In the Know: Recent Episodes
MBEF
The Manhattan Beach Education Foundation is a community driven fundraising organization, which supplements state funding for programs that inspire learning, enrich teaching, and promote innovation and academic excellence in the public schools of Manhattan Beach. We partner with MBUSD to ensure that we are meeting the priorities of district leadership, educators and parents to provide students with an excellent education from kindergarten through graduation.
The global pandemic has made educating students more challenging – there are concerns about the loss of learning to the social emotional health of our youth. We recognize the entire community, especially parents, are seeking information and we are determined to keep you in the know.
Join Dan Hellie, local parent and sports announcer, as he sits down with members of our community who are instrumental in the success of our Manhattan Beach schools and community. In each podcast, Dan will address important information, concerns, and updates about the issues impacting our schools and students.
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 powerful. The data included in the MBUSD Class Size Reduction presentation to the MBEF Board in November tells the compelling story behind MBEF's largest grant. Join us for a deep dive into how lower teacher-to-student ratios directly improve student learning, teacher satisfaction, and long-term outcomes.
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 clear, timely look at how thoughtful planning can elevate both your impact and your overall giving experience.
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 his title suggests, Dr. Erickson’s goal is to align the knowledge, skills, and abilities we expect students to acquire or master with the instructional activities and strategies in the classroom, and then assess the ultimate acquisition of that same knowledge, skills, and abilities.
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 worldwide. Through support of MBEF, the CCC is open to all Costa families Monday - Friday from 8am to 4pm, with extended hours to 7pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. Get to know the CCC Counselors and the wealth of knowledge they share in this next episode.
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 Lesserman share the history of the foundation from their perspectives and independently bring light to the start of the remarkable effort that continues today. This look at where we came from truly illustrates the importance of MBEF in our schools still today. MBEF has not only brought incredible opportunities to students, but it has also help build this unique community where members have learned that we are stronger together.
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 him several critical lessons that everyone can benefit from to maintain a healthy perspective on life.
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 path in STEM.
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 belonging, responsibility, and incredible joy.
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 combat hate. Most recently, under the leadership of Councilmember Hildy Stern, a large spectrum of local community organizations have joined forces as the South Bay Community Coalition Against Hate to decrease the incidents of hate and foster a sense of belonging through programs that educate, raise awareness, and support the apprehension of perpetrators.
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 experiences with children today and their impressions on the potential impact that fentanyl and other gateway drugs have on growth and mental well-being.
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 November 8th election. This week, In the Know host Ellen Padnos sits down with past Trustees of the Board, Bill Fournell and Ellen Rosenberg, to learn more about how a school board operates and the parameters in which a board functions in a district. With a combined 20 years of expertise, they reflect on their experiences and the essential qualifications of elected role.
Every vote is critical – take the time to make an informed choice. Get In The Know here.
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 funded unified school district in the state. This citizen-led measure would aim to bring local control and stability to school funding by creating a 12-year, $1,095 per year ($3-per-day) parcel tax.
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 are identified, the resources available, and how families and peers can support as well. Her approach is informed, thoughtful and practical for how to embrace the challenges before us and help guide our adolescents to become responsible for their own success and healthy contributors to society.
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 shaped her role in leading the charge to support and strengthen education in our schools.
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 understanding of what membership in the PTA means to you and your family.
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 in store for Dr. Dale as he faces retirement and what he hopes for in the next leader at Mira Costa.
This week Dan is joined by MBUSD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Dr. Katherine Whittaker Stopp, to discuss learning loss in students due to the pandemic. Learn about the MBUSD’s plans to mitigate loss and ensure our own MBUSD students are on track. Plus, hear about the positive outcomes of the past year on learning that may change things for the better.
This week In the Know podcast host, Dan Hellie, is joined by Director of Youth Services at Beach Cities Health District (BCHD), Ali Steward. BCHD has been instrumental in supporting the health and wellness of MBUSD students through a variety of significant programs. Now BCHD is leading the effort to bring the COVID-19 vaccine to the South Bay, including teachers. Learn about the process and what’s in store for the coming months.
Dan sits down with Leah Niehaus, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, to discuss how the pandemic is impacting the social-emotional health of children. With twenty years in the field Leah brings an experienced perspective on anxiety and depression and how that affects our youth, especially now. Leah shares her wisdom and practical advice for supporting our children in this challenging time.
This week Dan is joined by Dr. Alice Kuo, Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and of Health Policy and Management in the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. Learn about the impact of COVID-19 on our children the perspective of a medical expert, what the medical field has learned from the data of schools already opened, and future projections for school openings.
In our first In the Know podcast, Dan Hellie sits down with Dr. Mike Matthews, Superintendent of Schools, to discuss the recent approval of waivers for the district’s five elementary schools. Learn about the plans for students returning to school in the hybrid format, what it took to get here ,and what is in store for the future.