Jennifer Smith Re-Elected as SMMUSD Board President, Laurie Lieberman Named Vice President

The Board Also Extended a Thank-You to Outgoing Vice President Jon Kean for His Service

At its annual organizational meeting, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education re-elected Jennifer Smith as board president and elected Laurie Lieberman as vice president for 2025. 

The board also extended a thank-you to outgoing vice president Jon Kean for his service.

Smith, who has served on the board since her election in 2020, expressed her commitment to advancing the district’s goals in her candidate statement: “By focusing on equity and access, empowerment, curiosity, and inclusion, I will continue to work to expand our abilities and create a wider umbrella for all students to find success,” Smith stated in her candidate statement for the 2024 election. “We will see new pathways emerging for our secondary students this year along with the expansion of transitional kindergarten, while providing educational as well as social and emotional supports in this post-COVID era.”

Smith has a long history of advocacy within the district, having served as PTA president at both her children’s elementary and middle schools, as well as Santa Monica-Malibu PTA Council President from 2016 to 2018. She co-chaired two voter-supported campaigns to secure funding for the district, among other roles.

Laurie Lieberman, the newly elected vice president, brings over a decade of experience on the SMMUSD Board of Education. First elected in 2010, Lieberman earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a J.D. from UCLA. She worked as an attorney for the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office for 13 years and has been involved in district PTAs since 1996.

in News, Upbeat
Related Posts

THIS WEEKEND: Art and Music Festival Takes Over Third Street Promenade

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

Admission is free and open to the public The Third Street Promenade will transform into a lively celebration of creativity...

SMC to Host Free Children’s Concert in May

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

The event will feature collaborative performances with local artists, including a Taiko drumming group from Culver City’s El Marino Language...

(Video) The Willows: 30 Years Going Strong

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

Founded in 1994, The Willows Community School, located in Culver City, California, is a Developmental Kindergarten through 8th grade non-profit, co-educational...

ASTEME Camps Explore Science, Technology, Math and Engineering

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

Many teachers and parents hear this question daily when it comes to schooling: “When am I ever going to use...

Q&A: No Age Limit on Home Care Management & Home Safety, Tips from a Care Manager

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

In-home safety issues that go unnoticed — cracked sidewalks, broken railings or uneven flooring for example — are often the root...

CHP Arrests Man Accused of Stealing $5K of Copper on PCH

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of grand theft and was booked at the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station A 22-year-old...

Topanga Beach Bus Resumes Service Between West Valley and Santa Monica

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

The route now operates once daily in each direction and is being escorted by Caltrans The Topanga Beach Bus resumed...

Beloved Palisades Educator Who Lost Home in Fire Celebrates 97th Birthday

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

Jenkins, who was a pioneering Black property owner in the Palisades, has been the focus of community support  Louvenia Jenkins,...

Tony P’s Dockside Grill to Close After 28 Years in Marina del Rey

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

In a farewell letter to patrons, owners wrote, “We hope these final weeks are a celebration of all we have...

Four Proposals Compete for SMC Station’s Affordable Housing Future

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

The site sits in the Pico Neighborhood, where 83% of trips are by car and nearly half of residents struggle...

Dashboard Shows 28 Zoning Reviews Cleared in Palisades Fire Zone

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

County officials say the dashboard is updated frequently and is part of a broader push for transparency A new Los...

Top Freerunners Set to Compete at ‘Kings of the Concrete’ in Venice Beach

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

The event marks a new chapter in the evolution of Kings of the Concrete, which began as a digital contest...

Big Blue Bus Stops Can Now be Adopted

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

A new effort by Santa Monica aims to supplement city maintenance crews and increase engagement around public transit The City...

(Video) A Myriad of Ways to Unlock Your Beauty Offered at Mirror Mirror Med Spa

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

For More Info, Go To Mirrormedspa.com For More Info, Go To https://t.co/KJ6rMHm6wj pic.twitter.com/hRl6JlLSNy — Palisades News (@PalisadesNewsLA) April 23, 2025

(Video) Palisades High School Holds First Day at New Santa Monica Location

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

Months After the Wildfires, Pali High Will No Longer Hold Classes Via Zoom and Have Them in a Temporary Santa...