Long Beach BOE Hears Facilities Recommendations

Written by Rosemary Leonetti/Syntax

David Weiss, superintendent of Long Beach School District, on Monday gave a more detailed analysis of choices that were deemed the most educationally viable in the Facilities Utilization Study Group report, which was first presented to the board on Nov. 26.

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At the Dec. 16 Board of Education Meeting at Middle School,  Weiss outlined the concerns that were identified with maintaining the status quo, which included limited opportunity for cost savings, concerns about the structure of the special education program under the current configuration, difficulties with splitting staff, pre-K students transitioning to four different schools, and declining enrollment.

After giving a detailed summary of enrollment trends and projections, Weiss went on to give the board an analysis of those configuration options that would provide the best outcomes for students, including the best utilization of space and staff.

Four viable options for maintaining the status quo were identified.

• Option B detailed the repurposing of East School as an administration building, without any change in grade configurations at the other three elementary schools.

• Option C involved reconfiguring Lido School as an early learning center for pre-K through first grade. Under this plan, East, West and Lindell schools would serve grades two through five.

• Option D called for reconfiguring Lido, East and West schools to serve pre-K through grade two. Under this plan, Lindell would serve as an intermediate school for all students in grades three to five and administration offices would be housed at Lido School.

• Option E called for the repurposing of East School as an administration building, while reconfiguring Lido and West schools as primary schools serving pre-K through grade two. Under this plan, Lindell would serve as an intermediate school serving all students in grades three to five.

Reasons for considering each option were detailed, along with charts delineating projected class sizes under each plan.

At the Jan. 14 board meeting, Weiss will speak about projected staffing, costs, transportation details and transition plans for each option. The board will then hold a community forum on Jan. 21 to gather further input.

There were two other presentations to the board at Monday's meeting. 

Chief Operating Officer Michael DeVito presented a budget update dealing with benefits and debt service.

In addition, Dr. Kenneth Graham, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, updated the board on K-12 curriculum, touching on reading, vocabulary and the Middle Years Program.