Update 5: Some Good News

Dear Parents, Today we salute several of our most outstanding students and bring you an update on the latest school board meeting. The school board continued discussions on how to balance its budget. MBEF Vice president of fundraising, Nina Patel, addressed the Board of Trustees on Wednesday night. She spoke about MBEF’s commitment to students and donors. “…we will approve grants that are the most efficient and beneficial for the students… We know that making budget decisions may take weeks or months as we await the results of teacher negotiations, the hope and possibility of funding from the City and other sources, and news from Sacramento. We are aware that $4.1 million is not enough to fill the budget shortfall, but we need to know that it will be spent on programs and salaries that will benefit our students.”  You can read her full statement here. There is still a great amount of uncertainty in the district’s budget.  What is certain, however, is that our schools are some of the best in the state and worth our patience and support. Not only top in the State, MCHS Students are Singled out as top in the Nation! Three seniors from Mira Costa have been selected as candidates for the United States Presidential Scholars Program: Max Dunitz, (currently in his freshman year at MIT) Mary Ginoza Davis Waddell The program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. They represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth.  Only 500 students nationwide are selected to compete for the 141 available scholar opportunities. To have three students selected from our own MCHS is an honor. The following Mira Costa students have just been notified that they have advanced to the Finalist Standing of the National Merit® Scholarship Program. Rachel Bracker Patrick Dexter Mary Ginoza Brian Humbarger Julia Lazzri-Dean Jacqueline Lee Jennifer Rosenthal Benjamin Silva Emily Wibberley Christine Wong Caitlin Yumori Darwin Zwissler The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.  Of the 1.5 million entrants, only about 50,000 with the highest scores qualify for recognition in the Finalist Standing of National Merit® Scholarship Program. Our community can be proud of these students and we extend our congratulations to them! Donations to MBEF help our Children Succeed The steps to success aren’t always glamorous, or obvious; take typing for example. Our children start typing their reports in third grade.  Their typing proficiency makes a difference then and for years to come.  Typing also establishes a foundation for using technology across applications: research, communications, design, animation, virtual reality…  That is why Pacific’s Computer Specialist, Ms. Lee, has these second graders typing.  She has also set up a special typing club.  Thank you Ms. Lee, and thank you to the MBEF donations that fund Computer Specialists across our schools. Can you type faster than a second grader? Sincerely, Erika White                                         Nina Patel MBEF President                                  MBEF VP-Fundraising

Update 3: MBUSD Prepares to Tackle Budget Challenges

Our Sponsors $400k to go! We must rely on local funds to give our children the schools they deserve. Our Annual Appeal ends January 31st. There will not be a second appeal. Thank you to those of you who have joined this effort. We have raised $3.7 million toward our goal of $4.1 million.  We need every family in our district to do what they can for our children and our schools. If we hope to reach outside the parent community for support, we need to show that we have done all we can by ourselves. Do your part and Give Now! Our Sponsors Headed for College? On Wed., February 3, MBEF brings you Adam Ingersoll. He’ll discuss the basics of admissions testing. 7pm Mira Costa Auditorium. Details here. Dear Parents, MBUSD’s budget workshop on Wednesday confirmed a looming deficit but no absolute paths or actions as yet.  The district is required to submit a three-year balanced budget.  Given what we know today, we face a multi-million dollar shortfall for 2011-2012 due to less funding from the state and the loss of one-time funds from the federal government and the city. To understand how the district can provide the very best academic environment given our current budget constraints, it will hold an “Academic Summit” with teachers from each grade level, administrators and principals. The findings of the summit will be presented at the next school board meeting, Wednesday, February 3rd at 6:30 pm in the District Office. In the News The Beverly Hills school district has been in the news lately because of issues related to becoming a “basic aid” district. This may leave you wondering what basic aid is and why MBUSD isn’t basic aid.  There are two formulas for school funding: revenue limit and basic aid. Districts qualify for whichever formula gives them more money.   Manhattan Beach is a revenue limit district because it gets almost twice as much money under the revenue limit formula than it would under the basic aid formula. More details here. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell renewed his call to increase local educators’ ability to raise funds for schools by urging the governor and legislature to approve SCA 6 by Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto). This proposal would lower the approval threshold for parcel taxes, established under Prop 13, from 66 2/3 to 55 percent. “The time has never been more right than now to take a long, hard look at the way we fund education because our system is broken and because our children deserve better than this,” said O’Connell. Sincerely, Erika White                                        Nina Patel MBEF President                                  MBEF VP-Fundraising All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Founded in 1983, the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation raises money to improve Manhattan Beach public schools.

