New board appoints Victoria Weber as secretary amid controversy over superintendent termination

In a tense and pivotal moment during the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) Board Meeting on December 16, 2024, board members reflected on the challenges stemming from previous leadership decisions. The discussion centered around the termination of the former superintendent, which was executed without adhering to the legislative guidelines that mandate a cooling-off period following an organizational meeting.

As the meeting unfolded, one board member emphasized that the prior board's actions led to a chaotic transition, resulting in a lack of leadership with no president or clerk in place to call the meeting to order. This situation, they argued, could have been avoided had the board followed the established legislative model, which stipulates a 31-day period during which a superintendent cannot be dismissed after the organizational meeting.

The board member expressed frustration over the current state of affairs, suggesting that had the previous board adhered to the proper procedures, the district might have been in a more stable position. This sentiment resonated as the board moved forward to appoint Ms. Weber as the new secretary, a decision that was met with unanimous support from the members present.

The meeting highlighted the importance of governance protocols and the impact of leadership decisions on the district's functionality. As the board navigates these challenges, the appointment of new leadership marks a critical step towards restoring order and direction within the LBUSD. The implications of these discussions extend beyond the immediate decisions, as they underscore the necessity for adherence to established processes in educational governance.