The Long Beach Unified School District continues its legacy as one of the best in the nation by being named as a finalist for the 2007 Broad Prize for Urban Education this week. LBUSD won the honor in 2003, and this was the first year since that it was eligible for nomination. It is the first former winner to return to the competition.
“Long Beach hasn’t rested on its laurels,” said Eli Broad, founder of The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation. “The district has sustained a level of high performance that is both an example and a motivator for struggling urban school districts nationwide.”
The New York City Department of Education took home the $1 million top prize, but Long Beach Unified was awarded $125,000 for being one of just five finalists. The money will be put towards college scholarships for 2008 graduating seniors.
”The good news is that our well-deserving students will receive $125,000 in scholarships,” said Chris Eftychiou, LBUSD Public Information Director. “The prize is important, but what’s more important is that our schools are continuing to improve and provide a consistent level of excellence.”
LBUSD will again be eligible for the 2008 Broad Prize next year.