Be sure to get your tickets in advance. Click here for more information or to buy tickets.

At Wednesday’s  board workshop, district administrators presented a plan that would reduce MBUSD’s budget deficit by $2.5 million.  With non-personnel cost reductions and additional revenue, fewer staff reductions may be necessary, at least for the upcoming year.  No formal action was taken at the workshop and the proposal is likely to evolve over the coming months.  The plan gives MBEF guidance as we begin determining our grants for next year.  We will work closely with the school board, administrators, and PTAs to ensure your donations are put to their higest and best use.  Please continue to send us your comments and questions.  Have a great spring break. Sincerely,Nina Patel, MBEF President  Read More about Workshop A special Thank You to our $5,000 and above donors.  Your generousity is so very much appreciated this year.

	FOCUS ON GRANTS: Counseling Makes a Huge Difference at Mira Costa  This month, seniors and parents across the country await those thick and thin envelopes from college admissions offices.  With acceptance rates at historical lows, the landscape of who gets the nod has certainly changed.  But Mira Costa graduates are faring better than ever.  Read More
	Farmers Market Donations Part of  “Think Local First”Local business owners like Chandra Shaw are trying to get residents to “think local first” when they are contemplating purchases.  Studies show that a mere 10% shift in spending reaps rewards for local communities; as these purchases are much more likely to generate additional revenue in towns.   So whether its lemons or luxury items, a little shift might mean big for all of us.  Read More
	School Board, MBEF & PTA Advocate in  Sacramento  On March 13th, fourteen parent leaders sojourned to Sacramento to advocate for public education and Manhattan Beach schools. School board members Ida VanderPoorte, Ellen Rosenberg, Penny Bordokas and team met with more than 40 elected officials and staffers regarding  state education funding and related issues.  The daytrip is an annual tradition but this years’ trip was even more  critical, due to sweeping funding reform proposed by Governor Brown.  Read More
	Selected links to inspire you, educationally speaking: Special Event:  MBMS Science Night, Friday, May 3rd, from 4 to 8 p.m. Volunteers needed. Click here for more. Article:  How California voter’s view Brown’s School Finance Reform.  Read here or email the Governor here. Article: Find out how to boost Early Math Skills here Video:  Get inspired by Kahn Academy founder Salman Kahn’s TED Talk Book: Sticks and Stones, by Elizabeth Bazolon – More here

Gail Currey and Katherine Folkman help seniors through college selections.   

By Leanne Huebner (March 28, 2013)

This month, seniors and parents across the country await those thick and thin envelopes (and more often, emails) from college admissions offices.   Most parents wonder what special sauce leads to that admission offer from competitive colleges.  With acceptance rates at historic lows, the landscape of who gets in and who doesn’t has certainly changed.

While student test scores, extracurriculars and academics are clearly the biggest pieces of the admissions puzzle, great college counseling can make all the difference for your student too.   Recognizing its importance, MBEF is the biggest financial contributor to Mira Costa High School’s Career and Counseling.

Unfortunately, most California school districts can’t afford such counseling.   According to American School Counselor Association, California public high schools have the second worst counselor to student ratio in the entire U.S. at 810 to 1.  Yet, here in MBUSD, your donations to MBEF fund over $1 million in counseling salaries, including the CCC counselors.   Mira Costa’s ratio is significantly better than the statewide average (and even the national average) at about 410 to 1.

“We’ve heard stories from surrounding high schools that kids must wait months for 15-minute appointments and counselors have nearly 1,000 students in their caseloads,” shares Susan Warshaw, Executive Director of Manhattan Beach Education Foundation.  “MBEF realizes that an investment in counseling is absolutely critical to our students’ college path and lifetime success.”

More and more colleges and universities – especially highly selective ones– are discovering Mira Costa for its amazing student body.   In fact, colleges wanting to visit and pitch their colleges to MCHS students increased by 30% this year.

And that exposure is turning out great admissions for Mira Costa graduates.   Last year, Mira Costa graduates matriculated to 16 of the top 50 liberal arts colleges and 32 of the top 50 U.S. universities.   Several Mira Costa graduates can be found on campuses at every Ivy League university, Stanford, and several of other top competitive colleges.  According to self-reported data, 96% of MCHS students matriculate to either a four-year or two-year college.

