MALIBU—Public schools in the Malibu region were closed on Friday, October 25, due to the recent outbreak of fires throughout Southern California.
School closures in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District included Malibu Elementary School, Malibu Middle School, Malibu High School, Webster Elementary School and Malibu Boys & Girls Club locations. According to SMMUSD Spokesperson Gail Pinsker, all schools in Santa Monica will remain open.
Planned power outages and poor air quality remain in some areas. So Cal Edison notified residents that power shut offs were possible between the hours of 9 p.m. on October 24 and 9 a.m. October 25. Power outages could also be possible Sunday evening for the Point Dume and Western Malibu region.
Latest air quality reports for Malibu are listed as 84 on the Air Quality Index. It is recommended that if you suffer from respiratory issues limit prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
The district will notify parents by Sunday evening if schools will remain closed for Monday, October 28.
In an email to parents, SMMUSD Superintendent Ben Drati and Malibu Pathway Director Isaac Burgess wrote, “High winds, high temperatures, low humidity and possible power shut offs have led us to the decision in the best interest of families and staff.”
According to the email, both Drati and Burgess recognize the concerns from parents and staff and understands the stress and anxiety Malibu residents have been feeling since last year’s Woolsey Fire.
During the Woolsey Fire, the Santa Monica-Malibu School District which has 10,000 students lost a total of 23 school days.
