Long Beach Approves Prop. 30 By Greater Percent

The result of California's Proposition 30 approval means Long Beach Unified School District and its 82,000 students were spared what would have been an almost instant budget cut Wednesday of $35 million.

On the chopping block were teachers and academic programs that have earned Long Beach Unified a national reputation as a role model for urban school districts. This in California's third-largest school district, where $350 million in cuts has already resulted in 1,000 lay-offs at the city's largest employer.

But also on the table for cuts were high school sports, including Poly High, which ESPN ranks as the country's best sports program, and Woodrow Wilson High, which boasts several prep sports success stories, and serves as an incubator for Olympic water sport athletes.

Perhaps that contributed to why City of Long Beach voters approved Prop. 30 at a far higher rate than it passed statewide. The controversial sales tax increase to fund education was approved statewide by 53.9% to 46.1%, in unofficial election results.

Long Beach approved Prop. 30 by 60.4% to 39.6%.

The votes: 

Yes: 62,336--60.4%

no: 40,946--39.6%

On Wednesday afternoon, the voices of Long Beach's education institutions expressed relief and gratitude that voters supported Prop. 30.

Patch will bring you more on their reaction soon. Check back here tonight.

Superintendent Christopher Steinhauser's comments Wednesday are found in the below news release. 

http://www.lbschools.net/Main_Offices/Superintendent/Public_Information/Newsroom/articleDetails_NEW.cfm?articleID=1605