In the Know

In this episode, In the Know podcast host and MBEF Board Member Ellen Padnos learns more about how MBEF's funding to reduce class size impacts teaching and learning from MBUSD's Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, Dr. Jonathan Erickson. Programs like MakerSpace, music, and counseling are easy to recognize, but the impact of smaller class sizes—though less visible—is just as powerfu...

In this episode, In the Know podcast host and MBEF Board Member Ellen Padnos breaks down practical strategies to help you maximize your impact in a changing charitable landscape—especially with new tax laws taking effect in 2026. Learn how tools like “bunching,” donating appreciated stock, and leveraging Donor Advised Funds can make your giving more efficient and more meaningful. Join us for a cle...

Learn more about the state's investment in Transitional Kindergarten and how the important intersection of play and discovery is laying the foundation for our earliest learners. Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Irene Gonzalez-Castillo shares how the early education program is shaping the future of our District with host Ellen Padnos.

As students return to campus, there’s a renewed sense of excitement, energy, and possibility in the air. Dr. Jennifer Huynh joins us to share her vision for the year ahead, the priorities for supporting students and staff, and what’s in store for the Mustang community.

The particulars around college admissions tests keep changing – what does it mean for your student? Host Ellen Padnos sits down again with Adam Ingersoll, co-founder of the internationally recognized Compass Education Group, to hear his advice on how students and their families can best navigate to current landscape and make the most of the options.

In this episode host Ellen Padnos is joined by someone who’s been on the front lines of keeping children safe online: Julie Cordua, CEO of Thorn. Thorn is an innovative technology nonprofit dedicated to products and programs that combat child sexual abuse. Julie shares four key takeaways to consider when parenting around social media and preventing harm through online sexual abuse.

At the center of high-quality education is the focus on student-centered learning – meeting the needs of students where they are in the learning process and cultivating an environment where that process continues to grow. MBUSD’s Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, Dr. Jonathan Erickson, is charged with ensuring that this focus is at the forefront of learning in our District. As hi...

All Mira Costa families have access to critical help in navigating the college admissions process and other post-graduation pathways through the College and Career Center (CCC) at Mira Costa High School. The CCC supports students with defining options, admissions testing, funding workshops, essay development, and over 100 visits from the admissions offices of over 100 colleges and universities wor...

What does the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation mean to our community, our educators, and most importantly, our students? Host Ellen Padnos takes a trip to our neighborhood schools to talk with teachers and students around the district to learn more.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation - it also marks a total of $100 million of directed funding to enrich our public schools with programs that elevate the education of all students.  Past Presidents Bob Weiner, along with his wife Elaine, and Carolyn Leserman share the history of the foundation from their perspectives and independently bring light to t...

Learning to face adversity and transform a challenge into motivation is a lesson that benefits us at any age. In this episode, host Ellen Padnos sits down with MBUSD Counseling Intern, Steve Walker, to hear his personal journey and the inspirational story he shared with MBMS students during the districtwide Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Week. Steve opens up about how his own blindness has taught...

The college admissions process can be daunting – especially with the ever-changing landscape of admissions testing. Host Ellen Padnos learns how students and their families can best navigate college admissions testing from expert Adam Ingersoll, co-founder of the internationally recognized Compass Education Group.

MBEF supports a position to build connection and synergy in STEM between all TK-12 school programs in the district. Teacher on Special Assignment Tanya Sanchez brings a wealth of teaching experience and knowledge to her role, supporting MBUSD science teachers in NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) instruction, facilitating communication, and inspiring a deliberate look at a student's learning...

Host Ellen Padnos takes a deep dive into the MBUSD music program in a three-part series focused on the band, orchestra and choir during the festive holiday season. In this first episode, she sits down with Denise Haslop, MBMS band and orchestra instructor, and several current music students to learn more about how the instrumental music program provides middle school students with a sense of belon...

The recent rise in hate crimes and incidents that have posed a threat to the safety and civility of South Bay neighborhoods and beyond is driving our local community to create an open dialogue around the dangers of hate and the need for respect and civil discourse among all residents.  The Manhattan Beach City Council, the Manhattan Beach Unified School District and many others have taken steps to...

Fentanyl. It's prevalence as the next parental concern has hit us like a ton of bricks. But what is fentanyl? How is it different than any other dangerous substance? And how can we help protect our kids as parents? Learn from In The Know podcast host Ellen Padnos' conversation with Dr. Alice Kuo and Dr. Ian Kramer, both members of the MBUSD Medical Advisory Board. They share details on their exper...

Democracy in the United States is largely built upon citizen oversight in local government. Governing a community’s public school system is entrusted to locally elected school board members, who help to ensure that school districts are responsive to the values, beliefs, and priorities of their communities. There are three seats on the Manhattan Beach Unified School Board on the ballot for the Nove...

In this episode, host Ellen Padnos sits down with three parent advocates - MBEF's Hilary Mahan, Grand View's Legislative Rep Michael Sinclair and DAC President Wysh Weinstein. Last month, a group of local residents, MB Citizens for Schools, mobilized to bring an initiative to the community to adequately fund our MBUSD schools. Despite its high property values, Manhattan Beach is the second-lowest...

In this episode, host Ellen Padnos talks with Mira Costa High School Psychologist, Janet Allen, about her role in supporting the needs of our high school students. Ms. Allen has focused on the well being of students in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District over the past 20 years. Learn more about the process in place to support the emotional health of students, including how student needs ar...

Ellen talks with MBEF Executive Director Hilary Mahan about the history of MBEF and its impact on Manhattan Beach public schools. Hilary explains why our high property taxes don't fund schools as many think they do, how we compare to other high-performing districts, and her the vision for sustaining our high quality schools long into the future. Plus, learn more about how her own experiences have...

Ellen talks with Cindy Muchnick about following your parenting compass when it comes to being our best selves as parents.  Cindy shares tips from her book, The Parent Compass, with co-author Jenn Curtis, and her own advice on how to navigate through this challenging time with renewed confidence.

Each school has its own unique priorities and culture…and behind them all is the school PTA. This week Ellen sits down with two district PTA leaders, District Advisory Council President Wysh Weinstein and Grand View PTA President Jennifer Cram to better understand how the PTAs function. Learn why join the PTA is important, how teachers are involved, and where PTA funding goes. Plus, get a better u...

Today Ellen sits down with Dr. John Bowes, the new Superintendent of MBUSD for our first In the Know Podcast of the new school year. In the conversation, we learn about Dr. Bowes’ experience and interests, how he plans to guide the district, the challenges we are facing, and how the schools are dealing with Covid at this stage. 

Costa High School Principal, Dr. Ben Dale, joins Dan Hellie to talk about the re-opening of Mira Costa classrooms in person. Now that the majority of students and teachers have returned in some capacity, the attitude is markedly different than just one month ago. Dr. Dale shares his insights on student sentiments, and how academics and athletics are impacting their well-being. Plus, learn what is...