We ARE the MBEF Board of Directors
MBEF
Board of Directors
Terence Balagia
Mike Brunick
Lorelei Chao
Maribeth Cunningham
Jen Cram
Farnaz Flechner
Stacey Fundingsland
Dave Gendron
Garrey Giglia
Alice Kuo
Andrew Kwasnowski
Erin Levin
Raj Mehrotra
Sally Peel
Lisa Quarello
Tiffany Quick
Nathalie Rosen
Scott Rosenthal
Kate Sinclair
Roger Spencer
Michael Unton
Kathryn Withycombe
Bea Zimbalist
We ARE the Board of Directors
Board Member: Terence Balagia
1. How long have you lived in MB and how many children do you have in MB Schools? I grew up in Manhattan Beach and lived here until I went away to college at age 18 in 2002. After completing graduate school and living in NYC for 8 years, I moved back to Manhattan Beach in 2018.
2. Where did you grow up? Manhattan Beach
3. What is your favorite activity to do as a family? The beach! As an individual? Playing basketball!
4. What is your favorite MB eatery? Arthur J’s
5. What three MBEF-funded programs do you believe have the greatest impact for students? Maker space, PE, college counselors at Mira Costa
6. What talent(s) do you bring to the MBEF Board? Expertise in accounting, finance, audit and governance
7. What is one thing you are proud of that MBEF accomplished last year? Reducing layoffs
8. What is one thing you want MBEF to accomplish in the upcoming year? Better community awareness of the impact MBEF has on our local schools and broader community
9. What is one area of improvement you would highlight for MBEF? Increasing % of families that meet the ask
10. What is the most important element of the MBEF Strategic Plan? Execution
We ARE the Board of Directors
Board Member: Mike Brunick
1.HowlonghaveyoulivedinMBandhowmanychildrendoyouhaveinMBSchools?21years (acrosstwostints).An8th-gradegirland6th-gradeboy-bothatMBMS-anda3rd-gradegirl (plusa5th-gradeteacher)atPacific.AndIwenttoPennekamp,MBIandMiraCosta.
2.Wheredidyougrowup?BoulderCreek,CAandManhattanBeach!
3.Whatisyourfavoriteactivitytodoasafamily?Asanindividual?Family:beachand ski/snowboard;individual:snowboard!
4.WhatisyourfavoriteMBeatery?ElSombreroandFishingWithDynamite
5.WhatthreeMBEF-fundedprogramsdoyoubelievehavethegreatestimpactforstudents?Class SizeReduction,CounselorsandSTEAM
6.Whattalent(s)doyoubringtotheMBEFBoard?ManhattanBeachroots,~25yearsof professionalexperienceinmarketing/technology/media,atonofcreativeproblemsolvinganda wifewhoisaneducator
7.WhatisonethingyouareproudofthatMBEFaccomplishedlastyear?Bringingtheimpactof ourgrantsbacktogreatervisibilitywithinthecommunity
8.WhatisonethingyouwantMBEFtoaccomplishintheupcomingyear?GreaterENGAGEMENT withmoreoftheManhattanBeachcommunity-moreparents,morecommunitymembersand morebusinesses/partners
9.WhatisoneareaofimprovementyouwouldhighlightforMBEF?Gettingmoreactive involvementfromourBoardacrosstheentireschoolyeartohelpmakeourprogramsand fundraisinge ortsassuccessfulaspossible
10.WhatisthemostimportantelementoftheMBEFStrategicPlan? ProgramImpact!
We ARE the Board of Directors
Board Member: LORELEI CHAO
1. How long have you lived in MB and how many children do you have in MB Schools?
My family has lived in MB for the past 12 years. My son in currently at Costa
2. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in west suburban Chicago.
3. What is your favorite activity to do as a family? As an individual?
We like to play mah jong as a family. I like to play tennis
4. What is your favorite MB eatery?
I like Nick’s, Mercado and Sugarfish.
5. What three MBEF grants do you believe have the greatest impact for students?
In addition to class size reduction across the district, I believe that library, science lab and music grants in the elementary schools have the greatest impact for students. These three programs setup student passions for the rest of their academic years
6. What talent(s) do you bring to the MBEF Board?
I believe in service leadership so I’m willing to spend my time on the most menial of tasks (e.g. setting up the Wine Auction), the detail orientation for preparing monthly financials and being able to consider multiple perspectives
7. What is one thing you are proud of that MBEF accomplished last year?
The $7.4m grant for 2024-2025 is a phenomenal contribution to the district in a time when it is most needed
8. What is one thing you want MBEF to accomplish in the upcoming year?
I would like to see more Board member involvement when Hilary calls for volunteers
9. What is one area of improvement you would highlight for MBEF?
I would like to see more Board member involvement when Hilary calls for volunteers
10. What is the most important element of the MBEF Strategic Plan?
I think that the most important elements of the strategic plan are promoting a culture of giving, communications and governance.
