At a press conference held on the Long Beach Cabrillo high school campus, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced some very good news for Long Beach schools: California is the first state in the nation to be approved to receive stimulus money from the federal government, as the state will get $3.1 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds.  $2.6 billion of that will go to K-12 schools, with the rest benefiting the CSU and UC higher education systems.  LBUSD superintendent Chris Steinhauser estimates Long Beach schools should receive around $100 million from the fund.

Long Beach mayor Bob Foster opened the event by introducing the governor, calling it a “Good day for all of us, and certainly a good day for our children.”

Governor Schwarzenegger, who was praised by all speakers at the press conference for his continual pressure on the federal government to act quickly in delivering the funds, said he thought, “Our kids should have first run at our treasury.” 

The governor didn’t just state priority though, but emphasized quick movement on delivering the funds, so they could have an impact as soon as possible.  “I am committed to swift action on this,” he said, then introduced Jack O’Connell, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.  He praised the federal government’s swift action, and promised the teachers and students gathered at Cabrillo that, “These funds will have an immediate, noticeable impact.”  In keeping with quick action, he said his department has already set up an online application for school districts to use in applying for the funds. 

Steinhauser said, “That form became available last night, and at 7:13pm I applied,” and held up a printout confirmation of the application.  He told LB Post that he was hopeful the money would help Long Beach completely avoid any layoffs, and expand tutoring programs and AP classes.  “This will keep us propelled on the long, long road we’re traveling,” he said.

After the press conference, the governor stayed to shake hands with the Cabrillo students.  He left them smiling, and hopefully with a brighter future thanks to the stimulus funds.


Governor Schwarzenegger opens the press conference


State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell announces that California has received the ARRA funds

By Mike Guardabascio