What makes our students attractive to top colleges are our award-winning programs like drama, debate, print and broadcast journalism, band, orchestra, choir, athletics and much more.  In fact, earlier this year, Mira Costa High School once again won national recognition at the Ivy League Model United Nations Conference at the University of Pennsylvania.   The team, under Mr. Timberlake, has racked up years of accolades.

“We have great opportunities at Mira Costa that can really allow a student to find a niche that makes them an interesting candidate.  I can’t say every private school has the depth and breadth of what a great high school like Mira Costa offers,” shares Gail Currey, one of the counselors at Mira Costa since 2008.

“Success in admissions breeds more success in later years,” continues Ms. Currey.  “These colleges are coming for our graduates and their interest gets greater every year.  Thanks to MBEF for having the vision to fund invaluable counseling at Mira Costa.”

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Further Reading:

See our where MCHS grads go at 2012 Costa Grads go Coast to Coast. 

Seven Strategies for Getting into Collge – U.S. News Article here

The (Fat) Envelope Please:  College Admission Tougher Than Ever- Forbes Article here

Want Your Kids to Succeed?  Don’t Pay For Their Education – Forbes Article here

Mira Costa’s Secret to Success in Model UN – TOLMUN blog, click here

Ms. Currey confers with a student on college selections.

• Most of our money comes from the state. And most of the state’s money for schools comes from income tax (not property tax). Because income tax revenue fluctuates with the economy, our school funding fluctuates as well. We’ve lost 22 percent of our revenue (over $40 million) since the global recession began five years ago.
• We aren’t like other states. Property taxes do not go straight to our school district nor are they a substantial source of education funding. California’s system changed in the 1970s when Prop 13 capped property taxes and districts lost local control over their funding. At the same time, the state lost a lawsuit challenging the use of property taxes for school funding. By the 1980s, California had in place the current complex system, which has its own limitations.
• Governor Brown is planning sweeping education reform to make the system simpler and to give more funding to districts with low income students and English-language learners. Our district could get less funding over the years under the new system than the current one.
• Our district is underfunded compared to other California school districts or similar communities in other states. California is 49th in per-pupil spending. In Manhattan Beach, we get significantly less than the average California district.
• Funding from MBEF is considered local revenue. There are no limits to local revenue and it does not affect how much state funding we are eligible to receive. A district isn’t penalized for raising money through a foundation or a parcel or sales tax. In fact, in some districts like San Marino and Piedmont (both very high-achieving districts), local revenue is more than 30 percent of the district’s budget. In MBUSD, MBEF grants represent roughly 10 percent of our district’s operating budget.

Without your support of MBEF, our school district would be facing an additional $5 million in cuts. Thankfully, we don’t have to imagine that. Today, MBUSD is a top-ranked K-12 district (fourth highest API score in the state) with many offerings that other districts don’t provide. Your contributions have kept our schools thriving. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Nina Patel and the MBEF Board of Directors

On Saturday, Superintendent Dr. Matthews sent an e-mail to all parents regarding budget reductions. As mentioned in the letter, the school district faces a multi-million dollar deficit for the school year ending 2012-2013. (See the budget presentation to the school board for a detailed analysis.)

There are several factors contributing to the deficit:

• No growth in state revenue. Governor Brown’s proposed budget redirects additional revenue from Prop. 30 to other school districts; it will not result in new funds to MBUSD nor replenish significant funding reductions since 2008. (Here is an article in the LA Times and an overview of funding reform).
• Loss of federal stimulus funding
• Increasing personnel expenses

Our district must comply with state law mandating a three-year balanced budget. Therefore, the district plans to make reductions in the coming months for 2013-2014 and additional cuts in the following two years. The school board is considering staff reductions as well as other cuts. It must meet a March 15 deadline to inform certificated teachers that a layoff may occur. However, any proposed layoffs can be rescinded, giving the school board and administration time to refine decisions in the coming months.

We have faced issues like this before and, here in Manhattan Beach, we find solutions. If it weren’t for the past generosity of our donors our situation would be much worse. Nonetheless, the proposed cuts could impact some of the programs MBEF supports including teachers for small class sizes. We seek to minimize the impact to our students understanding that difficult decisions will have to be made.

MBEF is steadfast in its commitment to using your donations wisely, effectively and efficiently. We will work with the administration, school board and PTAs to monitor and discuss the situation. MBEF has always tried to align with priorities set by the administration and the school board and we will continue to do that because unity has been critical to our successes.