We ARE the Board of Directors
Jennifer Sennott Cram Board Member:
1. How long have you lived in MB and how many children do you have in MB Schools? We’ve called Manhattan Beach home for 20 years. Our three kids ages 16, 14, and 10 are all part of the MB schools.
2. Where did you grow up? I grew up right in the heart of Chicago. I loved the energy and excitement of the city, but I definitely don’t miss shoveling snow. These days, I’ll happily trade blizzards for beach days and enjoy the small-town feel and community spirit that Manhattan Beach gives our family.
3. What is your favorite activity to do as a family? As an individual? As a family, we love our game nights they tend to get very competitive, but always end in laughter. We also enjoy cooking and baking together (desserts usually disappear faster than we’d like!). And when we can, we love traveling to our “home away from home” in Wickenburg, AZ. For me personally, I cherish a little quiet time to recharge whether that’s reading, walking on the Strand, or sneaking in a Pilates class.
4. What is your favorite MB eatery? There are so many great spots to choose from! As a family, we love North Italia everyone can find something they like, and it’s always a treat to grab ice cream afterward. We’re also big fans of Mangiamo’s great food, a warm atmosphere, and it never disappoints.
5. What three MBEF-funded programs do you believe have the greatest impact for students? I’m so proud of the wide range of programs MBEF supports. The ones I feel have the greatest impact are the hands-on science and STEAM experiences, along with Makerspace in elementary and middle school they really spark curiosity and creativity at such an important age. Now that I have two high schoolers, I’ve also seen firsthand how invaluable the counselors are. I’m so proud that MBEF continues to make that support possible for our students.
6. What talent(s) do you bring to the MBEF Board? I bring organization, passion for education, and a deep involvement in our community. I’d like to think of myself as personable and authentic, and I give my all to help bring people together. My goal is always to strengthen connections, whether it’s among students, families, or the broader MB community.
7. What is one thing you are proud of that MBEF accomplished last year? I’m really proud that we’ve continued to raise awareness about the value of our education programs with new families. Year after year, we’ve worked hard to bridge the gap and raise the necessary funds, and despite the challenges, we’ve been able to keep classroom sizes low while maintaining the high quality of education that our community values so much.
8. What is one thing you want MBEF to accomplish in the upcoming year? I say this every year, but it still feels so important continuing to reach parents who don’t always feel heard and connecting with new families. Getting them involved helps strengthen our community and ensures everyone understands why MBEF is such a vital part of our schools.
9. What is one area of improvement you would highlight for MBEF? I think one important area is helping our community better understand the role of MBEF. We can’t do it all and sometimes we’re seen as the “fix” when challenges arise in the district, even when it’s outside our scope. The more we can build awareness around what MBEF can do, while also encouraging broader community involvement, the stronger and more effective we’ll be together.
10. What is the most important element of the MBEF Strategic Plan? For me, it’s about staying the course continuing to protect the quality of education in our schools and ensuring our students have the opportunities and resources they need to thrive.
We ARE the Board of Directors
Board Member: Maribeth Cunningham (Class I - Pacific)
1. How long have you lived in MB and how many children do you have in MB Schools?
Our family has lived in Manhattan Beach for 12 years. Thanks to dear friends in the community we made the very natural migration from Santa Monica when our youngest was almost one. Our two daughters are currently in 7th grade (MBMS) and 4th grade (Pacific).
2. Where did you grow up?
After moving around a lot as a very young child, I spent most of my childhood in Yorba Linda (Orange County) where I attended the local public schools.
3. What is your favorite activity to do as a family? As an individual?
Our family loves all things sports and spends most of our family time kicking, passing, and just playing around. We might all be a bit competitive! We also love attending local college and professional sports events.
I love to fill my little windows of personal time either outdoors on a run or inside reading my book.
4. What is your favorite MB eatery?
Part of our family has to eat gluten free so we are huge fans of Rice in downtown MB. Every single item on the menu is gluten free! And also delicious. The staff are warm and welcoming. It is a true, small town feeling gem.
5. What three MBEF-funded programs do you believe have the greatest impact for students?
WIthout a doubt, class size reduction is the #1 funding priority that works to keep our schools on par with many private alternatives. Being on the tail end of my family’s elementary school years I’m also a huge believer in the “specials” our youngest students are so lucky to experience! I continually see first-hand how the hands-on learning in both Makerspace and Science Lab spark wonder, curiosity and exploration in students.
6 What talent(s) do you bring to the MBEF Board?
My professional background is in finance. Since our kids entered their school age years, I’ve spent my time behind the books at the PTA level. I love a solid, efficient spreadsheet and all things numbers. That being said, my lens in relation to MBEF comes from a place of loyal, passionate support and genuine belief in the foundation and its people. My hope is that my ability to connect and really listen to my community will be impactful to the board.
