The Future of Hermosa Beach City School District

As a day-to-day substitute teacher in the Hermosa Beach City School District (HBCSD), I wish to say that I am impressed with the consistent strides in academic and personal excellence demonstrated by students, teachers, and staff. Whenever I can, I like working there!

It is a sad thing to read that the state continues to cut revenue to already cash-strapped school districts. I know that many teachers and staff in the two-school community are doing their best to make do in spite of continuing budget shortfalls. However, it is also heartwarming to learn that Hermosa Beach parents are actively involved in shoring up the lack. I like working with them -- I have found them to be a supportive group who appreciate the efforts of their children's educators.

When I read about HBCSD'S first "State of Education program, I was relieved to discover that they did not mention consolidating with Manhattan Beach Unified as one way to offset the ongoing budget difficulties that affect the district.

Small districts are better equipped to focus on the individual needs of their students than larger districts. The Manhattan Beach community deserves to focus on the needs of their students, as do the community members in Hermosa Beach.

Lumping these separate groups under one administrative body would diffuse their effectiveness for their respective student bodies.

Since parents are now financially as well as academically more involved in Hermosa Beach schools, it would seem that the charter school option would be a more effective alternative to resolving financial considerations while promoting the needs of the students and the facilities. Torrance Schools has excelled in their outreach to local business leaders -- has Hermosa Beach City School District done the same? With stellar test scores, an amiable learning environment, and quality staff interested in nothing but the best for their young people, I cannot see why merchants in the community would not be more inclined to support their local schools more, if they have not done so already.