Dear MBUSD Parents and Community,

I hope this message finds you well and that you are enjoying a restful and rejuvenating Spring Break. On Monday, March 30, the MBUSD Board of Trustees announced the pending selection of seasoned educator Dr. Kim Linz as the finalist for the District’s next Superintendent. Dr. Linz brings nearly three decades of experience in education and a strong connection to our community, having previously served as principal at both Pacific Elementary and Manhattan Beach Middle School before transitioning to a leadership role in El Segundo. She is widely recognized for her thoughtful, collaborative leadership style and deep commitment to students, staff, and families. As someone who has had the privilege of serving this incredible community, I am confident that Dr. Linz’s leadership, experience, and care for MBUSD will serve the District well. We look forward to sharing additional updates as the process continues, and I know you will join me in warmly welcoming her back to Manhattan Beach. With that exciting update, here’s an overview of what will be highlighted in this week’s newsletter:

MBUSD is proud to recognize the outstanding staff members selected as 2025–26 Classified Employees of the Year at each site and department: Evie Burkhead (MB Preschool), Sherman Jones (Robinson), Carlos Gonzalez (Pennekamp), Kathy Poje (Grand View), Susie Howat (Pacific), Goreti Gonzalez (Meadows), Jaid Milburn (MBMS), Mabel Huizar (Mira Costa), Ryan Rhodes (Maintenance & Operations), Susan Orner (Food & Nutrition Services), and Karla Spencer (District Office). The Classified Employee of the Year process includes nominations, input from supervisors and colleagues, and a review of each individual’s contributions to their school or department community. These individuals will be formally recognized at the April 29 Board of Trustees meeting, where the MBUSD District Classified Employee of the Year will also be announced.

Grand View’s 2nd graders have been actively engaging in meaningful learning across literacy, the arts, and science. Students recently celebrated the culmination of their opinion writing unit by recommending books to their peers using strong, persuasive language and sharing compliments during a publishing celebration. During Read Across America Week, they explored diverse stories, participated in literacy activities, and made personal connections to what they read. In the arts, students showcased their creativity and collaboration through an energetic hip-hop performance, building coordination and confidence under the guidance of Mr. Robert. Their learning extended into science as well, where students researched dinosaurs and brought their studies to life with a field trip to the Natural History Museum, examining fossils and applying their knowledge as young paleontologists.

This Staff Spotlight is a special one for me, as I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Heather since 2021 and have seen firsthand the care, professionalism, and deep knowledge she brings to MBUSD.

Heather has served as Executive Assistant to the Superintendent for the past 10 years, following a unique MBUSD journey that began as a PTA volunteer, then substitute teacher, and later working at Mira Costa High School before stepping into her current role.

Her deep roots in the Manhattan Beach community make her story especially meaningful—she attended Grand View as a student in the 1960s and 70s, bringing her journey full circle. 

Heather shares that her favorite part of the job is the people, and she takes pride in supporting students, staff, and District leadership.

Outside of work, she enjoys running on the beach, spending time with her family, and—fun fact—is still caring for a 27-year-old African Clawed Frog from her son’s first-grade classroom.

The 29th Annual Exer Urgent Care Gator Run is just around the corner, and all are invited to join this fun, family-friendly event benefiting the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation (MBEF), which supports every school in our District. This beloved community tradition brings together students, staff, families, and neighbors for a morning of movement and connection. Whether you run, walk, or stroll, the event offers a festive atmosphere with a t-shirt, donut at the finish line, vendor booths, and activities for kids. Events like the Gator Run highlight the important partnership between MBUSD, MBEF, and our PTA groups in supporting programs that enrich our schools. Join us on Sunday, May 3 at 8:00 a.m., with early bird registration available through April 4.

Mira Costa High School is officially a triple threat! With standout academic growth in CAASPP/CAST results, a CIF Southern Section Commissioner’s Cup Top 10 athletics ranking, and the 2026 California Exemplary Arts in Education Award, Costa continues to excel across academics, athletics, and the arts. There is so much to celebrate as the school year continues!

The 2026 Mira Costa Scholar Quiz Tournament wrapped up on March 30 with the GREEN Team—Alex Bindler, Dylan Feakins, Ethan Stearns, and Davis Radden—taking 1st place, and the WHITE Team finishing as finalists. Thank you to Study Hut and Mira Costa PTSA for their support, and to the many volunteers who made the event possible. In a meaningful gesture, semifinalists and finalists donated their winnings to the Epilepsy Foundation of Los Angeles in honor of Costa alum Ryan James.

MBEF has extended its 2025–2026 Annual Appeal through May 30 as MBUSD continues to navigate a projected $6.8 million budget deficit. Community contributions play a key role in maintaining and restoring programs and positions not fully funded by the state, with current funding priorities focused on classroom teachers to help manage class sizes. Families can learn more about the Annual Appeal and consider participating if they are interested.

MBUSD has launched the KnowGo Program for all 1st-grade students, helping build essential personal safety skills through engaging, age-appropriate lessons. Led by Elementary Counselor Daniel Batistelli, students are learning to recognize safe and unsafe situations and how to seek help. Additional sessions in April and May will reinforce these important skills as we continue working together to support student safety and well-being.

The City of Manhattan Beach is hosting a variety of Earth Month activities this April, including its first-ever community tree planting event on Saturday, April 18 from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM along Veterans Parkway. Students from MBUSD schools, led by student Tree Ambassadors, will help plant California-native trees alongside community members. Additional events throughout the month include a native plant landscaping class, compost workshops, and more.

The next Superintendent’s Newsletter will be published on April 20. Have a wonderful Spring Break!

Dr. John Bowes, Superintendent

325 S. Peck Ave.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 318-7345