Dear MBUSD Parents and Community,

I hope this message finds you well. MBUSD will share an update on the Second Interim budget at the Board of Trustees meeting this Wednesday, March 11 at 5:00 p.m. Community members are welcome to attend in person at the District Office, stream the meeting live, or watch the recording afterward. 

The Second Interim budget is an important milestone in the District’s budget process, providing an updated snapshot of MBUSD’s financial position based on the information as of January 31, 2026. It allows the District to review revenues and expenditures, consider updated state funding assumptions, and ensure we remain on track to meet our financial obligations. While school districts across California continue to navigate rising costs and fiscal uncertainty, this process helps guide thoughtful planning for the long-term stability of our schools. We are grateful for the continued partnership and support of our community and will continue to communicate openly as we move forward.

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

On February 25, the Board made the difficult decision to approve a series of resolutions related to preliminary Reductions in Force. The preliminary reductions are as follows: 40.4 Certificated FTE positions, 15.45 Classified FTE positions, and 3 Administrative positions. The First Interim budget covers the period from July 1st through October 31, 2025, while Second Interim budget covers the period from November 1, 2025, through January 31, 2026. The Second interim budget will provide more recent information, but until the State enacts its budget, revenues for next year will remain uncertain. An update on the Second Interim budget will be provided at the board meeting this Wednesday.

The District completed the distribution of the preliminary "March 15th notices" to affected staff last week. This action ensures the District remains in full compliance with state education code requirements regarding potential Reductions in Force (RIF) for the upcoming academic year. As presented, the issuance of these notices is a legally mandated, precautionary measure driven by budgetary constraints and the expiration of specific grant/supplemental funding. It is important to emphasize that a March 15th notice is a preliminary notification, not a final termination of employment. It preserves the District's legal flexibility to analyze the budget while we await finalized funding figures.

Affected staff members were provided with informational packets outlining their rights and the statutory timeline. District HR and site administrators are actively making themselves available to answer questions and provide support. All employees who received a notice have the right to request an administrative hearing to verify the accuracy of the seniority list and the procedural execution of the notices. 

If trends suggesting an improved financial outlook continue as projected, or if the District’s financial outlook improves or staffing reductions are achieved through attrition (resignations and retirements, including the District’s Supplemental Early Retirement Program, if it moves forward), the District will carefully review its updated financial position and determine how any additional resources may best support District priorities. 

While improved conditions may allow the District to reconsider preliminary notices, any decisions will be made only after thoughtful evaluation of the budget outlook, staffing needs, and long-term financial stability. If necessary, final layoff notices would be presented to the Board on April 29 and issued by the May 15 statutory deadline.

Second grade students at Robinson Elementary are exploring the lives of inspiring heroes through a month-long biography unit. Guided by teachers Mrs. Montz and Mrs. Scott, students are researching their chosen figures, practicing research and writing skills, and connecting the character traits of their heroes to Robinson’s Riptide PRIDE values. The project blends reading, writing, social studies, and art, and will culminate with creative “biography doll” displays at Open House.

Connie Porter supports students in MBUSD’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) program and has been working with Deaf students since 2001, first through the Los Angeles County Office of Education before transitioning to MBUSD about six years ago. Her passion for sign language began at age 12 after forming a close friendship with a Deaf and autistic neighbor who introduced her to the basics of communication. Connie says her favorite part of the job is working with students and learning from their language and culture. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, going to the gym, and walking along the beach. Ms. Porter also serves as the President of the California School Employees Association, Chapter 126, for all of the Manhattan Beach Unified School District’s Classified team members.

Join MBUSD at the Ready, Set, Grow! Expo on Sunday, March 15 (9:00 - 12:00 p.m.) at the Manhattan Beach Civic Center. Hosted by the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce, this free community event features local resources for families, including schools, wellness providers, and pet care services.

Stop by to meet Manhattan Beach Preschool and MBUSD staff, learn about enrollment opportunities across our campuses, and enjoy live music and family-friendly activities.

MBUSD recently conducted its first-ever reunification drills, involving all eight school sites. In support of MBUSD staff and safety consultants, parent volunteers joined staff to practice procedures for safely reuniting students with their families in the event of certain emergencies that require evacuation from campus. In an actual reunification event, students would only be released to a parent, guardian, or approved emergency contact listed in Aeries, and a photo ID would be required. Additional details will be shared by school administrators soon.

During the week of March 2–6, Manhattan Beach Unified School District joined schools nationwide in celebrating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Week, highlighting the importance of skills such as managing emotions, building relationships, showing empathy, and making responsible decisions. This year’s theme, “Skills for Community, Skills for Career,” emphasized how these competencies support success both in school and in life. To celebrate, MBUSD hosted a district-wide SEL sticker design contest, with the winning student artwork printed and distributed across all school sites. Throughout the week, students participated in site-led activities focused on mindfulness, kindness, reflection, and connection reinforcing the social-emotional skills that support well-being and success in and beyond the classroom.

We are excited to have begun administering the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) for English Language Arts this week for all 11th-grade students at Mira Costa High School. As shared previously, the most important thing for students is simply showing up and doing their best. These assessments help us understand individual student strengths and areas for growth, while also providing valuable information at the school and District levels to guide instruction and improve learning. Participation is also important because participation rates and scores contribute to school rankings, which can support students in college admissions and other post-secondary opportunities. Thank you for your continued support as we cheer on our students!

Join the talented students of Mira Costa High School’s Band, Choir, and Orchestra for the 9th Annual Evening of Eclectic Ensembles on Friday, March 13. Enjoy dinner catered by Panda Express at 6:00 p.m. followed by a concert at 7:00 p.m. in the Small Theater. Tickets include dinner and are $25 presale for adults ($30 at the door) and $20 presale for non-performing students ($25 at the door). Presale tickets are available through March 12. Come out and support our amazing student musicians!

The MBUSD Student Services team is hosting several Parent Tech Education opportunities this spring. Two Tech Coffee Talks (March 10 and March 17) will offer informal discussions where parents can connect and share strategies for navigating technology at home.

The District will also host a Parent Ed Tech Night (April 2) focused on setting up parental controls on Apple and Android devices. This session provides hands-on guidance from District staff and will cover the same content as the previous parental controls workshop for families who were unable to attend earlier.

MBEF will host its annual Rock the ASK donor appreciation event this Saturday, March 14, celebrating families, volunteers, and community partners who contribute to MBEF’s Annual Appeal at the $2,500 per-student ASK level. The outdoor event thanks supporters whose generosity helps fund programs that enrich learning for students across Manhattan Beach Unified School District. Rock the ASK is for invited guests only and requires a ticket for entry – please use the QR code on the printed invitation to RSVP. 

The next Superintendent’s Newsletter will be published on Monday, March 16. Let's have a wonderful week!

Dr. John Bowes, Superintendent

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