The Long Beach Board of Education met March 25 to further review the proposed budget for the 2025-26 school year, presenting detailed changes and plans for the high school and middle school programs.
The proposed budget for the high school includes adjustments across five areas: senior supervision, teaching and learning, library, guidance and co-curricular activities. While some areas will see budget decreases due to staff retirements and replacements at lower salaries, others will experience increases to support growing student needs and new programming.
There is an expected reduction of 0.4 full-time equivalent positions in English instruction, achieved through the consolidation of smaller classes, which allows for increased efficiency without negatively impacting student access to courses. A reduction of 0.2 FTE in health instruction is also anticipated, reflecting adjustments in the co-teaching model.
“We’re also proposing a staff member on special assignment for the new Wellness Center,” Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Michael DeVito said. “The wellness center that we have in mind is an extension of our preventative programming for mental health and wellness.”
The high school budget also reflects adjustments to supply line items based on historical expenditures and anticipated changes in enrollment. There is an increase in the field trip budget to $40 per student to account for rising costs. Additionally, the school plans to increase the number of student clubs to 50, with new additions including a pre-health professions club, historical club, book club and Science Olympiad. Funding for AP exams will increase to cover the cost of additional exams, with the district initially paying for them and parents reimbursing the cost, which will be reflected in revenue.
The middle school budget similarly reflects staffing changes tied to projected decreases in enrollment. Reductions of 1.0 FTE in reading, English and science instruction are offset by a 0.4 FTE increase in social studies. The middle school will also see adjustments in supply line items and an increase in the field trip budget to $40 per student. The school will maintain 33 student clubs, adding two new ones: the National Junior Honor Society and Athletes Helping Athletes. The robotics program will receive additional support through stipends and supplies to help expand the program’s reach and impact.
The board introduced the new high school principal, Andrew Smith. Board members are optimistic that the new leadership will contribute to the district’s goals of supporting student well-being and academic achievement.
“Dr. Smith, I think you have a fan club,” Trustee Anne Conway said. “Your appointment was an easy one, and I can tell you, I feel very comfortable knowing that you are going to lead our high school students, and know you will do so with kindness, respect and true leadership.”
The next budget presentation, scheduled for April 8, will focus on the district’s special education program. The board plans to adopt the final budget on April 23, with a public hearing to follow ahead of the budget vote on May 20.