Update 4 The Numbers

Thank you Donors! Our Sponsors Science Scores! MBUSD students earn some of the highest marks in the state in science– thanks to the passion teachers and science specialists (funded by MBEF) instill in them. Sparking that passion, Meadows Elementary recently took a trip to Mars. Well, kind of. “Our kids alternated between wide-eyed wonder and screams of excitement at the pictures and videos,” wrote Principal Connie Harrington after the event.  Full story here. Upcoming Events MBEF Board Meeting 2/9 School Board Meeting 2/10 Be a “Career Expert” and Participate in MCHS Career Expo 3/23 Dear Parents, First, thank you to those of you who donated to MBEF. As promised, here is an update on the school district’s finances and the role of your donations. Our school district must consider the current year and a two-year forecast in producing their budget. Looking out two years, without MBEF donations and without making any changes in its spending, the district would be $13 million in the red at the end of the 2011-2012 school year.  The primary reasons for this are 1) a decrease in state funding 2) the loss of one-time money from the federal government and our city, and 3) healthcare cost increases.  If the district includes MBEF fundraising, the third year deficit is reduced to about $6 million. Your donations make a difference.  With your generosity and support we have achieved our $4.1 million dollar fundraising goal.  Our local funds have proved to be the most reliable source of funding for our children’s schools.  Thank you. Compromise and Tough Decisions can Maintain our Excellent Schools Parents have stepped up every year to keep our schools strong. The district is now in contract negotiations with the teachers and classified employees’ unions. It is our hope that these groups can find a way to help improve the district finances as well. It is unlikely, however, that negotiations will settle before the March 15 deadline to notify teachers of layoffs. There will be “pink slips” again this year. Meanwhile, MBEF will keep an eye on the budgeting process and on your donations.  MBEF, and the school board, are asking the district to provide information to clarify what really makes the most difference to our children’s educational success. We remain committed to using the $4.1 million raised in the most effective and beneficial manner for your children. Widening the Donor Circle Though local businesses give to MBEF through matching gifts and by supporting our Manhattan Wine Auction, MBEF is seeking greater support from the business community with a Business Partnership Program. Look for our decals in stores soon and support the businesses that support your child’s school. Working on the Cause in Sacramento Advocacy efforts are also underway. A team of parents (including MBEF representatives), teachers and administrators are going to Sacramento to voice our deep concerns about inadequate state funding for our schools. We may not change things today or tomorrow, but we must try. You can participate in the latest local activity here. Thank you for supporting MBEF.  It is an honor to work on your behalf. Sincerely, Erika White                                        Nina Patel MBEF President                                  MBEF VP-Fundraising All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Founded in 1983, the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation raises money to improve Manhattan Beach public schools.

Budget Update 2: Meeting Schedule

First Budget Update

Dear Parents,

As the MBEF Annual Appeal comes to a close, the MBUSD budgeting process begins, and we are reminded of the critical role your donations will play at your child’s school next year. The first MBUSD budget workshop was held Wednesday. The message was familiar and clear: the more the state cuts, the more our children’s schools need our help. Thank you to the many parents who have given to help support their child’s education.  We we are only $700,000 away from reaching our $4.1 million goal!

Everyone needs to do what they can.
If you haven’t yet, please donate or pledge before our appeal ends January 31st.

Understanding the California School Funding Model

The funding for our schools is controlled by complex laws and restrictions at the state level.  There is a large gap between the schools we want for our children and what state funding covers.  Private donations to our Manhattan Beach Education Foundation are the way we can work to fill that gap and gain some local control over the quality of our schools.

The Laws that Control State Funding

California property taxes are all pooled by Sacramento and from here funds are allocated to school districts across the state. There are several laws that principally shape this system today.

