Dear MBUSD Parents and Community,

I hope this message finds you well. As we kick off National Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re excited to share highlights from across MBUSD, along with a budget update and an important message regarding a recent incident at Mira Costa High School. With that update, here’s an overview of what is featured in this week’s newsletter:

We want to inform our community of a recent incident involving hateful graffiti at Mira Costa High School. On Thursday, April 30, a student reported multiple swastikas drawn inside a handicap stall in a boys’ restroom on campus. The incident was immediately reported to the Manhattan Beach Police Department, and an investigation is currently underway. School staff responded without delay and the custodial teams secured the restroom and removed the graffiti to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff.

Mira Costa and District administration are working in partnership with MBPD as we continue efforts to identify those responsible. Let us be clear: antisemitic graffiti and hate acts of any kind are unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our schools or community. These actions are harmful, deeply offensive, and contrary to the values we uphold. Any individuals found responsible will face serious consequences, which may include school discipline up to and including suspension or expulsion, referral to law enforcement, and appropriate interventions.

We commend the student who reported this incident promptly, allowing for immediate response and investigation. We expect all members of our community to be upstanders, not bystanders—if you see or hear something, say something. If you have any information related to this incident, please contact MBPD’s anonymous tip line at (310) 802-5171.

We remain unwavering in our commitment to maintaining safe, inclusive, and respectful schools for every student. Hate has no place here.

The RIF (Reduction in Force) process in California follows a strict legal timeline, with preliminary notices issued by March 15 and final notices required by May 15. For MBUSD, final action, originally scheduled for April 29, has been delayed by about one week to allow for a procedural review by an Administrative Law Judge who is currently verifying that the process follows state requirements, including seniority, credentials, and employee rights. This is a standard process, but it is delayed this year due to an increase in the number of layoff proceedings being implemented by California districts. The District is also moving forward with its Supplemental Early Retirement Plan (SERP), a voluntary program that will provide a benefit to participating retirees, each of whom will allow the District to reduce the number of final layoff notices it must issue. The next state budget update—the May Revision—is forthcoming, but a final budget picture will not be available until the state enacts its budget in June. As more information becomes available, additional layoff notices may be rescinded.

Ryan Rhodes (Maintenance & Operations) was named MBUSD’s 2025–26 District Classified Employee of the Year at the April 29 Board of Education meeting. As the District’s sole plumber, Ryan has completed 122 work orders since January while addressing complex and urgent issues across multiple school sites. His dedication, teamwork, and positive attitude exemplify the very best of MBUSD. All site and department Classified Employees of the Year were also recognized for their outstanding contributions to their school communities and the District as a whole.

The kindergarten classrooms at Pennekamp are celebrating students in a meaningful way through the “Beary Special” tradition. Each child has the opportunity to share about themselves while classmates write kind and thoughtful compliments. This activity builds speaking and writing skills, while also fostering kindness, confidence, and pride. Having families join these moments makes the experience even more memorable for everyone involved.

This week, we are excited to spotlight Carrie Fairbrother! Carrie is a 4th-grade teacher at Grand View Elementary, has been teaching at Grand View for 22 years, and continues to make a lasting impact on her students and school community. In addition to her work in the classroom, she serves on the school’s leadership team and as Student Council advisor, helping lead schoolwide activities and build student leadership. A proud Manhattan Beach local and MBUSD alum, Carrie brings creativity and joy into her classroom—often incorporating music into her lessons—and values the connections she builds with both current and former students. Thank you, Carrie, for all that you do and have done for our students and school community!

MBUSD continues to strengthen its legislative advocacy efforts with the launch of the Superintendent’s Legislative Advocacy Advisory Committee, which held its first meeting last week. The committee brings together Board members, staff, parents, students, and community partners to help guide the District’s advocacy work. The District was also represented in Sacramento through the Capital Convoy, where Board members, teachers, students, and parents met with state leaders to advocate for MBUSD. Additional information about legislative advocacy efforts can be found on the District’s Legislative Information page on our website.

Join us for a fun, family-friendly evening filled with food, music, art, and traditions from around the globe. This special event is a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, learn from one another, and showcase the unique cultures that make MBUSD so vibrant. Don’t miss this chance to be part of an unforgettable celebration. Friendly reminder that this event is open to all MBUSD students, staff, and their families. Thank you to MBEF for sponsoring this event!

MBUSD students excelled at the California Invention Convention (CAIC) Southern California competition, standing out among more than 650 participants. Highlights include a Top Pitch award for Pacific 5th graders Brody Morgan and Sebastian Kim, and a 2nd place finish for MBMS students Sahil Chhabra and Skyler Sorbel. Merit Awards were also earned by Aaron Helou (Meadows) and Jackson Wookey (Grand View). Sahil, Skyler, and Aaron will advance to nationals this June at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. We are proud of all MBUSD students who showcased their creativity and innovation at this highly-competitive event. A special thank you to our science specialists, Christina Ibrahim and Connie Liu, for guiding students through this inspiring experience. This work is made possible through the generous support of MBEF, whose funding helps sustain these important positions.

Mira Costa High School was recognized on Friday, April 24 at the 2026 California School Recognition Program Awards Ceremony in Anaheim. Represented by Dr. Jennifer Huynh, Peter Park, Jon Reichardt, Dr. Jonathan Erickson, and Kate Heredia who—while unable to attend in person due to leading the Mira Costa Art Show—played an integral role in this recognition, the school was honored as one of just 19 in the state to receive the 2026 Exemplary Arts Education Award. Presented by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and the California Department of Education, the award recognizes schools that demonstrate excellence, access, and equity in arts education. We are incredibly proud of the Mira Costa team for this well-deserved recognition and for their continued dedication to supporting student creativity, expression, and success.

The Mira Costa Chamber Orchestra recently performed at the invitation-only Festival of Gold in Chicago, taking the stage at the historic Chicago Symphony Hall. The ensemble earned an impressive average score of 98 out of 100—the highest among all participating groups. Special thanks to Director of Orchestras Peter Park for his leadership and dedication in supporting this outstanding achievement.

MBMS wrapped up its annual Scholar Quiz tournament last week, with 248 students across 62 teams competing in 61 matches over seven days. Congratulations to this year’s winning team—Arya Panah, Alicia Zhong, Neil Khurania, and Sai Chhabra—and to runner-ups Will Reierson, Lukas Moore, Tyler Fetters, and Tyler Racanelli. Thank you to our volunteers, MBMS PTA, Study Hut, and the Scholar Quiz Committee for making this event a success!

Attention families of Mira Costa High School student-athletes, exciting news as we prepare for the 2026–27 athletic season! We are thrilled to partner with Exer Urgent Care to offer complimentary sports physicals for incoming 9th–12th grade student-athletes. This generous support helps ensure our students are ready and cleared to safely participate in athletics for the upcoming school year. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be scheduled between May 1 and August 31, 2026. To schedule an appointment:

Once your appointment is booked, you will receive a text confirmation with a link to complete your paperwork. Families should be prepared to upload a parent or guardian ID as part of the process. We are grateful to Exer Urgent Care for supporting our students!

The next Superintendent’s Newsletter will be published on May 11. Let’s have a great week!

Dr. John Bowes, Superintendent

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