MBUSD issues $153 million toward renovation

By Emily Dubinsky

Social Media Editor

Manhattan Beach voters approved both Measures C and EE on Nov. 8, which include the modernization of district facilities and the reconstruction of Mira Costa’s Fisher Gym.

Manhattan Beach Unified School District will issue $39 million in bonds for Measure EE in order to upgrade Costa’s athletic program’s infrastructure. MBUSD will also issue $114 million in bonds for Measure C to renovate the district’s elementary school facilities.

“Our community has grown in the 65 years since Fisher gym was built,” MBUSD Board President Ellen Rosenberg said. “The new gym will be a much-needed asset.”

Seventy percent of voters approved Measure C, and 67% approved Measure EE. During Costa’s mock election on Nov. 3, 81% of students passed Measure C and 81% passed Measure EE.

“I am extremely thrilled that both C and EE passed,” MBUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Matthews said. “To have over 70% of our community vote to improve our schools clearly shows that our community is fully behind our schools.”

According to Matthews, MBUSD is in the process of finding architects and financial advisors in order to finalize the plan of the project. The district hopes to start the process of developing and approving architectural plans as soon as possible.

Before setting a date for construction, MBUSD must form a Bond Oversight Committee to review and create a plan for spending both of the MBUSD bonds.

There will be a significant amount of time spent on community input, Rosenberg said. The Department of State Architecture will also have to review and approve both plans before construction begins. It will take at least two or three years before the construction stage begins, and the Department of State Architecture process may take a year alone for approval, Rosenberg said.

“The new gym will have an amazingly positive impact on youth throughout Manhattan Beach,” Matthews said. “Any short-term inconveniences will be worth the long-term result.”