Saturday, June 14, 2025
Voters in the Long Beach School District approved the $158.5 million budget for the 2025–26 school year by a vote of 767 to 256.
The budget represents a 1.67 percent increase over the current year’s $156 million allocation.
Staffing adjustments include restoring the Social Studies Learning Director position, adding personnel for the high school Wellness Center, and creating new elementary teaching roles. To align with declining enrollment, the district is also reducing 2.6 full-time equivalent positions, primarily at the middle school level.
Technology remains a priority, with $1.5 million earmarked for upgrades such as Chromebooks, SMART Boards, and classroom furniture. Rising vendor costs, including transportation and maintenance, are offset by reductions in supply spending.
The budget is supported by a 2.4 percent increase in the local tax levy, generating roughly $2.6 million. Projected state aid of $27.8 million held steady, meaning the district will not need to draw on surplus funds to maintain the budget.
In the uncontested Board of Education election, Anne Conway was re-elected to a three-year term with 844 votes. Board members and members of the public congratulated her during the meeting, with Board President Sam Pinto’s well wishes shared in his absence
“I just want to say thank you to my Long Beach community and to my board of education trustees,” Conway said. “It is an honor to serve with you, and I look forward to the next three years.”
Proposition Two, which authorizes the use of 2018 capital reserve funds for future building projects, also passed with 819 votes in favor and 178 opposed.
The board expressed gratitude to the community for supporting both the school and public library budgets. The proposed 2025–26 Long Beach Public Library budget was approved by voters, as was the election of Anja Schmidt-Muskin to a five-year term as library trustee beginning July 1.
Trustees commended district staff for organizing the budget vote and ensuring a smooth process, with specific thanks given to those who managed logistics and accommodations.
