In a dramatic turn of events, parents and community members of East Elementary School in Long Beach are celebrating after the Long Beach School Board announced that the school will remain open. The news comes after a year of uncertainty, during which the district had been considering shutting down the school due to declining enrollment and budgetary concerns.

The decision was made public during a school board meeting.

“I just want to say thank you. I think this was hard for everybody,” said parent Joanne Kapp after the announcement, echoing the sentiments of many who had been anxiously awaiting a decision.

The Long Beach School District first considered the closing the school in response to potential cuts in state Foundation Aid, which provides financial support for public schools. When that funding was later restored, the district shifted focus to the school’s declining enrollment numbers as a reason for closing the building.

However, community pushback played a pivotal role in reversing the decision. At several school board meetings, residents voiced their concerns, and a Change.org petition in support of keeping East Elementary open gathered over 4,000 signatures. School board members cited the overwhelming support from the community as a key factor in their decision.

“I listened to the tremendous advocacy from the community,” said Sam Pinto, president of the Long Beach School Board. “We represent your needs. We have your best interests.”

Despite this, not all board members were in agreement. Board Trustee Dennis Ryan, who remains concerned about the financial implications of maintaining an aging facility, argued that the school, which is nearly 100 years old, may not be worth the investment. “We’re a $155 million district. I’m not so sure it’s wise to pour money into a building that’s 98 years old,” Ryan explained during the meeting.

For parents like Vassa Senken, who have invested time and energy into advocating for the school’s future, the victory was meaningful. “All the hard work goes to the parents, the kids. And we thank the board members and we thank the community for everything they’ve done,” Senken said.

As a result of the board’s decision, East Elementary will remain open for the foreseeable future, with additional improvements planned for the school. Notably, $6 million in upgrades to the building’s HVAC system will be included in an upcoming bond proposal.