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by Mark McDermott
John Bowes, an education leader known for creative curriculum and financial expertise, has been named superintendent of the Manhattan Beach Unified School District.
Bowes, who is expected to be officially approved by the school board at its July 7 meeting, has served as superintendent of the Davis Joint Unified School District since 2016. Bowes also has South Bay ties, previously serving as an assistant superintendent at the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District. Bowes will take over from Mike Matthews, who has served as MBUSD superintendent since 2010.
School Board president Jennifer Fenton said the hiring of Bowes comes at a critical time. The district lost a significant percentage of its students during the pandemic and came under fire from parents who were dissatisfied by the pace of the return to in-person instruction.
MBUSD Superintendent Mike Matthews. Photo courtesy MBUSD
Mike Matthews announced on Tuesday that he will step down as the superintendent of the Manhattan Beach Unified School District.
In a newsletter sent to MBUSD parents, Matthews, who has served as the district’s top leader since July 2010, said his last day will be June 30.
School board president Jen Fenton said Matthews had made a huge positive impact on the district.
“For 11 years Dr. Matthews has devoted himself to our students, our staff, and our community. MBUSD has truly excelled during his time as superintendent,” Fenton said. “Just today, the board received an email from a parent praising Dr. Matthews for setting an example by leading with kindness and respect. And it’s true…but I would be remiss not to add honesty, integrity and selflessness. He has given so much to our district and leaves big shoes to fill.”
Manhattan Beach school enrollment down 8 percent due to pandemic
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Source: Manhattan Beach Unified School District
by Mark McDermott
The Manhattan Beach Unified School District school board began its budget deliberations last week, and though the overall budget scenario presented was a mixed bag, one number stood out. This school year, 493 students left MBUSD.
That sudden and steep drop in enrollment represented an 8 percent decline from last year, or 6,524 students compared to 6,031. At a budget workshop on January 20, district officials said the enrollment decline was due to parents who opted to relocate their children to out-of-area schools that allowed in-person classroom instruction. The biggest losses have been in the district’s five elementary schools, which lost 310 students.
UpdatedSun, Jan 3, 2021 at 8:40 am PT
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Steve Napolitano, Jason Boxer offer their thoughts on 2020 and 2021. Napolitano is a Manhattan Beach City Councilman; Boxer on MBUSD board. (Shutterstock)
MANHATTAN BEACH, CA Public officials in Manhattan Beach definitely had their hands full in 2020 due to the pandemic and racial tensions. Manhattan Beach Patch asked a few of them to weigh in in 100 words or less on 2020 and 2021, in any way they wanted. Here are the final two of comments of the ones I received.
Jason Boxer, board member of the Manhattan Beach Unified School District 2020 was a consequential year, colored by empty grocery store shelves, distance from loved ones, and unprecedented economic disruption. Bitter partisanship intensified these experiences, estranging us from one another in a time of great need. I wish to suggest a remedy as we begin to process our resulting loneliness and loss: camaraderie. We can buy groceries for our immunocompromised neighbors. We can