In the Know

About In the Know

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.

Publisher

MBEF

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

11 Nov 2020

Latest episode

17 Dec 2025

Latest episodes

30 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Dec 2025

   Class Size Reduction: What It Represents in Our Classrooms

   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.

2. 

   20 Nov 2025

   The Landscape of Charitable Giving

   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.

3. 

   25 Sept 2025

   Inside Transitional Kindergarten (TK) - Where Curiosity Lays the Foundation for Early Learning

   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.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

138,062,908

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

9 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 38 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

18

Social presence

0

YouTube

93

Engagement

51

Contact In the Know

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.