Dear MBUSD Parents and Community,

I hope this message finds you well. As we move through the final weeks of the school year, campuses across MBUSD continue to be filled with performances, celebrations, culminating projects, promotions, graduations, and the many moments that make this season so special. This week’s Board meeting provided an opportunity to review the Governor’s May revise, celebrate student accomplishments, recognize our retirees, approve important planning items for next year, and reflect on the incredible work happening across our schools each day. Thank you for your continued dedication, flexibility, and commitment during what is undoubtedly one of the busiest times of the year. With that, here’s an overview of what is featured in this week’s newsletter:

Each May, the Governor releases the May Revision, an updated state budget proposal that adjusts funding assumptions before the State adopts its final budget in June. During the Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, May 27, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Dawnalyn Murakawa-Leopard provided an overview of the Governor’s May Revision and its potential implications for MBUSD. The Governor’s May proposal brought more encouraging news for education than earlier projections, driven by stronger state revenues. While the outlook is positive, these proposals are not final until the Legislature approves the state budget and the Governor signs it by June 30.

Two key takeaways. First, while funding that is constitutionally guaranteed to schools under Proposition 98 is growing, the Governor continues to propose withholding billions of dollars from that amount, underfunding schools by $3.9 billion. Second, while overall education funding is increasing, increases to the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), which is the primary funding source districts use to support staffing, programs, and day-to-day operations, are not growing proportionately. In 2018–19, approximately 77.9% of Proposition 98 funding flowed through LCFF; under the May Revision proposal, that percentage decreased to 67.5%. 

Why does this matter? 

If the State determines that it can underfund schools as proposed by the Governor, it would essentially negate the Constitutional guarantee enacted by the voters of California, and would allow future legislatures to reduce education funding at any time, by any amount, without any requirements to restore that funding. 

Additionally,  while one-time and categorical funding opportunities can provide important support, LCFF funding gives districts greater flexibility to address local priorities and sustain core operations over time. A lower proportion of funding flowing through the LCFF means the legislature is using education funding to fund specialized programs rather than the LCFF. This can make long-term planning more challenging as districts work to balance rising costs while maintaining programs and services, especially when districts are not eligible to receive specialized funding. This is often the case for MBUSD, which has a lower proportion of high-needs students.

What could this mean for MBUSD locally? While estimates remain preliminary, several proposals could have meaningful impacts for our District. The potential fiscal impact of each proposal, along with the estimated likelihood of implementation, was reviewed during the May Revision presentation and are summarized on slide 15. These estimates will continue to evolve as the State budget process moves forward:

While the May Revision provides encouraging signs for education funding, the state budget process is still ongoing. State budget negotiations will continue over the coming weeks, with the Legislature required to approve a budget to send to the Governor by June 15 and the Governor expected to sign the final budget by June 30. MBUSD will continue monitoring developments closely, but is not likely to be able to incorporate finalized assumptions into the District’s adopted budget later this month due to the State’s budget timeline. While we wait for the State’s process to unfold, we will continue evaluating multiple scenarios and planning proactively to ensure that we are ready to act quickly as soon as State budget figures are in while still maintaining strong fiscal stewardship and responsible decision-making. 

To learn more about our budget, please visit the MBUSD Budget Corner.

Costa groups came together during Office Hours for their Mental Health Awareness Fair, a meaningful opportunity to highlight the importance of well-being, balance, and self-care for both students and staff. Through interactive activities and resources, participants explored ways to support mental wellness and build healthy habits that contribute to success both inside and outside the classroom. Taking care of mental health is just as important as taking care of physical health, and events like these help create a culture of connection and understanding. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible and to those who took the time to prioritize their well-being! Together, Costa continues to foster a community where everyone can thrive. Thank you to Principal Dr. Jennifer Huynh for contributing this story!

This week, we are proud to spotlight Danielle Radl, a kindergarten teacher at Meadows Elementary School who has dedicated 37 years to serving students and families in Manhattan Beach Unified School District. A lifelong South Bay resident and graduate of Mira Costa High School, Danielle says MBUSD has always felt like family. In addition to teaching kindergarten, she has served as a grade-level lead and mentored future educators through partnerships with the University of Southern California and Loyola Marymount University. Danielle’s favorite part of teaching is helping students grow socially and emotionally through mindfulness practices that build confidence, kindness, and resilience. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys yoga, traveling, and spending time with her family — especially her six grandchildren. Thank you, Danielle, for your decades of dedication, leadership, and care for MBUSD students, staff, and families. Your impact on our community is truly lasting.

At the Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, May 27, Trustees approved a new elementary bell schedule for the 2026–27 school year designed to create greater consistency across schools, improve campus safety, and support a stronger start to the instructional day. Beginning next year, all five elementary schools will start at 8:15 a.m., with staggered end times. Students across all elementary schools will now have consistent instructional, recess, and lunch minutes by grade level, including a daily 20-minute recess and a 45-minute lunch period on regular school days. The updated schedule also supports campus safety by allowing schools to establish a closed campus at the start of the day and better secure campus access points. Districtwide start times next year will be: MBMS – 8:10 a.m., Elementary – 8:15 a.m., and Mira Costa High School/MB Preschool – 8:30 a.m. Families can view the approved schedule here.

