Dear MBUSD Parents and Community,

I hope this message finds you well. At the Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, March 11, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Dawnalyn Murakawa-Leopard presented the District’s Second Interim Budget Report, which provides an updated look at MBUSD’s financial outlook based on the most current information available. A recording of the meeting can be viewed here (budget presentation begins at 42:21), and the presentation slides are available here. You can also read a summary of the key takeaways in the Budget Corner section below.

Additionally, last week we had the opportunity to announce each of our School Site Teachers of the Year. During challenging times, it is especially important to pause and celebrate the incredible educators who represent our schools every day. We know that the current budget situation is difficult for many in our community, and we want to acknowledge how deeply our staff cares about their students and their work. At the next Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, March 25 at 5:00 PM, we will formally recognize these outstanding educators and announce the MBUSD District Teacher of the Year.

As discussions around staffing reductions continue, we also want to clarify that these decisions are not based on performance or merit. Under California law, reductions in force must follow a seniority-based process, which can make these decisions especially difficult. We remain incredibly grateful for the dedication and talent of all of our educators and staff who support our students each day.

With that update, here’s an overview of what will be highlighted in this week’s newsletter:

MBUSD’s Second Interim budget update reflects the latest projections based on enrollment trends, state funding proposals, and rising operational costs. While the outlook has improved slightly since earlier projections, the District continues to face significant financial pressures over the next several years. One contributing factor is the way public schools are funded through the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). Compared with many other districts, MBUSD receives less funding per student, creating a structural gap that must be managed locally. At the same time, school districts across the state are experiencing increasing costs related to utilities, pensions, employee salaries and benefits, special education services, and insurance. The District must also plan around uncertainties in the state budget process, including potential adjustments to state funding and shifts in enrollment. Maintaining responsible budget reserves remains an important part of ensuring the District can respond to unexpected changes while continuing to support student programs and services. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support, engagement, and partnership of our MBUSD community as we navigate these complex financial challenges together. Your collaboration and commitment to our schools make an important difference as we continue these conversations and plan for the future.

At Manhattan Beach Preschool, play is an essential part of learning. Through hands-on activities like building with blocks, dramatic play, singing, sorting, and drawing, children naturally develop early literacy, math, and problem-solving skills while expanding their vocabulary and social communication. Play-based learning also strengthens important executive functioning skills—such as focus, persistence, creativity, and self-regulation—that help prepare students for Transitional Kindergarten (TK), Kindergarten, and beyond. By thoughtfully blending play with intentional instruction, MB Preschool nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Nadia Aktifi has been part of the Manhattan Beach Unified School District community since 2015, beginning as an Extended Day Program (EDP) substitute teacher while studying Child Development and Special Needs Education at West Los Angeles College. She now serves as the EDP Site Lead at Robinson Elementary, a role she has held since 2020. Prior to MBUSD, Nadia worked as a teacher assistant in the Taylor School District in Michigan, and her passion for education began while volunteering at her children’s schools. Nadia enjoys helping plan activities that support students’ growth and says Robinson feels like a second home thanks to its strong sense of community. Thank you, Nadia, for your dedication and the positive impact you make each day.

MBUSD is proud to recognize the educators selected as 2025–26 Teachers of the Year at each school site: Karina Sam (MB Preschool), Joanne Guelff (Grand View), Shari Jones (Meadows), Stephanie Hubbard (Pacific), Mike Warner (Pennekamp), Christina Ibrahim (Robinson), Trisha Gonzalez (MBMS), and Lisa Cook (Mira Costa). The Teacher of the Year process includes classroom observations, interviews, and input from multiple stakeholders. These educators will be formally recognized at the March 25 Board of Trustees meeting, where the MBUSD District Teacher of the Year will also be announced.

Mira Costa High School was recently recognized by the San Francisco Chronicle as one of the top public high schools in California for helping students gain admission to the University of California’s most competitive campuses. In the Chronicle’s analysis, Mira Costa ranked No. 3 in the state, with seniors receiving 31 more UC admissions per 100 students than expected based on demographic factors. This recognition highlights the school’s strong academic programs and commitment to preparing students for college and beyond.

