East Elementary School in Long Beach was saved from potential closure after a dramatic school board vote. Parents, led by Joanne Kapp, spearheaded a year-long campaign that culminated in a petition gathering nearly 4,100 signatures. Advocates argued that there was no financial justification for the proposed closure, citing improved funding and a lack of clear evidence from the district. Ultimately, the school board voted 4-1 against consolidation, acknowledging the community's concerns and the school's significance as a longstanding institution.
I just want to say thank you," parent Joanne Kapp told the board, News 12 reported. "I think this was hard for everybody.
We have not experienced a loss of funding that would justify such a drastic decision as initially proposed... the district has not presented clear evidence that closing East Elementary is necessary from a financial standpoint.
The majority of the board felt the benefits of consolidating did not outweigh the risks and the concerns that we're faced with," said Sam Pinto, the board's president.
Kapp started a petition begging for support in the effort to save the "cornerstone and heart of our community for almost 100 years."
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