District budget a ‘crystal ball business’

The Manhattan Beach Unified District School Board adopted its $52.3-million budget last month, with a projected $7.5 million in reserves at the end of the year, a number that’s projected to dwindle as the district maps out a three-year forecast. “We’re spending more than were taking in, we’re deficit spending,” said Deputy Superintendent Rick Bagley. “That goes straight to the reserves and depletes it.” Uncertainties in Sacramento, however, have left the district with the cha