Public School Funding

California once ranked among the nation's leaders in public school funding when local property taxes were the primary source of support. That changed with the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978, which significantly limited property tax revenue and shifted
school funding to the state.

Today, despite being the world's fourth-largest economy, California continues to underfund public education. The challenge is even greater in Manhattan Beach. Although local property values are high, only 23% of property taxes support local schools. Since the adoption of California's Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) in 2013, MBUSD has remained among the lowest-funded districts in the state, receiving thousands less per student than the statewide average—even after directed support from MBEF. Local sources, including MBEF, account for 16% of MBUSD per-pupil funding.

CALIFORNIA PER-PUPIL COMPARISON

Ed-Data financial reports show significant variation in state funding across districts—highlighting the critical role of local support.

BUILDING A FOUNDATION OF EXCELLENCE

Learn more about the challenges of state funding and why MBUSD receives thousands less than the average district in California. The foundation of community support through MBEF has ensured educational excellence for decades.