Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Executive and Leadership Team

Claudia Bautista-Nicholas, the President of SMMCTA at SMMUSD, manages labor relations and represents the interests of educators within the district. Overseeing negotiations and contract administration, the President of SMMCTA ensures that teaching staff receive the necessary support to deliver high-quality instruction. This leadership role involves balancing the needs of faculty with the district's overarching educational objectives. By facilitating dialogue between union members and district leadership, Claudia Bautista-Nicholas maintains a stable environment conducive to student learning. Bautista-Nicholas drives initiatives that improve working conditions, which directly impacts the retention of high-quality teachers. The President of SMMCTA collaborates with other district leaders to align labor policies with the goal of achieving extraordinary outcomes for all students. Through consistent advocacy, Bautista-Nicholas secures the resources required for effective classroom instruction, ensuring that the district remains a competitive and supportive place for educators to serve the community.

Stefanie Serrato, the District President, English Learners Advisory Committee (Delac) at SMMUSD, leads advocacy efforts for students requiring language support services. Coordinating with the committee, the District President, English Learners Advisory Committee (Delac) ensures that the unique needs of English learners remain a central focus of district policy. This leadership role involves reviewing educational programs and providing recommendations to the board to improve outcomes for non-native speakers. By analyzing data on student progress, Stefanie Serrato identifies specific areas where additional resources or instructional adjustments are necessary. Serrato facilitates communication between parents of English learners and district administrators, ensuring that families have a voice in the decision-making process. The District President, English Learners Advisory Committee (Delac) drives equity-focused initiatives that help close achievement gaps across the district. Through persistent oversight, Serrato ensures that all educational services remain accessible and effective for the diverse student population served by the district.

Jon Kean, the President at SMMUSD, provides executive oversight for the district's governance and strategic direction. Managing board operations, the President ensures that all policies align with the mission of delivering quality education to students in Santa Monica and Malibu. This leadership role involves setting the agenda for board meetings and fostering consensus among members to address complex educational challenges. By evaluating district performance metrics, Jon Kean drives accountability and ensures that resources are allocated to support student success. Kean collaborates with other executive leaders to implement long-term strategies that address achievement gaps and enhance child development services. The President maintains a focus on fiscal responsibility while advocating for the needs of the broader community. Through effective governance, Kean supports the district's commitment to achieving extraordinary outcomes. Ultimately, the President provides the necessary stability and vision to guide the district through evolving educational landscapes and community expectations.

Thomas Piland, the Chief Communications Officer at SMMUSD, directs all internal and external messaging strategies to ensure transparency across the district. Managing public relations, the Chief Communications Officer coordinates information flow between the administration and the diverse communities within Santa Monica and Malibu. This leadership role involves crafting narratives that highlight educational outcomes and district-wide initiatives. By streamlining digital outreach and community engagement, Thomas Piland strengthens the connection between schools and families. Piland maintains consistent messaging standards, ensuring that all stakeholders receive accurate updates regarding special education programs and child development services. Through proactive media management, the Chief Communications Officer mitigates reputational risks while promoting the district's mission to address achievement gaps. Ultimately, Piland fosters a culture of open communication, supporting the broader goal of providing quality education to every student within the district's operational reach.