1. In 1971 the California Supreme Court ruled in Serrano v. Priest that California’s system of school finance based on locally controlled property taxes was unconstitutional. The legislature developed a new system making revenue per pupil across districts more equitable regardless of differences in property tax wealth of each district.
2. Proposition 13 (passed in 1978) took away the ability to have property taxes set locally and limits the sum of all property taxes in any particular locale to one percent of assessed property value. Property tax revenue plummeted.
3. In 1998 voters approved Proposition 98, a state constitutional amendment, which sets the minimum level of state and property tax revenue guaranteed to K–12 schools. In stable economic years, education is entitled to the same allocation of funds as the previous year; however, in difficult economic years the state is allowed to allocate a lesser amount (and should restore the shortfall in the year that revenues grow sufficiently).
4. The state lottery accounts for only 1.3% of total K–12 revenues or about $900 million. Although every bit of funding is valuable, the lottery is not making a significant impact on public education funding in California.

The state contributes about $6 out of every $10 that goes to public education. State leaders largely control how much funding each school district in California receives. www.edsource.org

Proposition 98 funding (i.e. annual school funding) comes to school districts in the form of either categorical aid (such as special education or instructional materials), or general purpose funds, which can be spent at a district’s discretion. Currently, about one-third of school funding is earmarked by the state for about 70 specific (categorical) programs. The courts do not require categorical aid to be evenly distributed, which gives the state latitude in allocating resources to school districts as they see fit. Our district gets relatively less than other districts.

Only 15% of MBUSD funding comes from state and federal categorical aid.

In 2009-10 MBUSD will receive only $5156 per pupil in general purpose funding (or “unrestricted revenue limit”). This is based on the school district’s average daily attendance (ADA). The school does not get paid when students are absent from school. Our revenue limit is thousands of dollars less than per pupil funding in states like Connecticut or New York and well below the national average. Depending on the source, California ranks anywhere from 24^th to near last in per pupil funding.

MBUSD’s per-puil funding is now much lower than it was five years ago.

Standing up for our Schools

In light of the constitutionally controlled school funding situation how can school districts fund a quality educational program – especially in tough economic times? The answer lies in bringing some funding and control back to the local level. That is why many school districts in California have a local parcel tax and/or an education foundation similar to our own Manhattan Beach Education Foundation (MBEF).

Parcel Tax

Parcel taxes are being used more and more by school districts to supplement state funding. Parcel taxes are generally a flat rate assessed per parcel, regardless of its size or value. These revenues may be used for ongoing expenses, programs, or buildings at the local agency’s discretion. From 1983 through 2008, 468 (school related) parcel tax elections were held in California. Of these, 250 (53%) passed by the super majority required (2/3 voter approval), and another 180 (38%) achieved a majority vote but did not pass. In 2008, 73% of parcel taxes for education succeeded, demonstrating the desire of California citizens to provide a first-rate public education.

Many of the top ranked school districts in California receive parcel tax funds. Of the top five districts (Palo Alto, San Marino, La Canada-Flintridge, Piedmont and Manhattan Beach) Manhattan Beach is the only one that does not support its schools with a parcel tax. Examples of districts receiving parcel tax funds include:

San Marino ($795), La Canada-Flintridge ($150), Palos Verdes ($274), Palos Verdes Peninsula ($165), Piedmont ($250+), Palo Alto ($493), Cupertino ($125), South Pasadena ($288); La Honda-Pescadero ($100), Oakland Unified ($195), San Francisco Unified ($198) www.edsource.org

Education Foundations and Private Contributions

Many districts receive significant income from contributions or grants from individuals and local businesses. Based on reports to the California Consortium of Education Foundations (CCEF), there are more than 600 education foundations supporting local schools in California. In 2007, educational foundations served about 4.5 million students and raised more than $150 million, according to the CCEF. Our Manhattan Beach Education Foundation is one of the shining examples of the success that can be achieved when a community believes in and supports public education.

MBEF is providing 8% of MBUSDs overall funding for the 2009-10 school year. From 2003-2009, before the state budget shortfall, MBEF provided 3.5% – 5% of MBUSD funding.

There is no doubt that local and private funding for public education is not a luxury but a necessity. When you contribute to MBEF you play a significant role in providing an educational system that is of the highest quality.

Maintaining Excellence in Education

Dr. Bev Rohrer speaks about the importance of working together to support our public schools

When California’s budget shortfall forced MBUSD to make drastic cuts and find alternative sources of funding, parents came through with extraordinary donations to MBEF. You saved 84 teaching and staff positions, the equivalent of one small school’s faculty.  Thanks to parents, our students have reasonable class sizes, librarians, science and reading specialists, elementary instrumental music, educational advisors, college and career counselors, and so much more.