Mira Costa students Yumie Lee (10th grade) and Chika Egubonu (12th grade) presented at the Teaching for Justice conference at California State University, Fullerton on March 7. During their session, they shared the story behind Pictoversity Magazine and explored how comics and visual storytelling can serve as powerful tools for student engagement, creativity, and deeper learning in the classroom.

MBUSD students showcased creativity and problem-solving at this year’s Invention Convention. Pacific Elementary hosted the Elementary Invention Convention on March 5, where students presented inventions designed to solve real-world problems through hands-on demonstrations and presentations. Several elementary student teams were recognized for their projects, while a group of middle school students will advance to represent MBUSD at the California State Invention Convention in April. Thank you to teachers Christina Ibrahim, Connie Liu, Tanya Sanchez, and Farah Kamal for guiding students through this inspiring experience.

Over the weekend of March 7–8, Mira Costa’s Band and Color Guard students participated in two major events that showcased their talent and dedication. At the prestigious Pacific Coast Regional Wind Band Festival, Concert Ensemble students delivered standout performances and received high praise from collegiate music leaders, with USC’s Larry Livingston calling the Symphony Band a “terrific band” and SDSU’s Dr. Shannon Kitelinger noting the opening of the Wind Symphony performance was “the best thing I have heard all day.” 

At the same time, Mira Costa hosted WGI Manhattan Beach, the largest Winter Guard International regional competition in the nation this weekend, drawing capacity crowds and earning praise for its outstanding organization. Mira Costa’s Winter Guard performed in exhibition during finals, and Color Guard Director Joscelyn Teran’s ensemble, Vox Artium World, placed second overall. The community can celebrate these talented students again at the “Costa to the Capital” send-off concert on March 27 at 7:00 PM in the Mira Costa High School Auditorium.

Enrollment for the 2026 MBX Summer School program opened March 12, offering students opportunities to earn academic credit, complete credit recovery, or create flexibility in their school-year schedules. Courses will be offered in person at Mira Costa High School and online, with the summer session running June 22 – July 30. More information and registration details are available on the MBX Summer School website.

Mira Costa High School will host Loyola in the annual “Battle of the Bay” boys volleyball match on Friday, March 20 at 6:00 p.m. in the Mira Costa gym. The rivalry follows a historic 2025 season for the Mustangs, who captured CIF Southern Section, Regional, and the program’s first-ever State Championship, while also being named National Champions by USA Today and the American Volleyball Coaches Association. The matchup promises an exciting, high-energy atmosphere as both school communities come together to support their teams.

Mark your calendars! MBUSD’s International Day 2026 will take place on Friday, May 8 from 5–7 p.m. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Cultures: A Journey Around the World,” invites students and families to come together and celebrate the diverse cultural traditions that make our school community so vibrant.

MBMS and Mira Costa High School orchestras delivered exceptional performances at a recent adjudicated SCSBOA music festival at Santa Ana High School, where all participating ensembles earned Unanimous Superior ratings, the highest possible distinction. The recognition marks the 10th consecutive year every Mira Costa orchestra ensemble has received this top honor, highlighting the strength of the District’s orchestra pathway from middle school through high school. Both middle school and high school orchestras will reprise their festival performances on Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00 PM in the Mira Costa High School Auditorium. 

Mira Costa High School’s Heart Club is celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Week with daily activities encouraging positivity, gratitude, and community connection. The week includes themed days such as Self Kindness Day, Kindness to Teachers Day, Acts of Service Day, Kindness to the Environment Day, and Be Kind to Your Neighbor Day, with opportunities for students to participate in service, appreciation activities, and campus clean-ups. 

The next Superintendent’s Newsletter will be published on Monday, March 23. Let's have a wonderful week!

Dr. John Bowes, Superintendent

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