Written by Mark McDermott
Shortly after Tyler Morant arrived in Manhattan Beach 14 years ago, he saw something he had never seen before. Yes on MB He is often reminded of that image as he works on behalf of his campaign. It was a large group of children, accompanied by a few parents, who were walking together to Grandview Elementary School in what is known as a “walking school bus.”
Morant has always felt blessed by the places he has lived, such as the ski areas in Colorado, which are beautiful and maintain a sense of community. But something about the school bus he was walking on really touched him. He depicted a community working together to raise a child.
“The first thing I realized right away was that I wanted to raise my children here,” Morant said. “We weren't even engaged yet. But when I saw that walking school bus in Grandview, I knew this was something special.”
There's not much distance between walking school buses and Morant's role as co-chair of the “Yes on MB” campaign to renew the $225 parcel tax approved by voters in 2018. Mr. Morant is currently married and has children. , and the campaign to renew the parcel tax is similarly about communities doing their best to provide the best possible educational experience for their children.
“One of the themes that particularly resonated with our campaign is that this entire community has rallied around our schools for over 40 years,” said Yes on MB co-chair Natalie Rosen. “And this is just another step in the same tradition.”
The Measure MB update, which will be voted on March 5, will continue to provide $2.5 million annually to the Manhattan Beach Unified School District for the next six years. Approval by two-thirds of voters is required. The timing of the parcel tax extension has never been more important.
There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding California's budget process, which must address a $38 billion deficit and is not scheduled to be completed until June. However, the impact on MBUSD is more certain. Declines in education funding will occur due to both the budget cycle and enrollment declines that have affected all school districts since the beginning of the pandemic. The school board authorized the staff layoffs Wednesday night. The number was 42 non-certified personnel and 32 certified personnel or teachers.
However, how many people will ultimately be laid off will depend on the outcome of the Measure MB election. If Measure MB passes, at least 20 positions will be saved, the majority of which will be teachers. This gives MBUSD the best opportunity to protect the quality of education that our community has long cherished. Walking school buses aren't on the ballot, but some of the elements that make it possible are at stake.
“I don't think there's a place in the Los Angeles area that's safer for kids to walk and bike and have more freedom to roam than Manhattan Beach. And I really think that comes from the schools being great. I believe,” she said. “If people felt comfortable sending their children to local schools, things would change dramatically.”
“These are locally controlled funds that cannot be taken away. We control our destiny with these funds,” Morant said. “We're going to make sure we have teachers, we're going to attract teachers. And knowing that we have community support to keep our schools good, that's what it means to vote yes. ”
MBUSD’s funding challenges are well documented. Due to a state funding formula that prioritizes schools with large numbers of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch and English language learners (an indicator of less affluent areas), Manhattan Beach receives less funding per student. Less than nearly every other school district in California. The Manhattan Beach Education Foundation has been working diligently to close this gap, but it has plateaued at about $6 million a year, and even that amount is subject to state law, due to the inherent volatility in his MBUSD long-term budget. Cannot be included in forecasts.
Rosen said residents are often shocked to learn about MBUSD's financial instability while campaigning.
“I think in some ways we are unconscious of the fact that because we are so wealthy, we have minimal access to funds,” she says. “So we need additional support. This funding is very powerful because it is administered locally and Sacramento cannot take it away. It means more teachers, smaller class sizes, and We have a direct, positive impact on our children's education in the form of a very strong academic program. Our schools are truly excellent and we need to maintain that excellence. That's why Measure MB My goal is to pass.”
“The current funding formula is in no way favorable to our community,” Morant said. “We are always on the back burner from our state revenue sources. And no matter how you look at it, our expenses are going up. We can't necessarily control these market factors. We can control that. By enacting a parcel tax like Measure MB, it's a small step, but it's progress. Baby steps are still a step in the right direction.”
Measure MB retains many of the features that made it popular six years ago when it was first approved by voters. A monitoring mechanism will once again be incorporated and homeowners over 65 will be able to apply for tax exemptions. Those who have already applied will continue to be exempt.
“I was actually kind of moved,” Rosen said. “In some situations, when we say to a senior citizen, “You qualify for an exemption,'' or “By the way, your exemption will automatically renew after this period,'' some people say, “You're eligible for an exemption.'' I think $225 is a reasonable amount to donate and the school has done a lot of great things for my kids and now they have great careers, so this is It’s our way of giving back.”
MBUSD schools are known for their high academic performance. Alumni include actors, artists, Olympians, authors, brigadiers, CEOs, technology innovators, and more. The district has higher academic performance than some other California districts, and also excels in the arts and athletics.
Rosen said the MB measure is about respecting both MBUSD's tradition and future.
“I was reading about two new students at MiraCosta who invented a new eco-styrofoam packaging material, which was really incredible and an inspiration to me. , which is definitely world-famous and amazing. I really hope parents don't take these things for granted. This is not paid for by the state. No. We are able to do these things because of MBEF and Measure MB. If you want to maintain the quality we are proud of, you must update Measure MB.”
“It's the same thing with grandparents and parents, right? It takes a village,” Morant said. “We are asking for their help.”
Ballot boxes are open at the MB Library and MB Art Center. Voting centers are open at the Hermosa Beach Community Center and the Dockweiler Youth Center. Voting centers in Manhattan Heights and Joslyn Center will open on March 2nd. E.R.