7. What is one thing you want MBEF to accomplish in the upcoming year?
New donors! Whether new to the district or returning families who haven’t donated in the past, I think the time is right to capitalize on our track record and solicit our future loyal donors. With so much instability in the world around us, the MBEF mission can be counted on to provide stability in our schools. The sentiment at Pacific in the younger grades is positive and enthusiastic. The potential for giving is great!
8 What is one area of improvement you would highlight for MBEF?
Clarity and connection! The information is there and available for those who want it. But yet, most people won’t take the time to dig for the answers to their questions. Too many are comfortable complaining, but unwilling to work toward solutions. Let’s be available. Let’s be vocal in our communities and a resource for all of those who don’t quite understand, but could easily be made loyal supporters with the right connection point.
9. What is the most important element of the MBEF Strategic Plan?
Given the path I’ve taken to this role I believe Development and Fundraising is the most important part of the MBEF Strategic Plan. Yes, where the team takes things from there is pivotal, but I feel we have so much room to grow in fundraising. There is so much potential in increasing the annual appeal participation. Alongside the appeal, I’m excited by the idea of reinstituting a stronger push for the endowment. What a legacy it will be when someday the endowment grows to supersede the need for an annual appeal!
We ARE the Board of Directors
Board Member: Bea Zimbalist
1. How long have you lived in MB and how many children do you have in MB Schools? 19 years and 1just graduated and 1 is a junior
2. Where did you grow up? Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
3. What is your favorite activity to do as a family? As an individual? Travel with family; tennis or pickleball
4. What is your favorite MB eatery? Nicks
5. What three MBEF-funded programs do you believe have the greatest impact for students? Class size reduction; PE; music
6 What talent(s) do you bring to the MBEF Board? Having been involved with MBEF in some capacity whether site rep, wine auction or employee for about 15 years
7 What is one thing you are proud of that MBEF accomplished last year? Another amazing 7 million grant to support all the schools, particularly with class size reduction.
8. What is one thing you want MBEF to accomplish in the upcoming year? Greater participation in the Annual Appeal
9. What is one area of improvement you would highlight for MBEF? Identifying higher level donors to either move up another level or contribute to endowment
10. What is the most important element of the MBEF Strategic Plan? In order for a well-rounded education for all students, we need community support to achieve MBEF’s goal of enhancement to existing programs and adding enrichment programs where there are statefunded shortfalls.
We ARE the Board of Directors
Board Member: Farnaz Golshani Flechner
1. How long have you lived in MB and how many children do you have in MB Schools?
12 years, and two children
2. Where did you grow up?
Santa Monica
3. What is your favorite activity to do as a family? As an individual?
Travel the world as a family. Travel the world and Yoga as an individual
4. What is your favorite MB eatery?
Uncle Bill’s
5. What three MBEF-funded programs do you believe have the greatest impact for students?
Orchestra and Band programs, subsidizing everything
6. What talent(s) do you bring to the MBEF Board?
Nonprofit management, Public Education Management, School Finance, Fund development…
7. What is one thing you are proud of that MBEF accomplished last year?
Everything. Hilary is a gift.
8. What is one thing you want MBEF to accomplish in the upcoming year?
Continue to be a force of good and community building
9. What is one area of improvement you would highlight for MBEF?
Find a way to visually depict the impact that MBEF has on student outcomes
10. What is the most important element of the MBEF Strategic Plan? I need to learn more about the strategic plan. I am new to the board.
We ARE the Board of Directors
Board Member: Stacey Fundingsland
1. How long have you lived in MB and how many children do you have in MB Schools?
a. May 2019
b. Three Boys going into 2nd Grade, 6th Grade and 7th Grade (Pacific and MBMS)
2. Where did you grow up?
a. Naperville, IL and Eden Prairie, MN
3. What is your favorite activity to do as a family? As an individual?
a. Be at a beach or a pool with my family
b. Love to workout and be active
4. What is your favorite MB eatery?
a. Arthur Jay and Nicks
5. What three MBEF grants do you believe have the greatest impact for students?
a. Class size reduction
b. STEAM, science
c. Physical education
6. What talent(s) do you bring to the MBEF Board?
a. Strategic Marketing
b. Event Planner events from 100 to 30,000 ppl
i. Event Sponsorship
ii. Registration
iii. Experience
7. What is one thing you are proud of that MBEF accomplished last year?
a. Donation at 7.4 million dollars to save a lot of the programs we love (makerspace, PE) and keep class sizes reasonable.
8. What is one thing you want MBEF to accomplish in the upcoming year?
a. Apply for grants and secure more funding from sponsorships
9. What is one area of improvement you would highlight for MBEF?
a. Work smarter not harder
i. Measure ROI on initiatives: stop doing initiatives that don’t bring in dollars. If the event didn’t raise money or stimulate donations re-evaluate why we’re doing it.
10. What is the most important element of the MBEF Strategic Plan?
a. To supplement state funding deficits, so that our kids have an enriched learning experienceSmaller class sizes, Science, Technology, PE, Music, Art, etc.
