CLASS SIZE REDUCTION
$3,237,074 – 46% of Overall Funding
Few educational practices have a more profound impact on student learning than smaller class sizes. Both parents and teachers consistently emphasize the importance of Class Size Reduction (CSR) as a key factor in a successful educational experience. There is no directive or funding from the state to keep class sizes at a particular level above third grade, making support from MBEF to reduce student-to-teacher ratios in core instruction and critical grade levels imperative to ensure our students have optimal learning conditions.
All Elementary Schools – $755,000
It is expected for class sizes to increase in 4th and 5th grades as students develop greater independence, stronger foundational skills, and the ability to engage in more complex group work. MBEF donations fund SIX additional classroom teachers to ensure that 4th and 5th grade class sizes do not exceed an average of 28 students per class districtwide.
Manhattan Beach Middle School (MBMS) – $700,00
MBEF funds 28 additional sections in core instructional courses—English, Humanities, Math, Science, Social Science—to dramatically reduce class size for all students. Without MBEF, all core classes at MBMS would have approximately FIVE more students per class.
Mira Costa High School (MCHS) – $1,367,074
Directed funding from MBEF supports 55 additional sections in core instruction—English, Math, Science, Social Science and World Language—to dramatically reduce class size across the campus. This significant funding directed towards class size at Mira Costa High School reduces the average class size by NINE students.
Zero Period – $415,000
MBEF funds additional sections to accommodate high school students who want to maximize their course load to benefit from the array of additional elective course options and activities. More than 25% of MCHS students take advantage of the additional period offered before the traditional school day to expand their course load.
COUNSELING AND SUPPORT
$1,374,000 – 20% of Overall Funding
A robust school counseling program provides critical social-emotional and academic support, foster a sense of connection on campus, and set students on a path for postsecondary success. The average student-to-counselor ratio in California schools is exceptionally high at 527:1 Research shows that smaller student to counselor ratios support increases in standardized test performance, attendance, GPA and graduation rates.
Middle School and High School Counselors – $985,000
MBEF funding for THREE additional School Counselors, bringing the student to counselor ratio to 300:1. MBMS School Counselors play a vital role in helping students develop essential skills in communication, conflict resolution, and self-advocacy as they navigate adolescence, increased academic expectations, and shifting peer dynamics.
MBEF funding provides FOUR additional School Counselors to support MCHS students as they progress through high school. With a student to counselor ratio of 312:1, Mira Costa School Counselors can provide timely, individualized support, build stronger relationships with students and families, and create a safer, more inclusive environment that promotes both personal well-being and academic success.
College & Career Center Counselors – $354,500
The MCHS College & Career Center (CCC) helps students plan for the future with confidence. With support from MBEF, THREE expert college admissions counselors provide personalized guidance on college admissions, career exploration, and life after graduation. Counselors host approximately 120 college visits a year, assist with college application essays, and provide one-on-one support. Families benefit from workshops, resources, and dedicated expertise every step of the way.
Educator Grants – $30,000
The MBEF Educator Grant Program supports excellence in our schools by empowering MBUSD educators to implement projects that will enhance teaching and learning throughout the district. The gap from state funding this year forced MBEF to divert the majority of this funding to the highest stakeholder priority of class size reduction. A directed grant from the Siddhartha Family has ensured that all elementary students at each of the five school sites will participate in two cultural arts experiences each year to share in our diverse global cultures. The Educator Grants Program will also continue to fund the districtwide Literacy Bowl at every elementary school and the annual International Day each spring.
Teacher of the Year Awards – $4,500
Each year, MBUSD recognizes one teacher from each school as the Teacher of the Year, one of whom is selected as the Districtwide Teacher of the Year. All MBUSD Teachers of the Year receive a small monetary award made possible by an endowment fund sponsored by the Nickell Family.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
$490,000 – 7% of Overall Funding
MBEF funds THREE expert PE teachers at the elementary level to ensure students receive 100 minutes per week of high-quality physical education. These classes promote movement, coordination, teamwork, and lifelong wellness habits, all of which support success in and out of the classroom.
LITERACY AND WRITING
$345,000 – 5% of Overall Funding
Strong literacy skills are foundational to student success. In addition to classroom instruction, our students have access to a dedicated campus library and staff to support reading proficiency, comprehension and research skills, while cultivating a love of reading with books that engage and challenge them. MBEF Funds SIX Library Resource Specialists.
Library Resource Specialists – $345,000
Having access to a school library and knowing how to use technology to access credible sources provides endless discoveries for students. MBEF supports Library Resource Specialists at the elementary and middle school grade levels to help develop research and media literacy skills, as well as foster a passion for reading and learning that will serve them throughout their lives. The libraries have become a hub of information on each campus, providing students with a quiet place to read during recess and lunch, and a vibrant center of activity at other times.
STEAM: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING ARTS & MATH
$1,045,000 – 15% of Overall Funding
STEAM education develops the skills students need to thrive in a modern, global society—creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, persistence, and problem-solving. MBEF funding supports engaging, hands-on programs that bring STEAM learning to life at every grade level.
MakerSpace Specialists – $155,000
MBEF funds FIVE trained MakerSpace Specialists to guide students through the creative design process. Students learn to think like engineers and inventors using everyday tools and materials.
Science Lab Teachers – $456,000
MBEF supports THREE credentialed science teachers who bring science to life with dynamic experiments and challenges that connect the classroom curriculum with hands-on activities to make complex concepts clear and understandable.
STEAM Pathway Electives – $250,000
MBEF connects early STEAM learning in elementary school with diverse and in-depth elective options in middle and high school, helping students explore their interests and build essential skills for the future.
MBMS – 6th grade STEAM Wheel, 7th and 8th STEAM Wheel, Fab Lab and Advanced STEAM electives.
MCHS – Astrophysics, Biotechnology, Coding, Engineering, Marine Science, Robotics, and many more.
Science Lab Assistant – $59,000
At Mira Costa, MBEF funds a dedicated Science Lab Assistant to provide critical support for our advanced lab science classes by prepping materials and ensuring lab safety.
STEAM Program Support – $125,000
Directed funding from Chevron supports districtwide STEAM programs, materials, and technology.
VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS
$510,000 – 7% of Overall Funding
Arts education is more than an elective—it is an essential part of a well-rounded academic experience. MBEF funding ensures that students have access to award-winning programs in music, drama, film and visual arts that encourage active learning and a deeper appreciation of the arts.
Music Education – $350,000
The District’s music program begins in elementary school with vocal, wind, and string instruments. MBEF funds THREE certificated music instructors who foster a love of music that continues into the secondary level, when students can specialize in the instrument of their choice and participate in a variety of electives and ensembles.
Visual and Performing Arts Pathway Electives – $160,000
The enhanced elective program in middle and high school offers students a wide range of courses to promote self-expression, cultural appreciation and confidence. Students can explore and refine their talents in Advanced Film, Band, Ceramics, Choir, Cinematic Arts, Drama, Graphic Design, Orchestra, Printmaking, and Technical Theater.
