February 6, 2026

Dear MBUSD Parents and Community,

I hope this message finds you well. Before diving into this week’s newsletter, we wanted to share an update.

Beginning Monday, February 23, the Superintendent’s Newsletter will move to a Monday morning release instead of Friday afternoons.

We look forward to connecting with you earlier in the week moving forward! Now, here’s a snapshot of what’s ahead in this week’s newsletter:

In recent months, the Board of Trustees has heard reports on the District’s budget as well as the Governor’s January Budget Proposal. These reports have drawn a stark picture of MBUSD’s financial situation. The District must make significant expenditure reductions that will be extraordinarily challenging in their impact to the programs and services that we provide to our students. 

To learn more, we encourage interested community members to review MBUSD’s presentation, which breaks down the Governor’s January Budget Proposal and explains how it may impact our District. This topic was also discussed in detail at the Board meeting on Wednesday, February 4, which can be viewed here (budget discussion begins at 33:31).

Because 80% of the District’s budget is invested in personnel costs, and because most of our other costs are either fixed costs or paid for by funds that can only be used for certain purposes, the District’s expenditure reductions will largely focus on personnel reductions. These reductions will impact class size in a significant way for the 2026-27 school year, especially at the secondary level, but also at the elementary schools. We will also see reductions in many support roles, including roles in site and district administration as well as classroom, office, and campus support roles. 

While many components of our budget are not yet certain (including the impact of expenditure reductions we are working to implement in the current year, as well as the impact of a number of proposals included in the Governor’s Budget which remain under negotiations at the legislative level), the law requires that we take action to begin to implement staffing reductions planned for 2026-27 by March 15 of the current year. 

Consequently, we will be implementing a process known as a Reduction-in-Force (RIF) prior to the statutory March 15 deadline. We want to take a moment to explain what a RIF is, why it occurs, and how the process works.

What is a RIF?

A RIF is a formal process used by school districts when projected revenues are not sufficient to sustain current staffing or programs. It is a budget-driven action, not a reflection of employee performance, and is governed by state law and collective bargaining agreements.

In MBUSD’s case, this situation is driven by both revenue limitations and rising expenses. While projected revenues are not sufficient to sustain current staffing levels, the District is also facing increased costs across multiple areas. Together, these factors have created a structural imbalance in the budget, making a RIF necessary to align ongoing expenditures with available resources.

Why do districts use a RIF process?

Districts are required to adopt a balanced budget and demonstrate fiscal solvency for the current and two fiscal years. When ongoing expenditures, such as staffing, exceed available funding, districts must consider adjustments to ensure financial stability and protect instructional programs. 

MBUSD is facing the necessity for a RIF because of a structural challenge that has been in place for many years. The Local Control Funding Formula, which provides most of the funds that school districts receive from the state, is structured on an equity model, providing significant additional funds to districts with more students identified as needing additional support (English Learners, Foster Youth, and students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds). This makes MBUSD among the lowest-funded districts in the state. While inadequacy in education funding affects all schools, it affects MBUSD particularly strongly, and COLA-only increases to revenue have brought us back to the challenging circumstances that some community members might remember the District facing in 2019-20. 

Additionally, expenditures have increased significantly in recent years, exacerbating the challenges presented by the state funding structure. Inflation has impacted the cost of goods and services, but in addition to this there have been outsize impacts to expenditures in specific areas, including utility costs, insurance premiums, pension costs, and special education costs. All of these areas are legally mandated and/or required to support basic district functions, and the District must meet these mandates, regardless of cost. 

Combined, these factors have put the District in a position of needing to implement a RIF. 

How does the RIF process work?

The RIF process follows clearly defined legal and contractual steps, including:

The District has looked at every position in the District to determine which positions will be impacted by the current RIF. Following this, an analysis is conducted to determine which individuals will be provided notices; this is a strictly regulated process determined largely by seniority - again, notices are governed by law and collective bargaining agreements and have nothing to do with employee performance. 

