Dear Friend --

This morning, we welcomed thousands of students back into the classroom. LBUSD is now the largest public school system in California to reopen campuses, and it’s been such a hopeful and amazing day. Read more about our city's success in The New York Times here.

Here in Long Beach, we really focused on vaccinating teachers and school staff as soon as CDC and state guidelines would allow. We prioritized the safety of our education staff and students, and we reached today’s reopening by engaging with all the staff, teachers, administrators and the LBUSD School Board – who have all worked tirelessly to make today happen. To our entire LBUSD family and the city’s public health team, I want to send a big thank you for your non-stop work.

Now, I know many students are still learning from home, and that’s ok too. To all the parents and kids still in virtual learning, we love you and support you also as you finish the semester.

Earlier this morning, I had the chance to join students, their families and educators at Alvarado Elementary for their first day back and it was an amazing experience. I look forward to many more like this.

It’s been an amazing day on our city’s path towards recovery, and the best is yet to come.

Thank you -- and Go Long Beach!

Mayor Robert Garcia