By Amelia Ward
Opinion Editor
And McLean Grimes
Executive News Editor
On March 5, Manhattan Beach voters voted to renew the current Manhattan Beach School District (MBUSD) parcel tax, Measure MB.
The renewed tax will provide MBUSD schools with about $2.5 million annually in local rather than state funding. Measure MB will protect several academic programs, including math, science, technology, reading, and writing. It will also keep 20 teachers and keep class sizes manageable.
“Preserving our schools is not merely a campaign for me, it’s deeply personal,” said Measure MB campaign co-chair Natalie Rosen. “I’m devoted to making sure our schools remain excellent for my kids and all their friends.”
MBUSD Superintendent John Bowes stated in a pre-election day email to district families that the uncertainty surrounding the parcel tax made budget cutbacks have become necessary, and lead to the Reduction in Force of 33 full-time and 14 temporary certificated positions at the Feb. 28 board meeting. Per state regulations, pink slips, which are formal notices indicating potential job termination, were issued to affected teachers prior to March 15th.
“This feels like a hollow attempt to garner attention and money,” said a Costa English teacher. “The district’s actions repeatedly put the careers of our educators in jeopardy, forcing us to search for alternative employment and leaving the community anxious about losing integral members of our educational community. While there may be some justification behind their decisions, it undeniably places an unjust burden on us.”
In 2018, the district faced similar budgetary constraints and made cuts. However, Measure MB passed and all previously lost positions were restored, an outcome that residents currently aim to replicate. In June of 2018, the Measure MB Parcel tax won with a majority vote and is set to expire in June 2024. Measure MB’s success on March 5th will allow the tax to be levied for another six years.
“Maintaining adequate staffing levels and manageable class sizes is imperative for fostering a safe and enriching learning environment,” said a Costa math teacher. “Without sufficient resources, we risk compromising not only the quality of education but also the safety of our students.”
Measure MB will tax homeowners $225 per year per parcel (property). In a recent assessment, there were 13,124 parcels in Manhattan Beach, 2,113 of which are exempt. The money collected from the non exempt houses will go directly to the MBUSD schools. Measure MB does not increase the current tax rate.
“Although I am eligible for the senior exemption, I pay the tax and I’ll continue paying it,” said public commentator Michael Jenkins. “And I urge every voter in this town to do the same.”
The loss of 33 teachers directly impacts class size, student-to-teacher ratio, and quality of education. Enrollment at Costa and other MBUSD schools has steadily risen over the past five years, with some positions still unfilled at Costa. Anonymous teachers and staff have expressed their belief that these issues could escalate into more significant concerns.
“By renewing Measure MB, our community [continues] Measure MB for another six years on the exact same terms this community overwhelmingly approved in June of 2018,” said co-chair of the committee to renew Measure MB Tyler Morant. Measure MB needed a 66.67% majority of voters to vote yes. If there were not enough votes, then the tax would expire in June. The vote passed with 8,457 voters choosing yes and 4,027 choosing no (67.74% to 32.26%).
“Removing 2.5 million [dollars of] funding for our schools will never be the way to improve them,” said Rosen. “I acknowledge that measure MB may not be a panacea, I firmly believe it can serve as a crucial lifeline.”
Currently, MBUSD has one of the lowest levels of per-student funding in California. According to board member Bruce Greenberg, the district is already facing many new proposed budget cuts and there is a $73 billion deficit projected for this year in the state. Greenberg quoted Los Angeles representative Al Muratsuchi who said, “If you think this year is looking bad, next year is looking worse.”
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