New Nonprofit Created To Raise Funds For Malibu Schools

MALIBU, CA — A nonprofit was recently formed for all Malibu public schools. Malibu LEAD is a non-profit run by a Board comprised of parent leaders from each of the four Malibu public schools: Malibu Elementary, Webster Elementary, Malibu Middle School and Malibu High School, the press release said.

Each school’s PTA, The Shark Fund and Malibu Schools Leadership Council are represented, and School Board member Craig Foster will be a key LEAD advisor, according to the Malibu LEAD press release.

"Our mission is to engage the community to invest in Malibu public schools and create an educational experience for our children beyond what is possible with public funds alone," the Malibu LEAD press release said. "Malibu LEAD believes that Malibu public schools have the capacity to become the best public schools in the country, leading in educational innovation, socio-emotional focus, and child-centered practices."

Malibu LEAD's volunteers, in partnership with parents, teachers, school administrators, and the community, will "ensure that every student in Malibu public schools experiences an enriched and fulfilling education and is prepared for success after high school," the press release said.

With the creation of Malibu LEAD, all private fundraising for Malibu's public schools is under malibu's control, and all donated funds are spent exclusively within the city.

All fundraising entities have collaborated to reshape the efforts, preserving what works and adding new capabilities and opportunities as Malibu LEAD continues to raise money from each schools' community to fund the locally-created budget of staff, programs, equipment, supplies and more, the press release said

"Local control has been a fundamental right sought by our community for some time," Malibu LEAD said. "The return of all fundraising for our schools to Malibu is an important milestone as we continue to execute Malibu’s vision for its public schools."

Familiar fundraising campaigns such as events, direct donation drives, spirit-wear and more will continue, but now, through Malibu LEAD, there is the opportunity to hold large-scale, city-wide fundraising events to benefit all Malibu schools.

Malibu LEAD also got approval from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District to pay for additional personnel with donated funds, including classroom aides, arts teachers, and more, the press release said. Gardia Fox, current Chair of the Malibu LEAD Board, said the group will be actively seeking support for Malibu public schools from the non-parent community as well.

"We believe community members, from local small businesses, to larger, locally connected and national institutions all have an interest in helping us ensure our kids’ educational advancement. Malibu LEAD will perform strategic outreach to key potential stakeholders to help bridge the public funding gap and provide innovative programs and engaging, relevant curriculum for all Malibu students," Fox said. "It is LEAD’s job to work with the SMMUSD and worldwide community of caring advocates to bring to life many of this generation’s most pressing educational needs and opportunities, creating the skills, knowledge, and habits that prepare our students for the world that awaits them."