MBEF talked to Dr. Bev Rohrer, MBUSD Superintendent of Schools, about the funding issues facing MBUSD today and the role that private funding plays in the equation.

MBEF: Traditionally it has been the role of MBEF to provide program enhancements that would not otherwise be provided with state funding. But today parent donations are saving the basics from the chopping block. What’s your thought on this?

Dr. Rohrer: The Manhattan Beach Education Foundation has augmented our educational programs for many years but we are now in the position of having to utilize funds from the Ed Foundation to support areas that we have all come to consider basic elements of our children’s education. Because funding from the state falls far short of what is necessary to provide a top quality education, MBUSD must rely on supplemental funding from other sources. We are very lucky. At a time when so many school districts across the state had to make severe cuts, MBUSD received $4.1 million from MBEF, a one-time donation of $1.3 million from the city of Manhattan Beach and $300,000 from PTAs.

But I must admit a sense of panic when I consider that the financial situation at the state level does not promise to change next year and some contributions, like that from the city, will likely not be provided again. This makes the role of private funding more important than ever.

MBEF: Obviously for all of us within MBEF, and those working for MBUSD, a great public education is a priority. What message do you try to convey to the general populous about supporting public schools?

Dr. Rohrer: The effects of an excellent education are far reaching as we prepare students for college, careers and adulthood. Our school district relies on this community’s long standing tradition and commitment to maintaining excellence in our public school system. Providing an outstanding education is beneficial not only to students and their families but to the community, the state and the nation. I strongly believe that our top-ranked public school system is a fundamental factor in what makes this a desirable area to live.

MBEF: There are a lot of issues with school funding – and the amount of funding is just one element. There is a lot of work that is being done to influence Sacramento right now. Tell us about some of the programs you feel are making a difference.

Dr. Rohrer: The circumstances California schools face today make it necessary for all of us to come together to effect change in Sacramento. There are issues not only with the funding model but also with laws and other requirements that dictate the use of funds.

The needs of our state’s 1,039 school districts vary widely which makes advocacy in Sacramento quite challenging. It became apparent to me that districts can effect more change by pooling our resources and advocating in unison. So in early 2009 I rallied 10 other South Bay superintendents and formed the “Greater South Bay Education Coalition” (GSBEC) – an education advocacy group that will lobby together at the state level to promote common priorities.

In addition to the work that we as superintendents do with the GSBEC, it is quite heartening to witness the efforts of parents who work with the Blue Team (the MB PTA Advocacy Group). Their work to influence legislators will make a difference and I would like to encourage parents to learn more about the Blue Team and support their efforts.

MBEF: Although it will come as no surprise to our readers that you support MBEF can you summarize the importance to our schools of having the ed foundation.

Dr. Rohrer: Our top-rated educational system is a sizeable team effort with MBEF and the local community as vital members of this team. Continued support of MBEF, time spent volunteering at our schools and support of our advocacy efforts in Sacramento are all important elements in what makes our district successful. Our budget issues will not change soon. Donations to MBEF make a big difference to our students. We have wonderful students with so many talents and so much potential. I would hate to see our public school system fail them in any way. It would be wonderful to have every family donate something to MBEF.

One MBEF Appeal- $4.1 Million Needed

The Annual Appeal for funds is underway.  If we work together again, we can meet the needs of our children for 2010-2011.

Please participate in our new PLEDGE DAY, NOVEMBER 12. Donate or pledge by this date so that we can gauge MBEF’s level of support in time for budget discussions for the 2010-11 school year. A Pledge – is to promise an amount today and choose a date to pay before June 1, 2010.

The real reason for Pledge Day is to assess how far we are from reaching our goal of $4.1 million.  MBEF will then have six weeks left to campaign to attain that goal for our children.  There is only one appeal and it will end January 31. Please consider your gift carefully and pledge or donate at a level that is meaningful for you and your family.

We can’t control the economic forecast, but we can protect our children from its impact in their classrooms.  This year your donations saved 84 teachers and staff that make a difference to your child.  Every donation matters.  THANK YOU!