Student achievement in Manhattan Beach schools consistently ranks among the best in the State and in the Nation. However, while our students are performing at high levels, our schools receive among the lowest per-student State funding in California. With the State of California projecting significant multibillion-dollar budget deficits in the coming years, State funding for MBUSD is likely to decline. This will force tough decisions regarding layoffs of teachers and school employees as well as cuts to programs, enrichment opportunities, and services for our students. As we have experienced in the past, budget cuts require careful consideration of our priorities for our schools and students.