The Opening of Malibu Canyon Road and Better Weather Signals Changes
All four Malibu schools will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 18, following the reopening of Malibu Canyon Road and improving weather conditions, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) announced via a letter from Dr. Antonio Shelton, Superintendent, and Mr. Isaac Burgess, Executive Director, Malibu Pathway & Secondary Schools.
Webster Elementary, Malibu Elementary, Malibu Middle, and Malibu High School will resume in-person instruction based on previously established reopening criteria. District officials confirmed that SMMUSD school buses and staff vanpools have received permits to access Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), thanks to coordination with Capt. Jennifer Seetoo of the Lost Hills/Malibu Sheriff’s Station.
While Malibu Canyon and Kanan Dume roads remain open, authorities caution that rock and debris flows are still a concern. PCH from Pacific Palisades North, as well as Topanga Canyon Road, remains closed to general traffic, with access limited to emergency responders, contractors, utility crews, and those with special permits.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of our Malibu families and staff as we recover from unprecedented wildfires and weather events,” district officials said.
A revised bus route schedule utilizing PCH for buses traveling from the south will take effect on February 18, and you can access the schedule here.
District officials expressed optimism that the reopening marks a turning point in stabilizing in-person learning after a challenging start to 2025.
