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Parents and staff tell Board their engagement workshops are driving change
Summary
Panelists told the Long Beach Unified Board that district‑run workshops and facilitators have created safe spaces that empower families to participate in schools and that those human connections have translated into leadership and improved school relationships.
The Long Beach Unified Board heard detailed testimony from parents and staff on the district’s interim guardrail 2a — a target to expand family engagement. Dr. Brown, who opened the panel, said the session was meant to surface lived experience “not in any of our papers,” emphasizing that personal stories should inform district work.
Parents described concrete changes after participating in workshops such as the Family Leadership Institute and ELAC meetings. Claudia Figueroa told the board that workshops created trust and empowerment: “Together, we can do more.” Counselor Myra Marcelo said the district’s shift toward listening had built a safer environment: “We’ve been able to create a safe space for families.” Panelists credited facilitators with translating the system for families and helping new participants find committees and supports.
Panelists also described barriers that keep some families from engaging — language gaps, lack of transportation and awareness — and said peer invitation and phone outreach were effective first steps. The board thanked the panelists and noted these testimonies will inform the evening monitoring report discussion.
