Malibu School Update: Set to Reopen January 21 Pending Power Shutoffs, Red Flag Warnings

SMMUSD Plans Full-Day Schedules While Adjusting Bus Routes 

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) plans to reopen its four Malibu schools on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, with a regular full-day schedule, while continuing to monitor red flag warnings and potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs, according to an emailed letter from SMMUSD Superintendent Antonio Shelton. 

As per district protocol, schools without power before the start of the school day will remain closed. However, if any Malibu school has power, it will hold classes as scheduled. The district will update families and staff by 5:15 a.m. Tuesday to provide sufficient time for those traveling long distances due to ongoing road closures.

“We are eager to welcome students and staff back to campus after several missed days,” said the district’s announcement. “Continuity of education is critical, but safety remains our top priority.”

The closures of Pacific Coast Highway and Topanga Canyon Road continue to present difficulties for staff members and displaced families commuting to Malibu. Many students from Santa Monica and surrounding areas rely on daily bus transportation to Malibu schools, including special education students.

District officials commended staff for their dedication to returning to Malibu under challenging conditions. SMMUSD also thanked Santa Monica-Malibu Classroom Teachers Association President Claudia Bautista Nicolas for her partnership in ensuring a focus on student learning during this time.

Bus routes have been temporarily adjusted to accommodate road closures, and new riders can join the service free of charge by completing a transportation application. Current bus riders may board at any designated stop.

For questions about transportation, families can contact Interim Director of Transportation Steven Carrillo at s.carrillo@smmusd.org.

Below are the updated, temporary bus schedules for Malibu Middle and High Schools, as well as Webster Elementary:

• Malibu Middle and High Schools:
  • Morning Route (Bus #11):
    • 7:30 a.m. – 26531 Agoura Rd., Calabasas (near Starbucks)
    • 7:55 a.m. – John Tyler Drive
    • 8:05 a.m. – Winding Way
    • 8:15 a.m. – Ramirez Mesa
    • 8:25 a.m. – Malibu schools
  • Afternoon Route (Bus #11):
    • 3:45 p.m. – Departure from Malibu schools
    • Stops include Paradise Cove, John Tyler, Winding Way, and Ramirez Mesa as needed
• Santa Monica to Malibu Schools (Contract Bus):
  • Morning Route:
    • 6:15 a.m. – John Adams Middle School
    • 6:30 a.m. – Lincoln Middle School
    • 7:55 a.m. – John Tyler Drive
    • 8:25 a.m. – Malibu Middle/High Schools
  • Afternoon Route:
    • 3:45 p.m. – Departure from Malibu schools
    • Stops include John Tyler Drive, Lincoln Middle School, and John Adams Middle School
• Webster Elementary Route:
  • Morning Route:
    • 6:30 a.m. – John Adams Middle School
    • 6:40 a.m. – Lincoln Middle School
    • 7:30 a.m. – 26531 Agoura Rd., Calabasas (near Starbucks)
    • 8:10 a.m. – Malibu Elementary (Grayfox St.)
    • 8:25 a.m. – Webster Elementary
  • Afternoon Route:
    • 3:00 p.m. – Departure from Webster Elementary
    • Stops include Malibu Elementary, Calabasas (Starbucks), Lincoln Middle School, and John Adams Middle School