Malibu School Board Member Keith Coleman Resigns

MALIBU, CA — Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District board member Keith Coleman announced his resignation on Wednesday.

Coleman also withdrew from the upcoming Nov. 8 election, which will decide four SMMUSD board seats.

Coleman's announced resignation Wednesday, effective immediately, after he became his ill father's primary caregiver, he said in a letter to Superintendent Ben Drati.

"Earlier this week I moved my elderly father from out of state to live with me in Santa Monica. My father is in very ill health, and I am currently his primary care giver. After only a few days, I realize that caring for my dad will require much more time and energy than I had initially imagined; and that doing so will affect my ability to serve effectively on the board," Coleman said.

He additionally sited harassment and "false allegations" for his resignation, though he did not specify the nature of the incidents.

"In addition to full-time caring for my ailing father, my family has been the target of false allegations, hurtful threats, including stalking, harassment, and bullying, over the past several months. These anonymous threats, vitriol, and hateful messages have caused me to fear for my safety and for that of my family members, including my son, if I continue to serve on the board," Coleman said.

Coleman joined the board in January 2021.

The board has a couple options to fill Coleman's spot. If his resignation is considered less than four months away from his scheduled term ending in Dec. 2022, the board can wait for the next regularly scheduled election to fill the seat. If the board considers his resignation more than four months away from his scheduled term ending, Coleman's spot will be filled by special election or board appointment.

The board will discuss the resignation at an upcoming meeting, a district representative said.

"Mr. Coleman has served with honor, integrity, excellence, and the best interests of SMMUSD students in mind. I appreciate his service and dedication to our communities, his passion for diversity, equity and inclusion work, and his dedication to student success and opportunity," Drati said in a note to community members.