For the past four decades, MBEF has provided a means for the Manhattan Beach community to invest in superior public education for our students. The support has provided a foundation of excellence and has grown into a multi-million-dollar commitment that maintains reasonable class sizes, rigorous academics, and a breadth of educational experiences from kindergarten through high school. This year MBEF has increased its support by over 15%, providing $7.5 million in programs and educators districtwide.
CLASS SIZE REDUCTION
$4,134,500 – 55% of Overall Funding
Few educational practices have the potential for greater impact than learning in a classroom with fewer students, whether it is in person or virtual. Both parents and teachers consistently prioritize the importance of Class Size Reduction (CSR) as instrumental in a student’s educational experience.
General Class Size Reduction (4-12) – $3,284,500
While state guidelines provide for a maximum of 24 students per class in grades TK-3, there are no maximums in grades 4-12. Without restrictions or adequate state funding, our schools depend on support from MBEF to ensure more reasonable class sizes in grades 4-12. MBEF funding decreases the average class size by at least 5 students districtwide.
English and Math Class Size Reduction (6-9) – $480,000
In addition, MBEF directs CSR funding towards reducing class size specifically in English/ Humanities and Math in grades 6-9. The transition to middle and high school can be challenging and providing more space for personalized learning in core subjects ensures our students have the support they need. This directed grant ensures that the average class size is near 30 for these critical subjects.
High School Elective Enhancement/Zero Period (9-12) – $220,000
This grant provides for enhanced elective options such as Link Crew, a mentoring program for incoming freshmen led by juniors and seniors. It also allows for all Mira Costa students to add an extra period to their schedule so they can fulfill course requirements and benefit from the array of additional elective course options. More than 25% of MCHS students take advantage of an additional period each day.
Middle School Elective Enhancement (6-8) – $150,000
The enhanced elective program at MBMS offers middle school students a range of electives, including Computer Applications, Visual Arts, Film, Yearbook, Drama, and the nationally recognized mentoring program, Where Everybody Belongs (WEB).
COUNSELING AND SUPPORT
$1,233,500 – 17% of Overall Funding
Levels of stress, anxiety and depression at schools throughout the country with similar demographics have increased at an unprecedented rate. A dramatic increase in mental health concerns among students has led us to target a significant portion of our funding towards social emotional wellness districtwide.
Guidance and Academic Support Counselors (6-12) – $677,000
Counselors foster a sense of connection on campus and play an essential role for students in academic guidance and life planning. While districts throughout the state have increased their student to counselor ratio, MBEF’s investment has kept our ratios reasonable, ensuring time to work with students on time management, prioritization, organization, as well as monitor student progress.
College and Career Counselors (9-12) – $257,000
MBEF funds the experts in the MCHS College and Career Center (CCC) devoted to coaching our high school students and helping them navigate the college application process and post-graduation pathways. This program is an essential part of helping our students make the right personal choice for their next step upon graduation. Parents are welcome to utilize the extensive CCC services along with their student(s).
Elementary Assistant Principal (TK-5) – $140,000
Grand View and Pacific Elementary have significantly more students and teachers than the other three elementary schools in the district. In keeping with our goal of parity among schools, MBEF funds a shared Assistant Principal to increase the capacity of the Principals at both sites to better meet the academic and social emotional needs of all students.
MBMS Assistant Principal: Student Life (6-8) – $140,000
The additional Assistant Principal is focused on student and parent engagement to meet the varying needs of our student body. The coordination of all social emotional learning programs at the middle school creates a more inclusive learning environment and helps to better meet the diverse needs of our students at a critical transition in their lives.
Social Inclusion Grants (TK-12) – $15,000
Students and educators throughout the district are encouraged to apply for small grants for programs that celebrate our differences and create a welcoming environment for all students.
Teacher of the Year Awards (TK-12) – $4,500
Each year MBUSD recognizes one teacher from each school as the Teacher of the Year, and one of those teachers is selected as the districtwide Teacher of the Year. With this grant, made possible by an endowment fund sponsored by the Nickell Family, all of MBUSD’s seven elementary and secondary Teachers of the Year receive a monetary reward.
DISTANCE LEARNING SUPPORT (TK-12)
$250,000 – 3% of Overall Funding
The learning platform has shifted dramatically for our students over the past several months and may continue to fluctuate in the months ahead. To strengthen TK-12 learning for the 2020-21 school year, MBEF is dedicating funding to help ensure a successful learning environment, particularly in a remote setting. MBEF will fund both professional development support at the district and school site level, as well as access to online curriculum to ensure consistent and productive learning across all grade levels.
MUSIC INSTRUCTION (3-12)
$405,000 – 5% of Overall Funding
Music, math, language and science achievement go hand-in-hand. MBEF supports music instruction in grades 3-12, and as a result, the music program at MBUSD has flourished. All students in grades 3-5 receive weekly music instruction, which forms the foundation for our award-winning middle and high school programs. This year additional music sections were added to support growth in the high school program.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (1-5)
$279,000 – 4% of Overall Funding
MBEF is proud to support credentialed physical education teachers at our elementary schools to provide high-quality physical education and sportsmanship instruction each week. The specialized instruction is complemented by instruction provided by classroom teachers as well. In addition to the physical health benefits, research shows that physical activity can help children improve their concentration, memory, and classroom behavior.
READING, WRITING & LIBRARIES
$671,000 – 9% of Overall Funding
The significant shifts in the way we teach writing and literacy in our schools has had a tremendous impact on student learning. Our students continue to excel on standardized tests and participate in advanced courses and electives, including Creative Writing, Journalism, and AP English.
Library Resource Specialists (TK-8) – $286,000
Having access to a school library and knowing how to access credible sources using technology provides endless discoveries for students. MBEF supports Library Resource Specialists to teach students research and media literacy skills to help them leverage resources in all grade levels and foster a passion for reading, learning and research that will serve them throughout their lives.
Reading Specialists (1-5) – $385,000
Reading competency and comprehension ensures our students are on the right track for learning. This grant funds credentialed teachers who work with students in a small group setting to increase reading proficiency on the entire reading spectrum.
STEM: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
$519,000 – 7% of Overall Funding
If our students are to compete and thrive in today’s global economy, we must provide a solid, hands-on foundation in STEM education. Confidence in math and science not only supports STEM-related fields, but also helps develop the ability to think critically and to be innovative.
Math TOSA (TK-12) – $100,000
Our TOSAs have historically provided specialized coaching in academic areas that require more attention and growth, such as literacy, science, technology and 21st Century Teaching and Learning. The Math TOSA will continue to strengthen Common Core instruction while also helping to bridge curriculum from the elementary to secondary levels while teaching remotely.
Northrop Grumman Teacher Innovation Grants (TK-12) – $30,000
With a dedicated grant from Northrop Grumman, MBEF will shift the Teacher Innovation Grant Program for teachers and counselors throughout our district towards STEM programs in particular. Each Innovation Grant provides our educators with an opportunity to exercise their passion for teaching, develop original ideas, collaborate with colleagues, and connect with the wealth of knowledge, expertise and talent within MBUSD.
Science Lab Assistant (9-12) – $59,000
The Science Lab Assistant at MCHS supports science teachers by preparing materials and resources to make lab instruction organized, efficient and innovative.
Science Specialists (1-5) – $282,000
This grant supports credentialed science teachers to provide elementary students with hands-on lab experience and project-based learning opportunities that support grade-level curriculum and strengthen a student’s passion for science. Opportunities for enriched learning at home is critical to support student growth this year.
STEM Based Electives (6-8) – $48,000
MBEF supports an advanced level STEM elective at the middle school, as well as additional course options in the STEM field.
