The City of Long Beach has greenlighted a fresh agreement with the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), revamping their nearly 30-year-old facilities-sharing policy. According to official statements, this move, ratified on June 3 by the City Council and June 16 by the LBUSD Board, is designed to boost equitable access to community facilities and solidify the bond between municipal and educational institutions.
In words conveyed by Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, the Master Joint Use Agreement "is a meaningful step in our continued partnership with Long Beach Unified School District, further enhancing equitable use of our vibrant community spaces." This five-year pact, which includes options for renewal, spells out the future of city and school district cohabitation, granting second priority usage of reciprocal facilities to each, after their respective events and programs.
The prior agreement was established in 1986 and last updated in 2006, but the latest iteration aims to tighten the cooperative bond, emphasizing just use and shared stewardship of spaces for recreational, educational, and civic endeavors. The joint usage extends to facilities such as the Naples Elementary School tennis courts and Cesar Chavez Elementary School gymnasium, as outlined in the new contract.
Moreover, the fresh agreement brings forth a Facilities Management Committee, tasked with ensuring the Administration and operational coordination of the pact. "By working together with LBUSD, we are maximizing community access to spaces where people of all ages and abilities can gather, play and thrive," Parks, Recreation and Marine Director Brent Dennis told the Long Beach newsroom. The committee is also charged with crafting a Master Use Schedule to push for a streamlined allocation of these shared spaces.
David Miranda, Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Operations for LBUSD, explained the significance of the pact in a community context, stating, "This Master Facility Use Agreement reflects our shared commitment to supporting healthy, safe and inclusive environments that enrich learning and foster community wellbeing." LBUSD's objective to provide top-tier recreational and educational spaces shines through this renewed symbiosis with the City of Long Beach. For further details on LBUSD's facilities and programs, interested parties can visit lbschools.net or lbschoolbonds.net, while longbeach.gov/park offers insights into Parks, Recreation and Marine initiatives.
