Ava Nicols
Editor-in-Chief
The Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD) Board met on Wednesday to give an update on the new Ethnic Studies course that will be offered starting in the 2025-26 school year, the Stadium Way project and renewal of the parcel tax “Measure MB.”
There were three discussion items total. The first item was an Ethnic Studies update. California Assembly Bill 101 mandates that all high schools offer at least a one-semester course in Ethnic Studies commencing in the 2025-26 school year. According to Dr. Irene Gonzalez-Castillo, by the 2029-2030 school year, students shall complete a course in Ethnic Studies as a graduation requirement.
“In the fall, we prioritized developing surveys that went out to students at Costa and MBMS as well as parents to gather information about what the community feels should be highlighted in an Ethnic Studies course,” said Gonzalez-Castillo. “Sixty-nine percent of respondents preferred a one-semester course requirement. The top two grade level preferences [for the class requirement] is in 9th and 12th grade, when there is the most scheduling flexibility.”
The second discussion item was the Stadium Way update. To begin the construction on Costa’s Stadium Way, the driveway between the football snack shack and the Peck Avenue entrance of Waller Stadium, MBUSD was waiting until the football season ended. Construction fencing will go up on Saturday and will interfere minimally with access to the gym, track and Student Union.
“The incorporation of a trash enclosure to properly sort trash will allow for the maintenance of our green reputation,” said Dawnalyn Murakawa-Leopard. “Graduation will still be planned to happen in Waller Stadium. It is important to us that if construction goes long that we find alternatives to ensure a special celebration for our seniors.”
The third discussion item was a parcel tax public hearing notice. To renew the “Measure MB” parcel tax, the board will need to give notice to a public hearing where citizens can give input on the tax measure. The parcel tax will be included on the ballot to be voted on in March of 2024. According to Charles Heath from Team Civics, an advisory to the district on the parcel tax issue, MBUSD needs to be an informational resource about the parcel tax, but the lead voice throughout the campaign should be that of the community.
“The question is, is the amount $225 enough? It is not. But based on the polling and committee we’ve put together, the majority of people in our community can stand behind this number collectively,” said Jen Fenton. “Something is better than nothing, and we’re going with it.”
There were five action items total; the main item approved on the agenda was the renewal of the parcel tax being on the ballot. In total, there were nine items on the consent calendar, each of which was also approved.
“The Ethnic Studies and parcel tax topics brought a lot of attention to this evening’s meeting, ” said Board member Bruce Greenberg. “We thank the people that came to us to speak during the public comments because we are going to pass [the parcel tax], and we are speaking to the community to let them know the importance of this parcel tax measure. Anyone that has a kid in this district, lives in this district, and cares about this district and community needs to get out and support this parcel tax on behalf of the students.”
The meeting began with a performance by Manhattan Beach Middle School (MBMS) drama students Harper Forbes, Sydney Pennino and Camie Cho, who performed a self-blocked and directed scene. The students were invited to Sacramento to perform the same scene in the state capital as well as meet with their legislature to advocate for arts education.
“MBEF approved the installation of a modular portable stage for the MBMS Drama Department making their productions easier for students to manage,” said MBMS Drama teacher David Levy.
Next, MBMS student board member Tara Shivpuri and Costa senior Student Board member Emma Darrow gave an update on recent activities at their school like Thursday’s LipSync performance and recent sports results such as Football’s advancement to the third round of playoffs today.
“This past Tuesday, MBMS implemented the Sign of Suicide (SOS) program with all seventh and eighth graders,” said Shivpuri. “This is a time for everyone to give gratitude, spread love, and practice compassion for others. Our ‘No Place For Hate’ committee is looking at pledges from over 1,000 students to foster a positive campus culture.”
The meeting was then opened to public comment. Superintendent Jonathan Bowes gave several announcements about MBUSD’s efforts to promote the No Place for Hate Pledges and United Against Hate week for the second year in a row. This initiative has been extended to the elementary schools too, through the use of an age-appropriate video that uses a song and pictures to appeal to young students and teach kindness simultaneously.
“The board is committed to programming and ensuring students have a sense of belonging at all of MBUSD schools and continuing to promote harmonious and positive school campuses,” said Bowes. “This means combatting any form of hate including antisemitism and islamophobia and at MBMS especially there is a new committee developing lessons and activities directly related to educating our students about tolerance and empathy and understanding for all.”
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