We appreciate your patience and support during this process and we stand behind our commitment to great schools for our children here in Manhattan Beach. Our goal is to keep you informed of developments as they occur.

Thank you once again for your support of MBEF as it is truly critical to the success of our schools.

Sincerely,

Nina Patel
MBEF President

Please reach out to me or any of our Board members if you have questions or concerns about this process. In addition, there are a number of ways where we parents can participate in this process as well.

• Get informed about changes to school funding.
• Contact your representatives in Sacramento: State Senator Ted Lieu, Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, and U.S. Congressman Henry Waxman.
• Contact school board members www.mbusd.org.
• Write to the Superintendent Matthews mmatthews@mbusd.org.
• Attend the school board meeting on March 6, at 6:30 pm. 325 S. Peck Avenue.
• Donate to MBEF if you haven’t yet or would like to contribute more.
• Attend MBEF general board meeting March 12 at 7:30 pm. 325 S. Peck Avenue.
• Contact your PTA Legislative Representative at your school and find out more about what our parents are doing to advocate for our students in Sacramento.

The layoff notices can be rescinded if the school board can find other areas to cut, or increase revenues to offset the $2 million projected to be cut this year. The school board has scheduled a board workshop on March 27 at 5:30pm at the District Office to explore all other cost cutting options, revenue enhancements and set priorities to meet the budget.

MBEF will take part in the discussions to make sure that your donations are directed in the most efficient and beneficial way to support MBUSD students. If you would like to know more, please come to MBEF’s General Board meeting, March 12 at 7:30 pm at the District Office, 325 S. Peck Avenue.

Our parents are very generous and supportive so it’s no surprise that many of you have asked us and your PTAs how you can help. We speak for the children and teachers when we say this offer is much appreciated. We think it’s best to wait until we learn more at the March 27 budget workshop. From there we can develop a plan that considers the information from the workshop and the options available then.

We thank you for volunteering, contributing and advocating on behalf of all Manhattan Beach public schools.

Sincerely,

Nina Patel
MBEF President

Below we have provided an FAQ based on questions we’ve received this past week.

What about Prop 30 and school funding reform?

Prop 30 raised additional revenue for schools and helped all school districts avoid cuts. It was not until after it was passed that Governor Brown proposed his Local Control Funding Formula. If this reform is approved in June, school districts with low income students and English-language learners will receive more funding than those without. Please note that MBEF did not endorse the proposition; neither did the school board or the PTA council. (The council endorsed Prop 38 which lost at the polls.) The majority of voters in Manhattan Beach voted no on Prop 30.

The district has a reserve. Why do we have a problem?

It’s true that the district has a multi-million dollar reserve that was built up through conservative budgeting and careful oversight of one-time revenue. This reserve is protecting us from running out of money in the short term. Rather than wait for the reserve to run out and face making a large cut all at once, the school board proposes making cuts gradually and methodically.

How is it that the district is spending more than it is taking in?

The district’s deficit is primarily the result of state underfunding since 2008 combined with increased expenditures. Last school year, the district’s audited budget showed a final operating deficit of $1.1 million. The deficit carries forward into this year where we face a significant drop in federal revenue and increased general fund costs associated with compensation, benefits, personnel and operations. For next year, many districts throughout the state anticipate substantial state revenue increases from the proposed Local Control Funding Formula. MBUSD is not one of those districts, and while we are expecting a very modest increase in state funding next year, the projected increase does not offset rising costs nor restore the funding we should have received over the past several years.

How will we fix the problem?

There are two sides to the equation: spending and revenue. The school board will examine both and finalize its three-year budget by June 15. Initial plans call for $2 million of annual reductions over the next three years, including some teacher layoffs. Proposed layoffs can be rescinded, giving the school board and administration flexibility over the coming months. The situation is challenging. It requires tremendous thought and care in prioritizing programs and determining what the basic, fundamental educational needs are for our students.MBEF will participate in discussions about the budget.

What can parents do?

You can support MBEF which is the only parent organization that can pay for teachers and staff. (Your PTA pays for things, MBEF pays for staff. MBEF currently grants $5 million for 72 educators.) We have faced issues like this before and, here in Manhattan Beach, we find solutions. If it weren’t for the past generosity of our donors our situation would be much worse.

