Superintendent details summer campus work before school starts
The district used the summer to clean campuses, finish facilities work, staff programs, and steer families toward back-to-school help before classes resume.
Two hosts walk through the week’s edition in conversation — superintendent reports on summer operations and, public testimony, and what’s coming next. Generated by Aware, from this week’s verified summaries.
Summer was for the unglamorous work that decides a first week: cleaned classrooms, repaired campuses, staffed programs, and clear directions for families getting ready.
A school year starts long before the first bell. In a report to the Long Beach Unified School District Board of Education, the superintendent walked through the summer work meant to make campuses ready for students and staff. He described major facilities projects, deep cleaning, routine maintenance, summer staffing, and student program participation as the core of that effort.
The update focused on the practical jobs families rarely see but count on when school opens. Campus were cleaned and maintained over the summer while larger facilities work moved ahead. The superintendent paired that operations update with a reminder that back-to-school resources are already available, pointing families toward district help as the opening of school gets closer.
He also used the report to recognize the student board member, folding student representation into a presentation otherwise centered on logistics. The next step is straightforward: families will keep turning to those back-to-school resources, while the board tracks whether summer projects and staffing plans hold up once students return and regular campus routines begin.
Public testimony: Cabrillo campus accountability and support for ASB director and parent involvement staff
One parent used public comment to press for accountability at Cabrillo High School. Speaking as a family member with seven years in the school community, the parent said many staff members are dedicated but described what they saw as ongoing bullying behaviors within parts of the administration and said parent concerns were not always taken seriously.
The parent asked the district to support the Cabrillo High School ASB director, saying many families see that staff member as a strong leader with a clear vision for student engagement. The speaker pointed to presentations at school site council meetings and said the work already done on campus showed commitment to students and families.
The same commenter urged the district to protect the Parent Center and support the Parent Involvement Specialist. The parent said that role helps families feel heard, builds trust with bilingual families, and strengthens communication between home and school. The speaker cited events including a Cinco de Mayo salsa competition and Teacher Appreciation Week activities, and said parent involvement staff remain necessary.
Speech staff press board on training funds
Speech-language pathologists and supporters asked the board to restore professional development funding and stop requiring personal leave for required CEUs. Speakers said the district receives major special education revenues, including $30 million, $17 million, and $130 million figures, and should reinvest in training, AAC supports, and clearer accounting.
large dollar figure ($130,000,000)
Staff maps out draft LCAP priorities
District staff presented the draft 2026–2027 Local Control and Accountability Plan as a three-year plan with nine goals updated each year. The proposal highlights spending for core instruction, Black student achievement, English learners, students with disabilities, and other district priorities before later board action.
The LCAP directs hundreds of millions of dollars toward student programs, services, and accountability priorities.
District reviews revenues and deficit outlook
Staff gave the board a budget update covering the state budget cycle, May Revision changes, revenue assumptions, expenditures, and projected deficit spending across multiple years. The presentation said deadlines at the state level remain uncertain while cost pressures, including special education, continue to weigh on the district.
Budget projections shape staffing, services, and whether the district may need cuts or reserve use.
Board reports personnel action and settlements
The board announced closed-session actions that included a public employment matter and approval of settlement agreements. The public report said some of the settlements involved special education matters, and one item announced publicly included a promotion.
Closed-session decisions can affect district staffing, legal costs, and special education dispute resolution.
What we didn’t fit in this Sundays edition
LONG BEACH had 373 more items this week. Here are sixfour — the rest are on Aware.
- GOVERNANCEBoard approves student expulsion with later readmission eligibility. In closed session, the board approved a student expulsion in a student-related education matter. The action included a future date when the student may apply for readmission.
- GOVERNANCEConsent/Approval Item 15.8: Expanded Learning Program (ELP) Contracts and Total Amount. A board member asked about the total amount of ELP-related contracts for services supporting students’ health, mental health, and other needs. Staff referenced totals including 32.5 million and described contract approvals and future reporting.
- GOVERNANCEConsent/Approval Item 15.7: Funding Distribution Question (CTE/Pathway Support). During consideration of agenda item 15.7, a board member asked whether approximately $8,000,000 in funds would be distributed equally across CTE/pathway programs or targeted. Staff responded the funds were intended to support CTE across schools, though not necessarily equal by school size.
- GOVERNANCESpeakers urge board to avoid cuts and layoffs. Public commenters asked the board to protect teachers, nurses, librarians, counselors, and classified staff from layoffs and service reductions. Speakers argued the district should better manage reserves, legal costs, and consulting spending to preserve student-facing positions.
- GOVERNANCEBoard appoints David Said superintendent and approves contract. The board announced and approved David Said as the district's next superintendent, effective July 1, 2026. It also approved his employment agreement after the required oral compensation summary, with reports citing a three-year term and stated salary details.
- GOVERNANCEParents urge limits on student screen time and AI. Multiple public speakers asked the district to reduce student screen time and restrict technology, social media, and AI use in schools. Suggestions included limiting device use in early grades, blocking certain online content, requiring parent permission, and pausing AI tools until safety rules are in place.
- GOVERNANCEPublic Comment — Concerns about after-school/childcare program changes and lack of parent consultation. A parent associated with an elementary after-school program raised concerns about disruptions to childcare/after-school services, stating parents were not consulted and asking for clearer planning, stability, and communication about service providers and year-to-year changes.
- GOVERNANCEStudent Outcome Focused Governance: Adoption of Board Guardrails (Condensed to Three). The board adopted three condensed board guardrails recommended by a committee. Discussion included concerns about the committee process and whether additional guardrails should be included. The motion passed 4-1, with Member Lopez voting no.
- GOVERNANCEPublic testimony: request to keep a TK teacher at Lowell Elementary and concerns about aide staffing. A community member urged the board to reconsider moving a Lowell Elementary TK teacher to a different grade level. The speaker praised the teacher’s experience and impact and raised concerns about classroom compliance and safety due to inconsistent aide support for a class of 24 students.
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