Long Beach School Board Votes to Close Gompers and Edison Elementary Schools

The decision is now official following a 4-1 vote, with both schools scheduled to close in June 2027 as Long Beach Unified addresses declining enrollment and financial challenges.

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Emily Nguyen

Emily Nguyen is a Staff Writer at Long Beach Classic, covering local news, community events, restaurants, business openings, arts and culture, and neighborhood stories throughout Long Beach.
Gompers Elementary School

The Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) has officially approved the closure of two elementary schools following a Board of Education vote on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Gompers Elementary School in Lakewood and Edison Elementary School in Long Beach will close at the end of the 2026-27 school year, affecting nearly 800 students and their families.

The board voted 4-1 in favor of the closures, moving forward with a recommendation introduced earlier this month. Board member Maria Isabel López was the lone vote against the decision.

The vote came despite opposition from parents, school employees and community members who had urged district leaders to keep both campuses open.

Why Are Gompers and Edison Closing?

According to LBUSD, the decision follows years of declining student enrollment, changing birth rates and the growing financial burden of maintaining schools operating well below capacity.

The district currently serves fewer than 60,000 students, compared with nearly 100,000 students more than two decades ago.

District officials evaluated enrollment trends, available classroom space, nearby schools and the long-term sustainability of educational programs before recommending the closures.

Edison Elementary currently enrolls approximately 415 students and operates at about 44% of its capacity. Gompers Elementary serves approximately 370 students and operates at about 38% capacity.

With fewer students attending district schools, LBUSD receives less enrollment-based state funding while continuing to maintain its campuses and educational services.

Where Are the Schools Located?

The two campuses scheduled to close are:

  • Gompers Elementary School: 5206 Briercrest Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90713.

  • Edison Elementary School: 625 Maine Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802.

Although Gompers is located in Lakewood, both schools operate under the Long Beach Unified School District.

What Happens to Students and Families?

Both schools will remain open for the remainder of the 2026-27 academic year, giving families time to prepare for the transition.

The district has been reviewing attendance boundaries and available space at neighboring elementary schools to accommodate students once the campuses close.

Families will need information about their new school assignments, enrollment options and any transportation arrangements that may apply.

LBUSD is expected to continue communicating with affected families as the transition approaches. Parents can find district information and updates through the:  official LBUSD school closure information page

Closures Come Amid District Budget Challenges

The decision is also part of a larger effort to address Long Beach Unified’s financial challenges.

Closing both schools is projected to save approximately $2.8 million, although the district faces additional budget reductions totaling tens of millions of dollars.

District leaders have indicated that further cost-cutting measures may be necessary, including reviewing contracts, administrative expenses and other operations.

For families who opposed the closures, the decision marks the end of efforts to keep both schools operating beyond the current academic year.

Gompers and Edison will continue serving students through June 2027 before officially closing their doors.

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