In addition, you can do the following:

• Get informed about changes to school funding.
• Contact your representatives in Sacramento: State Senator Ted Lieu, Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, and U.S. Congressman Henry Waxman.
• Contact school board members www.mbusd.org.
• Write to the Superintendent Matthews mmatthews@mbusd.org.
• Attend the school board meeting on March 6, at 6:30 pm. 325 S. Peck Avenue.
• Donate to MBEF if you haven’t yet or would like to contribute more.
• Attend MBEF general board meeting March 12 at 7:30 pm. 325 S. Peck Avenue.
• Contact your PTA Legislative Representative at your school and find out more about what our parents are doing to advocate for our students in Sacramento.

January 31, 2013

Have you ever noticed this sticker when entering your dentist’s office or your favorite restaurant?  

While most parents are aware of MBEF’s Annual Appeal, many are not aware of just how much MBEF appeals to our local business community for support.   “Several of our volunteers dedicate their time to encouraging businesses to support our schools through the MBEF Business Sponsor Program,” shares Nina Patel, President of MBEF.  “Parents can’t do it alone.”

Why Businesses Step Up

It makes sense to support local schools, especially for business that rely on a strong school district.  “It’s a win-win situation for us,” shares Jim Van Zanten of South Bay Brokers.  “People move to Manhattan Beach for the schools, and MBEF is one of the biggest reasons our schools are so good.  It’s good business for us to support them.”

“Associating with MBEF communicates our support of the schools to our customers, many of whom have kids in our schools,” says Manhattan Bread & Bagel owner Michael Keegan.  “People see that sticker and thank me for being a sponsor.”

Sponsorship provides targeted local exposure with a reasonable charitable contribution.  Gourmet coffee cafe Two Guns Espresso, for instance, became a Business Sponsor last year, its first year in operation.  “We wanted to get our name known in the local community, and sponsoring MBEF was a fast way to do that.  People pay attention to what’s happening at the schools, and they see our name connected to them,” says Andrew Stanisich (“Stan”), Co-Owner of Two Guns.

BSP Growth Explodes

Since the program’s inception in 2010, more than 65 businesses have become MBEF Business Sponsors.   Nearly every Sponsor has renewed after its first year.

How Parents Can Help

In addition to MBEF’s dedicated volunteers, parents are a great source of prospects.  Grand View parent Chad Beasley, for instance, recently committed his company, Dealer.com, to a $10,000 business sponsorship.

Even a random dental cleaning can help our schools.  “Orthodontist Patti Panucci of Beach Braces became a Sponsor after hearing of the Program from a parent.  “I’ve seen parents talk to their dentist about MBEF’s work on behalf of the schools and, the next thing I knew, the dentist became a Business Sponsor,” shared Margo Thole, MBEF Business Development Director.

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For more information about the Business Sponsorship Program, please contact Margo Thole at (310) 303-3342. 

January 31, 2013

Earlier this month, Governor Brown proposed his 2013-2014  budget.  Although it contains more funds for K-12 education, it is unclear what portion of the those additional funds, if any, our schools will receive.

The Governor proposes to increase K-14 spending by $2.7 billion, or five percent, to $56.2 billion and to repay $1.3 billion of deferred revenue to school districts. He also proposes a significant change to school funding policy, one in which more dollars flow to students with greater need, known as a weighted student formula. Under this proposal, funding would significantly increase for English learners and low-income students.  Because fewer than five percent of students in Manhattan Beach are English learners or low income, MBUSD may not see an increase in funding.  A similar weighted student formula was proposed last year, however, it was not enacted.

Manhattan Beach School Board of Trustees and Superintendent Dr. Mike Matthews are working with legislators to advocate for our school district’s needs. The outcome of the Governor’s proposed changes is highly dependent on the state legislature and the budget process.

In the coming weeks, state budget officials will release specific per-district funding levels and we will know more precisely the effect of the Governor’s proposal. It is worth noting that our schools have experienced a 22 percent reduction in funding since 2008, according to Deputy Superintendent Rick Bagley.

“We will still very much need the private funding from nonprofits like MBEF to keep our schools strong and running,” states Dr. Mike Matthews, Manhattan Beach Superintendent of Schools.

More Reading:

EdSource: With more funding, Brown launches K-12 funding reform

O.C. Register Districts question Brown’s plan for neediest students

Los Angeles Times:  Govenor Brown’s School Reform Proposal Should get Passing Grade 

Want to have your voice heard?   Contact your Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi here and or State Senate Ted Lieu here.