Following this analysis, preliminary RIF notices must be provided to affected employees prior to March 15. These notices are intended to inform employees of what is being planned so that they, in turn, have the opportunity to make plans for next year as necessary. However, RIF notices are not considered final until a second notice is provided prior to May 15. 

What about the human impact?

A RIF is not an easy or desirable process. We understand that students, families, and our broader community feel deeply connected to and supported by the dedicated staff who serve our schools every day. This reality is not lost in the budget development process. Staffing decisions are among the most difficult a school district can face, and they are approached with care, respect, and an understanding of their very real impact on people and school communities.

What happens after a RIF is approved?

A preliminary Reduction in Force (RIF) notice is based on current financial projections and does not necessarily reflect a final outcome. As enrollment, funding, and staffing needs continue to evolve, the District may be able to adjust, rescind, or reassign positions prior to the start of the school year. 

At its meeting on Wednesday, the Board was introduced to the concept of a Supplemental Early Retirement Plan (SERP) as a potential option. Any SERP would require Board approval and sufficient staff interest, but could provide a fiscally responsible way to support veteran teachers and staff considering retirement while helping the District retain newer educators or not replacing behind this retiring staff member.

For these reasons, we continue to encourage families and community members, when possible, to support our educational partners who help sustain programs and services for students. Community support plays an important role in strengthening educational opportunities, supporting educators, and enhancing the overall student experience, especially during challenging fiscal times.

How to Stay Informed?

We will continue to share updates as the state budget process moves forward, including how changes at the state level affect MBUSD’s planning and decision-making. Transparency and shared understanding are essential as we navigate this work together.

At Meadows, we know that older students mentoring younger students creates a culture of connection and belonging. It breaks down age-level silos, reduces negative behaviors, and encourages respect across grade levels. Students start to see themselves as part of something bigger than just their own classroom. At its heart, mentoring teaches students that leadership isn’t about being the oldest or the loudest — it’s about caring for others and lifting them up. And that’s a lesson that sticks long after they leave school.

This week, the fourth-grade students met with their second-grade reading buddies on Tuesday. Students in both grades explored non-fiction reading and writing since the second-grade classes are currently learning about American heroes through writing biographies. 

The students looked at different text structures with a focus on chronological order. Fourth graders from Lisa Blumberg and Dave Barakat’s classes helped second graders from the classes of Debbie Cubillos, Jan Kajiya, and Cailin Witlen create timelines about each hero. Students enjoyed learning, creating, and spending time together.

A special thanks to Principal Michelle Krzmarzick for sharing this story!

Denise Zapata has been serving MBUSD as a Human Resources Technician since October 2023, bringing care, precision, and a true service mindset to a role that touches every corner of the District. In Human Resources, Denise helps navigate a high volume of vacancies and turnover while ensuring deadlines are met and staffing needs are addressed accurately and efficiently. Her attention to detail and commitment to supporting staff help ensure that schools across the District are covered and operating smoothly. Denise is known for her open-door approach and strives to make every staff member feel supported, heard, and confident in reaching out for assistance.

Denise’s journey with MBUSD began in the fall of 2021, when she joined the District as a substitute Instructional Assistant and Office Administrative substitute. Through these roles, she discovered a strong interest in clerical and operational work. In March 2022, she transitioned into a full-time role as an Office Specialist at Manhattan Beach Middle School, where she enjoyed working closely with students and staff. With a clear goal of continued professional growth and prior experience substituting in Human Resources, Denise applied for and was selected for her current HR role, where she takes pride in supporting the District and helping ensure schools are staffed safely, accurately, and efficiently.