We ARE the Board of Directors
David Gendron Board Member: __
1. How long have you lived in MB and how many children do you have in MB Schools?
I moved here in 2006 – so 18 years. 4 kids in the school 4th, 9th, 11th, and 12th
2. Where did you grow up?
Small town in East Tennessee called Kingsport
3. What is your favorite activity to do as a family? As an individual?
Family - Traveling, Playing Cards.
Self – Fitness, drinking beers with friends, entertaining
4. What is your favorite MB eatery?
El Tarasco – the original
5. What three MBEF grants do you believe have the greatest impact for students?
Class Size, Counseling
6. What talent(s) do you bring to the MBEF Board?
Coming up with new ideas.
7. What is one thing you are proud of that MBEF accomplished last year?
Raising the amount of money it did when it really mattered
8. What is one thing you want MBEF to accomplish in the upcoming year?
Given the further cuts its going to have to be the same.
9. What is one area of improvement you would highlight for MBEF?
Finding new ways to get the non-donors to donate.
10. What is the most important element of the MBEF Strategic Plan?
Buy in from more families with kids in the school.
We ARE the Board of Directors
BoardMember: GarretGiglia
1.HowlonghaveyoulivedinMBandhowmanychildrendoyouhaveinMBSchools?
WehavelivedinMBforthepastthreeyears.WelivedintheBayAreafortheprior5years, beforesettlingbackintoManhattanBeach.
WehavetwokidsinMBSchools.
● JackGiglia:5thgrade,Pacific
● RexGiglia:TK,Grandview
2.Wheredidyougrowup?
IgrewupintheSouthBay(PalosVerdes)andwenttoschoolatUSC.I’vebeeninandaroundthe SouthBayformostofmylife.
3.Whatisyourfavoriteactivitytodoasafamily?Asanindividual? Attendsportingevents.WehaveanactivesportsfamilyandmakeapointtogettoDodger, Galaxygames,etc.
IcommutetotheWestsideafewdaysaweek,sowhenIgetsomefreetime,Imakeapointto staylocalandavoidthefreeways.ThatgenerallymeansI’monabikeridingaroundthebeachor downtown.
4.WhatisyourfavoriteMBeatery? MBPost
5.WhatthreeMBEF-fundedprogramsdoyoubelievehavethegreatestimpactforstudents? Classsizereduction MakesSpace Library
6.Whattalent(s)doyoubringtotheMBEFBoard? Ihavea financebackgroundaswellasexperienceonthesalesside(i.e.fundraising).
7.WhatisonethingyouareproudofthatMBEFaccomplishedlastyear? Navigatingaverydelicateandemotionalsituationaroundreductionsinforceanddecreased fundingatthestatelevel.
8.WhatisonethingyouwantMBEFtoaccomplishintheupcomingyear? IncreasethefocusoninstitutionalgrantsintotheMBEFand/orendowment.
9.WhatisoneareaofimprovementyouwouldhighlightforMBEF? Focuse ortsinaconsolidated/highimpactway.Perhapslettinggoofeventsthattakeup considerabletimebutdon’thavethecorrespondingimpact.
10.WhatisthemostimportantelementoftheMBEFStrategicPlan? Ithinktheorganizationalvaluesaremostimportantandnotlosingsightofandmaintainingthe highestlevelofintegrityandexcellenceineachofMBEF’sendeavors.
We ARE the Board of Directors
Alice Kuo Board Member:
1. How long have you lived in MB and how many children do you have in MB Schools?
since 2006 (18 years) Matthew, 16 years, 11th grade at Costa Angelina, 14 years, 9th grade at Costa Betty, 13 years, 8th grade at MBMS Noah, 13 years, 8th grade at MBMS
2. Where did you grow up?
Memphis, TN
3. What is your favorite activity to do as a family? As an individual?
favorite activity as a family–visit relatives in Taiwan or Japan favorite activity as an individual–crochet and watch mystery shows
4. What is your favorite MB eatery?
Joey’s
5. What three MBEF grants do you believe have the greatest impact for students? class size reduction counselors at MBMS and Costa PE, library, science, music at the elementary level
6. What talent(s) do you bring to the MBEF Board?
20+ years of leadership and organizational management experience strong educational policy background strong knowledge of child development
7. What is one thing you are proud of that MBEF accomplished last year? bringing the community feel back to the Wine Auction (I would have said granting the district $7.4 million but I thought that was a given)
8. What is one thing you want MBEF to accomplish in the upcoming year? improve board engagement, capitalize on the talents of all board members
9. What is one area of improvement you would highlight for MBEF? strengthen our relationship with the district so they don’t see us as adversarial; our grants should not be a negotiation
10. What is the most important element of the MBEF Strategic Plan?
“Make grants supporting enhancement of existing academic programs, educational enrichment opportunities, and instructional innovation”
We ARE the Board of Directors
Board Member: Andrew Kwasnowski
1. How long have you lived in MB and how many children do you have in MB Schools?
My wife (Lauren) and I have lived in Manhattan Beach since 2020. We have two girls at Robinson, Leilani (3rd) and Kyla (Kinder)
2. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small town in upstate NY (Kingston) and moved to NYC after college. That is where I met my wife and decided to move back to where she grew up (south bay)
3. What is your favorite activity to do as a family? As an individual?
As a family we love going to the beach and hanging. Over the summer, we had a bunch of Robinson families meet up at the beach on 4th street on Tuesday evenings, and the kids just loved it.