On Thursday, May 28, the Manhattan Beach Council of PTAs hosted its annual scholarship luncheon at Mira Costa High School, celebrating an outstanding group of graduating seniors recognized for their leadership, service, and impact on the Manhattan Beach community. Funded through the collective support of all five elementary school PTAs and the Manhattan Beach Middle School PTA, these scholarships recognize students who have demonstrated excellence both inside and outside the classroom. Selected from more than 80 applicants, this year’s recipients included Lila Mokhtari (Cornell University), Ishaan Aggarwal (Georgetown University), Evelyn Green (UC Berkeley), Tobyn DeMartino (UCLA), Audrey Henry (Dartmouth College), and Isabel Boroch (Georgetown University). We are grateful to our PTAs and PTSAs for their continued support in helping students pursue their goals, discover their passions, and prepare for the opportunities ahead. 

As Superintendent and as one of this year’s retirees, I am especially grateful to have spent the last 5 years of my career alongside so many dedicated educators and staff members who make MBUSD such a special place. It has been an honor to serve this community together. Their impact on our students, schools, colleagues, and community will be felt for generations to come. We are incredibly grateful for all they have given to MBUSD and wish them happiness, relaxation, and success in retirement. Congratulations and thank you for everything you have given to our students and community — your legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Congratulations to the Mira Costa High School choirs for earning Unanimous Superior Ratings at the Southern California Vocal Association (SCVA) Festival on May 21. Students received superior ratings in both performance and sight reading — a major accomplishment at an event often considered the equivalent of state testing for music programs. Judges praised the choirs’ exceptional singing and preparation. Congratulations to all involved on this outstanding achievement! A special thank you to Choir Director Kate Crellin for her leadership, dedication, and commitment to fostering such an exceptional choral program and inspiring student musicians each day.

The Manhattan Beach Education Foundation (MBEF) is now accepting applications for its 2026–27 Student Ambassador Program, offering MBUSD students an opportunity to build leadership, communication, and media skills while helping share the impact of MBEF-funded programs across the District. Open to incoming 8th–12th grade MBUSD students, the program invites students to serve as representatives for MBEF at events and initiatives throughout the school year. Based on their interests and strengths, Student Ambassadors may participate in public speaking, writing, social media, photography, video production, event support, and community outreach. The program provides students with hands-on experience in communications, storytelling, and engagement while helping connect the community to programs that support MBUSD students. Applications must be completed online by June 15, 2026. Finalists will participate in in-person interviews during July and August, with selected ambassadors announced by August 15, 2026. For additional information and to apply, families can visit mbef.org or call 310-303-3342.

Recently, Mira Costa High School celebrated the 2026 graduating cohort of its Biotechnology Program, recognizing students who successfully completed the program’s rigorous three-year specialized pathway designed to prepare students for future studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Throughout the program, students engage in hands-on laboratory experiences, research, collaboration, and real-world applications of biotechnology concepts, developing technical expertise, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that prepare them for college, careers, and opportunities in rapidly growing STEM fields. Congratulations to the Biotechnology Class of 2026 graduates on completing this rigorous and rewarding program. A special thank you to Biotechnology teachers Ernesto Nodado and Rebecca Ford for their dedication, mentorship, and commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences that challenge, inspire, and prepare students for the future. 

Planning ahead for summer? Don’t wait — registration deadlines for MBX Summer School programs are quickly approaching. MBX Summer School offers students opportunities to stay engaged, build skills, explore interests, and prepare for the school year ahead through academic courses, athletics, enrichment opportunities, and credit recovery programs.

Upcoming registration deadlines include:

Programs are available for rising 9th graders and high school students, with offerings including flexible online coursework, summer athletic training opportunities, enrichment workshops, and credit recovery options. In addition to supporting student learning and growth, participation in MBX Summer School helps support Manhattan Beach Unified School District schools and programs, with proceeds from MBX programs reinvested back into MBUSD students and campuses.

Mira Costa High School celebrated its second Spring Signing Day on Thursday, May 28, recognizing four student-athletes who will continue competing at the collegiate level while pursuing their academic goals.

Congratulations to:

These student-athletes were recognized alongside family, teammates, coaches, and supporters for their years of dedication, leadership, and hard work. Congratulations and best of luck as you take this exciting next step!

Mira Costa High School AP Chemistry students recently brought science to life during the 9th Annual Chemistry Magic Show for Pennekamp Elementary students. Through glowing liquids, disappearing water, frozen flowers, and other exciting demonstrations, students combined chemistry concepts with creativity and humor to spark curiosity in young learners. The annual event gives AP Chemistry students the opportunity to become teachers and performers while sharing the excitement of science. Thank you to Honors and AP Chemistry teacher Teresa Nielsen for her dedication to creating these memorable learning experiences and inspiring students year after year.

The next Superintendent’s Newsletter will be published on June 8. Let’s have a great week!

Dr. John Bowes, Superintendent

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