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 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 Leserman 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.