Individually, I am new to Tennis and am addicted, love getting out to play.
4 What is your favorite MB eatery?
My kids would say the Kettle but my wife and I love getting out and enjoying the Simzy group restaurants and supporting local!
5 What three MBEF-funded programs do you believe have the greatest impact for students? Only three? I would say class size reduction, STEAM and PE.
6. What talent(s) do you bring to the MBEF Board?
I am eager to continue building out this great foundation. I enjoy reviewing things from a business owner’s perspective, so I hope that can add some value there. I also enjoy networking, so I believe I can use that to my advantage when it comes to spreading the word and fundraising.
7 What is one thing you are proud of that MBEF accomplished last year? I think everyone should be proud of the dollars raised, its amazing the amount the team raises year in and year out.
8 What is one thing you want MBEF to accomplish in the upcoming year? It would be nice to explore a recurring donation agreement for Rock The Ask, so we can get some donors on a committed recurring schedule, as opposed to starting from scratch each year.
9. What is one area of improvement you would highlight for MBEF? This is tough. With such a large board, I think there is room for enhanced accountability from all board members. This is tough but a way to ensure everyone “does what they say they are going to do.” I always tell my employees, “do not commit to something that you cannot fulfill.” So when you do commit, make sure you follow through.
10. What is the most important element of the MBEF Strategic Plan? I believe its “partner with stakeholders.” At the end of the day, our community needs to fully understand our mission and know that we are not out begging for money to bolster a well-heeled balance sheet, we are doing so out of necessity. Without our community’s continued support, our schools, and in turn our children, will suffer. Its our job to continue to build that partnership.
We ARE the Board of Directors
Board Member: Erin Levin
1.HowlonghaveyoulivedinMBandhowmanychildrendoyouhaveinMBSchools?22years,1 child
2.Wheredidyougrowup?Saratoga,CA
3.Whatisyourfavoriteactivitytodoasafamily?Asanindividual?LakeactivitiesinMinnesota, golfing,goingouttodinner.Tennis.
4.WhatisyourfavoriteMBeatery?FWD
5.WhatthreeMBEF-fundedprogramsdoyoubelievehavethegreatestimpactforstudents? Library,ScienceandMakerspace.
6.Whattalent(s)doyoubringtotheMBEFBoard?ExperienceworkingwiththeDistrict(teachers andsta toSuperintendent),experienceasaneducatorintheDistrict,Ihavea flexibleschedule soIcanusuallyhelpoutwhenneeded,IamsocialandvolunteeralotsoIknowmanyfamiliesin theSouthBay
7.WhatisonethingyouareproudofthatMBEFaccomplishedlastyear?Maintainingthe enrichmentopportunitieswefund,evenwithmassivecutstotheDistrictbudget
8.WhatisonethingyouwantMBEFtoaccomplishintheupcomingyear?Streamliningoure orts -definingwhataretheessentialelementsthatmakeussuccessful-whatcanwedowithout
9.WhatisoneareaofimprovementyouwouldhighlightforMBEF?MoresupportfromtheBoard
10.WhatisthemostimportantelementoftheMBEFStrategicPlan?
Engagement and Stewardship-Wewouldnotbeabletofundraiseorreallydoanythingwithout communitysupportandbuy-in,ourintegrityasanorganizationisourbiggestasset.
We ARE the Board of Directors
Board Member: ______________Raj
Mehrotra
1. How long have you lived in MB and how many children do you have in MB Schools? 2016. Two.
2. Where did you grow up? Delhi, India
3. What is your favorite activity to do as a family? As an individual? Travel – mostly adventure related w/ the fam. Ironman triathlete – open water swimming (favorite event); pickleball
4. What is your favorite MB eatery? FWD
5. What three MBEF grants do you believe have the greatest impact for students? Teacher:Student ratio, Stem programs, HS counselors
6. What talent(s) do you bring to the MBEF Board? Diverse POV, NFPO Board experience, leading large organizations
7. What is one thing you are proud of that MBEF accomplished last year? Nearly saved all teaching positions with the class size reduction grant
8. What is one thing you want MBEF to accomplish in the upcoming year? Higher parent participation in the annual appeal
9. What is one area of improvement you would highlight for MBEF? Greater board accountability
10. What is the most important element of the MBEF Strategic Plan? Development and fundraising
We ARE the Board of Directors
BoardMember:SallyPeel
1.HowlonghaveyoulivedinMBandhowmanychildrendoyouhaveinMBSchools?Wemovedto MBfromSanFranciscoin2008.Wehavethreechildrenwho’vegonethroughMBUSD—twonow incollege.OuryoungestwillbeajunioratCostathisyear.
