Welcome back, LBUSD!

View Images, Videos and Media Coverage of the First Day of School

Welcome back, Long Beach Unified School District! We are thrilled to kick off the 2025-2026 school year together.

“I couldn’t be more proud to welcome our students and staff back with so much to celebrate,” Superintendent Dr. Jill A. Baker said. “Every student deserves to feel safe, valued, and inspired to excel, and that’s exactly what this school year is about.”

At Lakewood High School, the energy was electric as students returned to campus, greeted by cheerleaders waving their pom-poms and the lively sounds of the school marching band. The enthusiastic presence of Principal Mona Merlo, Vice Principal Lloyd Wilson, school staff, Lakewood city officials, LBUSD Board members, Superintendent Dr. Jill Baker, and members of the Senior Team created an atmosphere of celebration.

Lakewood was particularly excited to unveil its newly remodeled aquatic center, a testament to LBUSD’s commitment to student wellness and athletics. The modernized facility features a 51.5-meter pool with a bulkhead system, upgraded locker rooms, spectator seating, and a digital scoreboard, which will empower students to thrive, foster teamwork, and excel.

Other noteworthy openings throughout the District include the fully operational Center for Black Student Excellence, which offers both academic and cultural support. Additionally, the Black Literary Society is now active in all high schools, promoting literacy, a sense of belonging, and leadership among students.

Exciting changes are also on the horizon, including the rollout of LBUSD’s Student Phone Use, Cyberbullying, and Social Media Safety Policy set to launch in January 2026. This policy will provide clear guidelines not only for cell phones but also for emerging technologies such as smart glasses, earbuds, headphones, and cameras.

As we begin this new school year, LBUSD is guided by Vision 2035 and our Strategic Plan: Creating a Better Future Together. Our goals focus on advancing the learning of 63,000 students, fostering safe and inclusive schools, and strengthening partnerships with families and the community. We remain committed  to providing safe and welcoming environments for all, including our immigrant students and families through our Standing in Solidarity efforts.

To ensure the safety of our students, office personnel and staff who support entry and exit points at schools, have been trained, and helpful resources have been provided to every school site. Families can be assured that our schools are safe, our staff is well-prepared, and ICE will not be permitted on any campus.

You can learn more about our values and actions on our Standing in Solidarity page and view key updates for the new year on our Back to School page. Back-to-school guides were also mailed to every student’s household to help families prepare for the year ahead.

Let’s make this year one to remember!