Malibu Elementary Schools Saved By Grant And Donations

MALIBU, CA — It took a village to assure that Malibu elementary schools could continue programs like technology, teacher’s aides, and art education for the upcoming year.

The Malibu Foundation, along with direct donations and proceeds from an online auction, have helped raise the $274,101 necessary to keep these programs going. Since the PTA’s of Malibu Elementary School and Webster Elementary School started a joint fundraising campaign in June, they have raised $16,440 from the online auction, $20,822 from direct donations, and $159,096.10 from the Malibu Foundation.

The Malibu Foundation, a nonprofit formed in 2018 right after the Woolsey Fire, has pledged to fund the remainder. According to Jessica Butler Bell of the Webster Elementary School PTA, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District gave the district a one-week extension to raise what was necessary for teacher’s aides, and the Malibu Foundation offered a grant to cover the remainder.

“We’re so grateful and humbled and excited,” said Bell. “It’s been such an uphill battle, and it was amazing to see the community step forward … this was a much-need morale boost.”

In June, the schools found out that they would need to raise $275,000 by the end of July in order to fund Planet Bravo, a technology education program, arts and music, and the cost of 12 instructional aides. These programs are considered supplemental, so the PTAs always host a series of fundraisers to keep them going. In years past, however, SMMUSD has agreed to backfill whatever the schools couldn’t raise. In June, the district announced that due to a budget shortfall, they would not be able to backfill the remaining cost like they normally do.

For a while, Bell said the schools were concerned they wouldn’t raise the money they needed by the deadline. Everyone was particularly worried that they would have to lay off the instructional aides – some of whom Bell said have lost their homes during the pandemic – who have proven especially useful leading small break-out groups on distance learning.

“I cannot imagine not having our talented aides at Malibu Elementary, especially as our students have suffered so much trauma,” said Principal Chris Hertz. “Our aides are well-known to them, and provide structure and kindness during our small group activities.”

Early in July, the PTAs arranged to meet with the Malibu Foundation, a nonprofit that has provided a number of grants, in addition to wellness, legal, housing, and financial services to communities affected by the Woolsey Fire. After in-depth meetings with the schools, they agreed to fund the programs. The foundation agreed on July 27 to pay $79,804 for Planet Bravo education, and on Aug. 6 agreed to $78,292.10 for the salaries of 12 instructional aides. The money will be transferred to the PTA's account Tuesday, according to Webster Elementary School PTA President Karin Al-Hardan.

They have not yet agreed to fund art education, however, but Bell said that the foundation is working with the schools to create a revised art curriculum.

“We are grateful for the generous donation from the Malibu Foundation,” said Webster Elementary School Principal Lila Daruty. “This gift makes it possible to remain committed to education through equity.”

“Malibu Foundation has given [our children] a gift that will yield benefits for a lifetime,” said Hertz.