2.Wheredidyougrowup?Boise,Idaho
3.Whatisyourfavoriteactivitytodoasafamily?Asanindividual?Family:Travel,golf,music,joke around,kayak.Asanindividual:travel,pottery,reading.
4.WhatisyourfavoriteMBeatery?ImisslunchatRubio’s.MyfamilyoftenendsupatBigWok.I lovetryingnewplacesandalwaysenjoyKatsu-ya,andLittleSisteratThePoint.
5.WhatthreeMBEF-fundedprogramsdoyoubelievehavethegreatestimpactforstudents? ElementaryPE,classsizereduction,counselors.
6.Whattalent(s)doyoubringtotheMBEFBoard?InsightgainedfromexperienceasaTrustee, VP,andPresidentofMBUSDSchoolBoard;significantcommunityadvocacyandlocalgovernance experience;connectionswithcommunityandnonprofitleadersintheSouthBay.Broader businessandnonprofitexperienceincludingworkingwithcommunitygroupsinemerging marketstodevelopandimplementprojectsbasedontheUNSustainableDevelopmentGoals.
7.WhatisonethingyouareproudofthatMBEFaccomplishedlastyear?Strategicapproachto navigatinggrantnegotiationandfundraisingwithaneyeonreducingMBUSDlayo s.
8.WhatisonethingyouwantMBEFtoaccomplishintheupcomingyear?Maintainandexpand outreach/schoolfundingawarenesse orts.
9.WhatisoneareaofimprovementyouwouldhighlightforMBEF?Boardmemberssteppinginto greaterengagementandcommunityleadership.Alwaysberepping/evangelizingforMBEF.
10.WhatisthemostimportantelementoftheMBEFStrategicPlan?Two(sorry)-1.organization valuesand2.programimpact.
We ARE the Board of Directors
Board Member: Lisa Quarello
1. How long have you lived in MB and how many children do you have in MB Schools? 12 years, 2 daughters Arabella in 7th grade at MBMS and Josie in 2nd grade at Robinson.
2. Where did you grow up? Beautiful South Carolina, though SoCal has been my home since college.
3. What is your favorite activity to do as a family? As an individual? As a family: Surfing and beach outings. As an individual: Hiking, traveling, and discovering new restaurants or farmers markets in LA.
4. What is your favorite MB eatery? I find myself most often with friends at Un Caffe for lunch or date night at Love & Salt. Brunch at Rockefeller Hermosa is our family’s go-to.
5. What three MBEF-funded programs do you believe have the greatest impact for students? Thinking about prioritizing student success, I believe our grants that make the most tangible difference in students' educational experiences are 1) reducing class sizes, 2) supporting STEAM education, and 3) providing counseling services.
6. What talent(s) do you bring to the MBEF Board? Extensive experience in event planning and fundraising, strong organizational skills, and a deep commitment to our community.
7. What is one thing you are proud of that MBEF accomplished last year? I’m proud of MBEF’s success in the annual appeal and savvy grant allocation, which ensured the continuation of vital programs despite unprecedented uncertainty in state funding. This past year showed us the community’s strong commitment to education and MBEF’s ability to adapt and maintain stability during challenging times.
8. What is one thing you want MBEF to accomplish in the upcoming year? One thing I want MBEF to accomplish in the upcoming year is to increase fundraising efforts, particularly by expanding the Community Partner Program and securing more major gifts from local businesses and corporations. By optimizing fundraising strategies, MBEF can provide even more substantial and sustainable support for vital programs.
9. What is one area of improvement you would highlight for MBEF? One area of improvement I would highlight for MBEF is enhancing engagement and collaboration with the community. By fostering deeper connections with stakeholders and pta, ensuring that the community is well-informed about MBEF’s initiatives, funding allocations, and program impacts, MBEF can build greater trust and support. This, in turn, can positively drive more robust fundraising efforts and create a stronger, more united effort toward achieving our educational goals.
10. What is the most important element of the MBEF Strategic Plan? Program Impact ensuring every child has the resources they need to thrive academically and personally. This includes a strong commitment to evaluating the effectiveness of funded programs, maintaining accountability, and making data-driven decisions to continuously enhance educational outcomes. By focusing on the impact of our programs, we address the immediate needs of students but also establish a foundation for long-term educational excellence, ensuring that our schools continue to provide exceptional learning opportunities for all.
We ARE the Board of Directors
Board Member: Tiffany Quick
1. How long have you lived in MB and how many children do you have in MB Schools? 16 years; three daughters in MB Schools.
