Long Beach Unified parents, staff highlight role of facilitators in boosting family engagement

Long Beach Unified staff and parents described a series of school-based workshops and community partnerships they said have increased family engagement and helped parents connect with district services.

Speakers at the panel emphasized that much of the value of those efforts is not captured in written reports. "Sus historias no se encuentran documentadas en ningún documento," one presenter said, thanking parents for sharing lived experience. The session introduced parents from multiple schools who described monthly meetings, classroom visits and partnership events designed to make families feel welcome.

Parents and staff outlined concrete steps the district has taken, including opening classrooms for parents to observe lessons, coordinating math and social-emotional workshops, and offering interpretation. "Actualmente soy la consejera en asignación especial con la doctora Salazar en el departamento EEP," said Mayra Marcelo, introducing her role in facilitating parent engagement. Marcelo and others said facilitators and coordinators play a central role in connecting families to information and services.

Panelists identified persistent barriers: language access, lack of clear enrollment guidance and transportation to district events. Parents proposed practical responses — school-level calendars, staff-parent committees and targeted transportation support — and urged the board to preserve community-facing positions that provide continuity between families and schools.

Board members closed the session by thanking participants and promising follow up. The meeting adjourned with no formal vote.