liabilities, bond oversight, Measure R reporting and process review, financial communications, nominations, and Malibu unification. Additionally, the committee will review documentation related to special education legal settlement obligations.

The Board of Education meeting involved several key actions, including the approval of various curriculum, instruction, business, and fiscal items such as Memorandums of Understanding, amendments to food and supply contracts, and the award of a roofing retrofit contract. Additionally, the Board authorized the use of a procurement contract for physical security equipment and services. A discussion was held regarding revisions to policies and administrative regulations related to Career Technical Education. Major action items included the adoption of a resolution to transition to the Protected Insurance Program for Schools and Community Colleges for workers' compensation and the approval of the 2025-26 Second Interim Budget Report, which included discussions on salary expense thresholds, OPEB changes, and strategies to address deficit spending.

The Board received a school site presentation regarding student growth and campus developments, including a community grant for a regenerative farm and future Innovation Lab plans. Several resolutions were adopted to recognize March observances, including Women's History Month and Cesar Chavez Day. Updates were approved for policies concerning special education and immigration enforcement. The Board also reviewed fundraising reports and initiated the Short-Term Academic Therapeutic Supports program to provide mental health services. Furthermore, the board addressed routine consent calendar items and removed two previously continued items concerning classified staffing reductions from the agenda.

The board adopted a resolution honoring the Week of the Young Child and approved revisions to board bylaws concerning Career Technical Education. Discussions included updates to board policies regarding curriculum and instruction, child development services, and an update on projects funded by Measures M, SMS, MM, and QS. Additionally, the Malibu Middle School Principal provided an overview of school climate initiatives, the Digital Discovery pathway project, student programs, and strategies for addressing chronic absenteeism.

This Proposed Annual Plan outlines the allocation of Measure R parcel tax expenditures for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The plan details how approximately $14.5 million will be distributed across key categories including Art and Music Programs, Community Services, Library Programs, Physical Education, Technology, General Education Teachers, and Administrative Costs. The objective is to preserve programs, sustain academic achievement in core subjects, attract and retain highly qualified teachers, and ensure financial accountability through citizen oversight and annual audits, as mandated by Measure R.