2. Where did you grow up? Portland, Oregon
3. What is your favorite activity to do as a family? As an individual? Family: travel, Individual: read, cook, listen to true crime podcasts
4. What is your favorite MB eatery? Love & Salt
5 What three MBEF-funded programs do you believe have the greatest impact for students? Class size reduction, counselors, elementary libraries & science lab
6 What talent(s) do you bring to the MBEF Board? Experience in fundraising, event planning and non-profit communications, dedicated volunteer and experienced working with the PTAs.
7. What is one thing you are proud of that MBEF accomplished last year? Staying strong and true to the message and closing out the year with $7 million in grants despite facing challenging circumstances and sentiments within the district.
8. What is one thing you want MBEF to accomplish in the upcoming year? Increase the percentage of parents who participate in the annual giving campaign.
9. What is one area of improvement you would highlight for MBEF? Continue to strengthen the partnership with the PTAs and equip site ambassadors with the most effective communication strategies possible.
10. What is the most important element of the MBEF Strategic Plan? Development and Fundraising is essential to fulfilling the MBEF mission.
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ARE he Board of Direc ors
Board Member Nathalie Rosen
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We ARE the Board of Directors
Board Member: __________Scott Rosenthal_______________________
1. How long have you lived in MB and how many children do you have in MB Schools? 14 years in Manhattan Beach. 3 kids in MB schools.
2. Where did you grow up?
Connecticut, Vienna Austria, Budapest Hungary
3. What is your favorite activity to do as a family? As an individual?
Travel, sports (play & watch)
4. What is your favorite MB eatery?
Simmzy’s
5. What three MBEF grants do you believe have the greatest impact for students? All of them! But to answer the question (and in no particular order) C&C counseling, class sizes, elementary enrichment (as a group, hard to rank individually)
6. What talent(s) do you bring to the MBEF Board? Experience.
7. What is one thing you are proud of that MBEF accomplished last year? Increased the amount granted to schools by 20%.
8 What is one thing you want MBEF to accomplish in the upcoming year?
Grow participation in the Annual Appeal. Intermediate term goal to restore participation rate to re-2020 levels.
9. What is one area of improvement you would highlight for MBEF?
Raise understanding and appreciation with younger families. Discussions in the spring showed many still don’t fully understand MBEF or the role it plays.
10. What is the most important element of the MBEF Strategic Plan? Program Impact.
We ARE the Board of Directors
Board Member: Kate Sinclair
1. How long have you lived in MB and how many children do you have in MB Schools? We moved to Manhattan Beach in 2019 - 5 years. Our daughter Leontine (Leo) will be in 6th grade at MBMS. Our son Linus will be in 8th grade at Harvard Westlake.
2. Where did you grow up? Kansas
3. What is your favorite activity to do as a family? As an individual? As a family: Dodgers baseball For me: interior design, yoga & walks with Michael
4. What is your favorite MB eatery? Jame
5. What three MBEF grants do you believe have the greatest impact for students? Class size reduction, Music & Maker Space
6. What talent(s) do you bring to the MBEF Board? Communications & messaging, creative direction, special event production & experiences
7. What is one thing you are proud of that MBEF accomplished last year? I was proud that MBEF was able to sustain the integrity of our core grant programs in the past two years despite some volatility within the community and other external factors.
8. What is one thing you want MBEF to accomplish in the upcoming year? Streamline the Annual Appeal effort so it is not so burdensome on the staff and better engage the many talents of the Board to give MBEF a larger presence in the community.
9. What is one area of improvement you would highlight for MBEF? Educate the community on the importance of the Endowment and optimize the external communications to be most valuable and effective.
10. What is the most important element of the MBEF Strategic Plan? Program impact
We ARE the Board of Directors
Roger Spencer Board Member:
Dead & Co after a thunderstorm at Jazz Fest 2023 with April
1. How long have you lived in MB and how many children do you have in MB Schools? Moved to MB in 1997. Two kids, both went to Meadows, MBMS, then private school for high school
2. Where did you grow up?
I’m an army brat. Born in Orange, CA, then Frankfurt (West) Germany, then Tacoma, WA, then Oahu, HI, then Los Gatos, CA (Bay Area) from age 10-23
3. What is your favorite activity to do as a family? As an individual? We love to travel, especially if we can find a nice dark place to watch the Perseid meteor shower in August. I like hanging out with friends whether that’s playing pickleball, cooking, drinking wine, whatever
4. What is your favorite MB eatery? Fishing with Dynamite
5. What three MBEF grants do you believe have the greatest impact for students?
Class size reduction-It’s what the people want!
Counselors-Being a kid is hard, being a teenager is really hard TOSAs-bring consistency and continuity across school sites and throughout TK-12 progression
6. What talent(s) do you bring to the MBEF Board? I’m especially good at volunteering for stuff. I also have almost 10 years of MBEF experience including chairing the Wine Auction which comes in handy sometimes.