Reflecting on her time at MBUSD, Denise shares that it has been extremely rewarding. She values the collaboration and support of her colleagues and is grateful to work alongside an exceptional team that makes coming to work each day enjoyable. With much of her time spent serving the District, she proudly considers MBUSD her second home. One of Denise’s favorite parts of her role is assisting with filling vacancies efficiently while serving as the first point of contact for new hires. She enjoys welcoming new employees to the District and helping them feel valued from day one. Denise also appreciates the opportunity to work closely with the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, whose mentorship and expertise provide invaluable learning experiences.

Before joining MBUSD, Denise worked at AT&T, primarily in sales-focused roles. Her path into education began at El Camino College, where she studied Communications with the intention of pursuing a career in Public Relations. Denise has always been drawn to people-centered work and takes pride in her ability to connect with others, skills that translate seamlessly into her work in Human Resources.

Outside of work, Denise is a proud mother of three wonderful boys. Much of her free time is spent creating meaningful memories with her family, exploring new places, supporting her children, especially at baseball games, and balancing her professional life with being a devoted wife and mom. And, of course, she adds: Go Dodgers!

Thank you, Denise, for all that you do and for the care, dedication, and positivity you bring to MBUSD every day. Your work does not go unnoticed, and we are grateful to have you on our team.

At the February 4th MBUSD Board Meeting there was a discussion about math pathways placement processes for students as they enter 6th and 9th grade. We are excited to offer more options for students throughout middle and high school, including a brand new Multivariable Calculus course at MCHS available this coming fall.

The updated pathway diagram and other details can be found at MBUSD.org under the Department of Educational Services, or directly by clicking here.

Additionally, we encourage people to attend the upcoming Secondary Math Pathways Webinar on Thursday, February 19, at 4:00 PM. Please register and submit questions in advance. If you are unable to attend the live webinar, a recording will be made available afterward and posted on our website as well.

And for those who love math, try this one:

A circle with a diameter equal to one is inscribed in an equilateral triangle. What is the triangle’s side length?

We’ll give the answer to this at the beginning of the webinar–see you there!

On Tuesday, February 3, schools across the Manhattan Beach Unified School District celebrated the 100th day of school, an important milestone in the academic year. Classrooms marked the occasion with age-appropriate activities that reflected on the learning, growth, and progress students have made over the first 100 days, while highlighting perseverance, curiosity, and community.

Across our schools, celebrations came to life in creative and meaningful ways, including “Zero the Hero” classroom visits, 100-year-old dress-up days, and hands-on counting and sorting activities that helped students explore numbers all the way to 100. The 100th day provided an opportunity for students and staff to pause and recognize how far they have come, both academically and socially, while looking ahead to the remainder of the school year. These celebrations reinforce a strong sense of school community and support continued engagement as students and educators move forward together.

Please keep an eye on the calendar for our upcoming All-District music concerts, which showcase the strength and talent of music programs across Manhattan Beach Unified School District. These special performances bring together fifth-grade musicians from our elementary honor groups alongside middle and high school ensembles, highlighting the progression of music education throughout MBUSD.

All concerts will be held at Mira Costa High School and include:

We encourage families and community members to attend and celebrate the dedication and artistry of our student musicians!

Below is a photo from the All-District Orchestra concert held on Thursday. Congratulations to all participants on a wonderful performance.

Pacific Elementary kicked off a week of positivity with an energizing schoolwide pep rally focused on kindness, respect, and community. The celebration marked the beginning of a series of activities highlighting the school’s PRIDE (Positive, Respectful, Inclusive, Dependable, and Engaged) values, with each value being recognized through connected events and conversations across campus.

This week’s focus was “P - Positive.” Students explored what it means to be positive through both words and actions, choosing kindness and respect, listening to one another, cheering one another on, and acting with honesty. Emphasis was placed on being positive not only toward others, but also toward ourselves, reinforcing the importance of confidence, empathy, and self-awareness in creating a safe and welcoming campus.

Students were encouraged to be “Positive Panthers” by helping others feel good about themselves and contributing to a culture of belonging. The pep rally included a challenge from the principal, inviting students to carry the message beyond the assembly by making a daily commitment to choose kindness and positivity in their daily interactions.

