Class Size Reduction: $3,415,500 (46% of Overall Funding)

MBEF supports lower class sizes in general, and also allocates significant funding to ensure that the number of students is lower in specific core classes in critical grade levels. In MBEF surveys, both parents and teachers consistently prioritize the importance of class size reduction as instrumental in a student’s educational experience. With more limited state funding this year, more of MBEF funding has been directed to ensure that class sizes remain reasonable for all grade levels.

Elementary General Class Size Reduction (TK-5TH) – $625,000
While state guidelines provide for a maximum of 24 students per class in grades TK-3, there are no maximums in grades 4-5. MBEF's support of class size reduction in the elementary schools ensures that students are receiving more personalized learning in the classroom.

Fourth and Fifth Grade Class Size Reduction (4TH/5TH) – $250,000
MBEF provides additional funding that ensures an average maximum of 30 students per class in grades 4-5.

Middle School General Class Size Reduction (6TH-8TH) – $445,500
There are no state guidelines for class size in sixth, seventh or eighth grade, making support from MBEF imperative to ensure that class sizes are below what the limited state funding provides. Without this directed grant from MBEF, all core classes at MBMS would have approximately 5 more students in each class.

English/Humanities & Math Class Size Reduction (6TH-8TH) – $200,000
MBEF directs class size reduction funding specifically to English/Humanities and Math in grades 6-8 to ensure that the average class size is 30 students or below.

(A Mira Costa High School class. Photo via MBUSD.)

High School General Class Size Reduction (9TH-12TH) – $1,380,000
When there are limited resources to fund teacher positions, class sizes increase dramatically, particularly because there are no state guidelines. This significant funding directed towards class size at Mira Costa reduces the average number of students per class from 40 to 35.

English & Math Class Size Reduction (9TH) – $100,000
MBEF also directs class size reduction funding towards reducing class size specifically in English and Math in 9th grade to ensure that the average number of students is 30 or below. This provides more individual attention in these critical core subjects to better equip them with a solid foundation as they progress through high school.

Zero Period (9TH-12TH) – $415,000
This grant provides all Mira Costa students with the option to add an extra period to their schedule to fulfill course requirements and benefit from the array of additional elective course options. More than 30% of MCHS students take advantage of the additional period each day.

Counseling and Support: $1,528,000 – 21% of Overall Funding

Elevated levels of stress, anxiety and depression in students throughout the country are at an unprecedented rate. In the 2021 California Healthy Kids Survey, a confidential survey of school climate and safety, student wellness, and youth resiliency, 29% of MBUSD students in grades 7, 9 and 11 had experienced chronic sadness in the past twelve months. MBEF seeks to provide students with both the advocates and tools to help recognize and cope with their emotional wellness and academic success.

School Counselors (6TH-12TH) – $955,000
The average student-to-counselor ratio in California schools is exceptionally high at 680:1, well above the American School Counselor Association’s recommendation of 250:1. This year MBEF will fund three additional counselors to meet the needs of middle school students to decrease the student-to-counselor ratio to 300:1.

College & Career Center Counselors (9TH-12TH) – $345,000

Student Success Counselor On Special Assignment (COSA) (6TH-8TH) – $156,500

Educator Grants (TK-12TH) – $27,500
A directed grant from the Siddhartha Family has ensured that all elementary students at each of the five school sites will participate in two cultural arts experiences to help understand diverse global cultures. The Educator Grants Program will also continue to fund the districtwide Literacy Bowl at every elementary school and the annual International Day.

Teacher of the Year Awards (TK-12TH) – $4,500
With this grant, made possible by an endowment fund sponsored by the Nickell Family, all of MBUSD’s Teachers of the Year receive a small monetary reward.

(MBEF provides funding for elementary PE classes. Photo via MBUSD.)

Physical Education: $490,000 – 7% of Overall Funding

Elementary Physical Education Teachers (1ST-5TH) – $490,000
MBEF supports credentialed physical education teachers at MBUSD elementary schools to provide high-quality physical education and sportsmanship instruction each week. Funding for certificated PE teachers also ensures that classroom teachers are able to utilize the state-required 100 minutes per week as class preparation time rather than teaching PE themselves.

Literacy and Writing: $345,000 – 5% of Overall Funding

Library Resource Specialists (TK-8TH) – $345,000
MBEF supports Library Resource Specialists at the elementary and middle school grade levels to help develop research and media literacy skills and foster a passion for reading, learning and research. The libraries have become a hub of information on each campus, as well as a quiet place to read during recess and lunch.

(Students from Mira Costa's Biotech program present their research findings. Photo via MBUSD.)

STEM: $1,114,000 – 15% of Overall Funding

Project-based learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) for students at the elementary, middle and high school levels has been a significant priority for the Manhattan Beach community, according to MBEF surveys.

Secondary Math Teachers On Special Assignment (TOSA) (6TH-12TH) – $94,000
MBEF funds two classroom educators to serve as part-time Teachers on Special Assignment (TOSAs) to collaborate on best practices in instruction with teachers across the mathematics departments at the middle and high school.

STEM Specialized Program Support (TK-12TH) – $100,000
This directed funding from Chevron supports program funding for curriculum, materials and collaboration related to the implementation of districtwide STEM programs.

MakerSpace Specialists (TK-5TH) – $155,000
MakerSpace environments throughout MBUSD elementary schools provide innovative lab experiences. MBEF funds MakerSpace Specialists who support program implementation by preparing materials, facilitating lessons, and organizing the Maker Labs.

Science Lab Teachers (TK-5TH) – $456,000
Trained in nationally recognized Project Lead the Way (PLTW), the specialists engage students in real-world learning that connects the classroom science curriculum with engaging, hands-on activities, projects and problems.

STEM Pathways Program Support (6TH-8TH) – $250,000
MBEF supports a year-long STEM elective for students in grades 7-8 funded by Northrop Grumman, as well as a STEM wheel option with a focus on FabLab, Marine Biology and STEM specific unit.

Science Lab Assistant (9TH-12TH) – $59,000

(Mira Costa Jazz 1 students are honored for winning the National Jazz Festival for their division in Philadelphia. Photo via Mira Costa Bands.)

Visual & Performing Arts: $510,000 – 7% of Overall Funding

MBUSD students have the option to participate in sequential and comprehensive arts education programs that encourage active learning and a deeper appreciation of the arts.

Music Program (1ST-5TH) – $350,000
Students in grades 1-5 are introduced to a comprehensive music program with instruction in vocal, wind and string instruments. Taught by certificated music instructors, the program fosters a love of music and serves as the foundation for MBUSD's award-winning middle and high school programs.

Visual and Performing Arts Pathway Electives (6TH-12TH) – $160,000
The enhanced elective program in middle and high school offers students a wide range of course options in visual and performing arts. Specialized courses that celebrate music and the arts, such as Advanced Film, Ceramics, Cinematic Arts, Drama, Graphic Design, Jazz Band, Music Theory, Printmaking, Technical Theater, and Yearbook, are offered to encourage interest in either exploring or becoming proficient in an art.