7. What is one thing you are proud of that MBEF accomplished last year? Re-establishing itself post-COVID. We worked to educate the community about the importance of good schools and the specific work MBEF does. It helped us move forward from distracting “controversies” in the past and enabled us to raise & GRANT!!! an incredible amount of money
8. What is one thing you want MBEF to accomplish in the upcoming year? Work toward a comprehensive long-term fundraising/development plan that includes endowment, annual appeal, wine auction, etc. Not sure we can accomplish it in the next year or not.
9. What is one area of improvement you would highlight for MBEF?
Communication-We need people to know what we do and how important their participation in MBEF matters. Communication has really improved already but we can’t let up.
10. What is the most important element of the MBEF Strategic Plan?
Strategic focus on Development & Fundraising because it requires MBEF to communicate our impact in our community and can be measured by donations. MBEF grants have a tremendous impact and are the direct result of how well we fundraise.
We ARE the Board of Directors Board Member: Michael Unton
1. How long have you lived in MB and how many children do you have in MB Schools? Almost 8 years - 1 child, Zoey, starting 8th grade at MBMS
2. Where did you grow up? Near Akron, OH
3. What is your favorite activity to do as a family? As an individual? Family - water skiing/boating. Individual - hiking tall mountains.
4. What is your favorite MB eatery? Fishing with Dynamite
- Class size reduction / filling teacher gap (far & away #1 in current environment)
5. What three MBEF-funded programs do you believe have the greatest impact for students?
- Science labs
- Zoey is really looking forward to being on the Yearbook team (VAPA)
6. What talent(s) do you bring to the MBEF Board? Organizing, fundraising, bias for action
7. What is one thing you are proud of that MBEF accomplished last year? Restoring the teacher positions left in the gap after Measure MB passed
8. What is one thing you want MBEF to accomplish in the upcoming year? Set a new record for fundraising through reaching families that historically haven’t given & maintaining the % who give to the ask despite the higher ask
9. What is one area of improvement you would highlight for MBEF? The Board meetings are heavy on updates - suggest more calls to action for the Board members. It’s a distinguished group that is capable of getting a ton accomplished!
10. What is the most important element of the MBEF Strategic Plan? Development & Fundraising - next several years will be especially challenging as MBUSD’s budget continues to become more constrained. Sustaining the teacher positions currently funded + likely needing to fund additional will require record fundraising.
Board Member: Kathryn Withycombe
1. How long have you lived in MB and how many children do you have in MB Schools? My husband and I have lived in MB for 5 years and we have twin boys in 3rd grade at Grand View.
2. Where did you grow up? I grew up in Plano, TX.
3. What is your favorite activity to do as a family? As an individual? As a family, we love to go skiing in the winter. I enjoy playing tennis, reading & pilates.
4. What is your favorite MB eatery? My favorite MB eatery is Fishing with Dynamite and Two Guns.
5. What three MBEF-funded programs do you believe have the greatest impact for students? As an elementary parent, I believe providing staff for MakerSpace, Science Lab and the Library have made the greatest impact.
6. What talent(s) do you bring to the MBEF Board? I am a seasoned HR and learning professional and bring structure, fairness, and strategy around the "people side" of the organization which is often what makes programs sustainable and impactful in the long run.
7. What is one thing you are proud of that MBEF accomplished last year? I’m proud of the support MBEF gave to STEAM.
8. What is one thing you want MBEF to accomplish in the upcoming year? I hope MBEF continues to focus on reducing class sizes next year.
9. What is one area of improvement you would highlight for MBEF? To continue educating MB families of the importance of MBEF.
10. What is the most important element of the MBEF Strategic Plan? For the upcoming year, I believe we should focus on Communication & Outreach, as many new families have joined the district.
We ARE the Board of Directors
Board Member: Bea Zimbalist
1. How long have you lived in MB and how many children do you have in MB Schools? 19 years and 1just graduated and 1 is a junior
2. Where did you grow up? Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
3. What is your favorite activity to do as a family? As an individual? Travel with family; tennis or pickleball
4. What is your favorite MB eatery? Nicks
5. What three MBEF-funded programs do you believe have the greatest impact for students? Class size reduction; PE; music
6. What talent(s) do you bring to the MBEF Board? Having been involved with MBEF in some capacity whether site rep, wine auction or employee for about 15 years
7. What is one thing you are proud of that MBEF accomplished last year? Another amazing 7 million grant to support all the schools, particularly with class size reduction.
8. What is one thing you want MBEF to accomplish in the upcoming year? Greater participation in the Annual Appeal
9. What is one area of improvement you would highlight for MBEF? Identifying higher level donors to either move up another level or contribute to endowment
10. What is the most important element of the MBEF Strategic Plan? In order for a well-rounded education for all students, we need community support to achieve MBEF’s goal of enhancement to existing programs and adding enrichment programs where there are statefunded shortfalls.