Thank you to Principal Amanda Vavao and the entire Pacific Elementary team for their continued commitment to instilling these values in students and for creating a supportive environment where every child feels encouraged, valued, and empowered.

Assessment Corner is back! This four-part series is designed to help families better understand state assessments and their role in student learning and future opportunities. Today’s article focuses on our state tests, what they are, and why they’re important.

Every spring in California all public schools administer tests through the CA Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), which includes tests in English and Math in grades 3-8 and 11 and a science test in grades 5, 8, and 11.

While it is true that these tests are required to be administered, they also present an opportunity for students to show how much they have learned by giving their full effort. The assessments provide information that can be used to determine how well students are achieving on state standards, and they help us identify strengths and areas for growth in our educational programs.  

These test scores are also a big factor in calculating our school and District placement in both state and national ranking systems. Rising in rankings is not just something to be proud of, it actually helps increase our college acceptance rates by demonstrating the rigor of our programs, and the success of our students. 

Stay tuned each week for a short article on this topic where we dive deeper into different aspects of the value and strategies for doing well on these tests. Next week, we will explain how, for our current 11th-graders, a high score can exempt them from needing to take lower-level courses in college, which is an amazing opportunity.  

Each February, the Costa community observes Black History Month through instructional activities, student projects, and school-wide events.

The 2026 national theme marks 100 years of Black History Month, recognizing its origins in 1926 and the historical study and documentation of African American experiences and contributions in the United States.

At Mira Costa, this theme serves as a framework for classroom learning and campus programming focused on historical figures, cultural influence, and civic impact. The Black Scholars Union (BSU) works in partnership with staff and students to help plan and coordinate February activities. The BSU is supported by Janet Broady Allen, School Psychologist at Mira Costa High School, who has coordinated the school’s Black History Month programming for the past 15 years. Together, BSU students and staff continue an established tradition of educational programming during the month of February.

Throughout the month, there are various events and happenings across campus, including:

Through these activities, Mira Costa High School’s Black History Month programming honors a century of national recognition while emphasizing education, creativity, and community, providing students with opportunities to learn from history, engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives, and celebrate contributions that continue to shape our shared future.

The Manhattan Beach Education Foundation (MBEF) plays a vital role in supporting educational excellence across the Manhattan Beach Unified School District. Through community giving and engagement, MBEF helps fund educators, programs, and opportunities that benefit every student, at every school. Two upcoming events this spring provide meaningful ways for families and community members to connect while supporting this shared mission.

Rock the ASK – Saturday, March 14

Rock the ASK, taking place on Saturday, March 14, MBEF’s annual donor appreciation event is a celebration of the collective generosity that supports MBUSD schools, with live music by this year's featured band - Members Only Yacht Rock. Introduced in 2023, this outdoor concert was created to thank families who have given at the ASK level of $2,500 per student, as well as community partners, educators, and volunteers who contributed to the Annual Appeal campaign. This is a complimentary event by invite only sponsored by our generous partners. If you are unsure if you met the ASK for this Annual Appeal, please contact MBEF.

MB Legacy Open – Monday, March 30

Registration opened February 1 for the MB Legacy Open on Monday, March 30, presented by LourdMurray. This parent-focused golf tournament brings the MBUSD community together for a day of friendly competition, connection, and giving back. There are a few spots remaining and several sponsorship opportunities available.

Proceeds from the MB Legacy Open benefit the MBEF Endowment, which provides long-term, sustainable funding to support educational programs across the district. The Endowment helps to ensure that essential learning opportunities can continue not just today, but for generations of MBUSD students to come. By participating, families and community members are helping strengthen the future of public education in Manhattan Beach.

This week, we are proud to recognize and celebrate the exceptional school counselors across Manhattan Beach Unified School District who play a vital role in supporting the academic success, social-emotional well-being, and future readiness of our students. Their work is grounded in care, expertise, and a deep commitment to helping every student feel supported, connected, and empowered.

