Long Beach : School Maintenance Budget Cut 5%, 39 Jobs Eliminated

The Long Beach Unified School District board this week eliminated 39 jobs and slashed 5% off its maintenance budget during the first round of budget cuts.

On Monday, the board approved reducing its budget of approximately $350 million by $8.7 million. Most of the savings will come from eliminating 39 clerical and managerial positions through attrition and a retirement incentive for administrators. The board also agreed to freeze new equipment purchases, reduce its maintenance budget by $500,000 and cut $600,000 off its asbestos-removal budget.

More controversial proposals--to change some schools to a 7:15 a.m. starting schedule, mandate physical education for all 11th-graders and lay off 75 custodians--was delayed until April 30.

Other proposed cuts the board has yet to consider include eliminating school bus service for 641 students, increasing the average class size by one student and eliminating a music program in elementary schools.

Schools are on a spring break this week, and board members said they delayed a vote on the more controversial proposals because they want input from employees and parents.