The Manhattan Beach Education Foundation (MBEF) has announced that it is committing $8,026,400 to the Manhattan Beach Unified School District for the 2026-27 school year -- the largest grant in the foundation's history.

"This record investment funds MBEF's longstanding commitment to the educators and enrichment programs that have become the hallmarks of an MBUSD education: music, physical education, MakerSpace, libraries, and science labs in the elementary schools; extensive STEAM and VAPA pathways in the middle and high schools; a student-centered counseling program; a robust college and career center, and much more," wrote MBEF Executive Director Hilary Mahan in a letter to supporters. 

More than half of this year's grant is dedicated to class size reduction, ensuring that students in grades 4-12 continue to receive more individualized attention while creating stronger teaching and learning environments. MBEF is also making strategic new investments to address emerging priorities across the district, including a pilot Elementary Teaching Assistant program to provide additional classroom support and small-group instruction and an Elementary School Counselor to help young students build communication, self-regulation, and social-emotional skills.

"This partnership between our community, MBEF, and MBUSD demonstrates what is possible when we work together on behalf of our students," wrote Mahan. "While this additional state funding is welcome, it does not replace the need for ongoing local support. MBEF's partnership with MBUSD remains essential to sustaining the outstanding educational experience our community values."

Meanwhile, MBUSD this year faced a $4.8 million deficit. Due to quirks in the complicated statewide funding formula, Manhattan Beach schools have been chronically underfunded compared to most California school districts. For 2025-2026, MBUSD received $14,165 in state funding per pupil, compared to a statewide average of $25,803 per pupil. 

This year, more than 50% of MBUSD families contributed to the MBEF Annual Appeal, raising more than $5 million for Manhattan Beach public schools. Additionally, more than 2,400 guests attended the 32nd Annual Manhattan Wine Auction on June 6, raising a record-breaking $2 million toward the MBEF Endowment.

Since its founding, MBEF has invested more than $130 million in Manhattan Beach public schools.