Our counselors partner closely with students, families, teachers, and administrators to provide guidance through academic planning, personal and social development, and important transitions from the elementary years through middle school and into high school, college, and career pathways. Their impact extends well beyond the counseling office, shaping positive school climates and helping students navigate both challenges and opportunities with confidence.

Elementary Counselor
Daniel Batistelli

MBMS Counselors
Jeff Amaral, Lauren Galbraith, Christina Robertson, Kelly Egan

Mira Costa Counselors
David Beck, Sina Evans, Brittney Oystrick, Chloe Pines, Keshia Simmons, Alyssa Skipper, Emily Sommer, Alyssa Toole, Jennifer Wildenberg

College & Career Counselors
Caryn Ramirez, Ruthie Robles, Daniel Batistelli

We are grateful for the dedication, compassion, and professionalism our counselors bring to their work each day. Please join us in thanking them for the lasting impact they have on our students, schools, and broader community.

A special thank you to the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation for its continued support of our counseling program. Their commitment to supporting these roles makes it possible for our counseling teams to provide the high level of care, guidance, and support our students rely on every day.

Congratulations to the cast and crew of our fall play, Great Lakes, on earning an overall Superior rating, the highest possible, for the third consecutive year from the California Educational Theatre Association (CETA). This outstanding recognition reflects the talent, dedication, and teamwork of our student performers, crew members, and volunteers.

In addition to the Superior rating, all cast and crew members received Certificates of Merit for Excellence in Theatre, and our adult volunteer chairs were also formally acknowledged for their invaluable contributions.

Special Awards: 

Looking ahead: Mark your calendars for the upcoming spring musical, Mean Girls (High School Version), coming to the stage in April and May. Tickets go on sale starting March 28, and we can’t wait to see our community back in the audience supporting another fantastic production!

Grand View Elementary School recently celebrated Lunar New Year with a festive campus event that introduced students to traditions observed in cultures around the world. The celebration provided students with an engaging opportunity to learn about customs, symbolism, and the ways Lunar New Year is recognized globally.

Lunar New Year follows a lunisolar calendar, meaning the date changes each year. In 2026, Lunar New Year begins on Tuesday, February 17, marking the Year of the Horse. Classroom learning and activities helped students connect this cultural observance to broader lessons about history, geography, and global traditions.

Thanks to a special donation through an MBEF Enrichment Grant, students experienced a colorful and interactive program designed to support cultural awareness and enrichment beyond the classroom. Events like this reflect Grand View’s commitment to providing meaningful learning experiences that encourage curiosity, understanding, and respect for diverse cultures.

The District is grateful to the staff, volunteers, and partners who made this celebration possible and helped create a memorable and educational experience for Grand View students.

More than 1,815 students earned placement on the Mira Costa High School Honor Roll for Spring 2025, Fall 2026, or both, an achievement that reflects sustained academic excellence and dedication to learning. Honor Roll recognition is awarded to students who maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher, demonstrating a strong work ethic, perseverance, and commitment to their studies.

Students earning Honor Roll recognition have been invited to participate in a school-based celebration of their accomplishments. In addition, students were encouraged to recognize staff members who have played a meaningful role in supporting their academic growth, underscoring the important partnership between students and educators.

MBUSD is incredibly proud of these students and the educators who support them. Achievements such as this reflect the collective commitment to high expectations, strong instruction, and a supportive learning environment across the district. Data points like Honor Roll participation highlight what makes MBUSD schools strong, students who are motivated to succeed, and teachers and staff who are deeply committed to academic excellence.

Congratulations to all Honor Roll students on this well-earned recognition. Your hard work and dedication help define the culture of learning and achievement that MBUSD values and strives to sustain.

The next Superintendent’s Newsletter will be published on Monday, February 23. Have a wonderful weekend and mid-winter break!

Dr. John Bowes, Superintendent

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