In a recent meeting, the San Marino Unified School District (SMUSD) addressed key issues regarding developer fees and potential state funding for school improvements. The district has engaged with both the city of San Marino and the county of Los Angeles to clarify the processes for calculating and collecting developer fees. Property owners in San Marino must pay their school fees at City Hall, while those in unincorporated areas within SMUSD boundaries must first obtain a permit report from the County's Department of Public Works before proceeding to the SMUSD Business Office for fee payment. To facilitate this process, the district has launched a new webpage outlining the steps involved.

Additionally, the district discussed its eligibility for state funding contingent on the passage of Measure M and Proposition 2. Initial estimates suggested the district could apply for around $6 million, but further analysis has raised this figure to approximately $34.5 million, encompassing both modernization and new construction grants. The breakdown includes an estimated $21.3 million for new construction and over $13 million for modernization efforts.

The district emphasized that these funds would not add to the bond repayment obligations, as they would come from the state’s general fund, provided that the district's construction plans receive approval from the California Department of Education and the Department of State Architects. However, the process to access these funds could take several years, as the district must join a queue of other districts seeking similar funding.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of enrollment trends in determining future funding eligibility, with the district noting that an increase in student numbers could significantly impact the amount of state funding available in the coming years. The district expressed optimism about the potential for increased funding and the positive implications for local schools, while also preparing to share updates on ongoing educational initiatives from school principals and staff.