This is why education is so important

San Diego Trying to Save Its Local Schools With Redevelopment Money

The San Diego Unified School District is laying off teachers just as being done here in Long Beach. Apparently they have come up with an answer to their financial problems by using redevelopment money to keep the teachers who received pink slips on March 15th.

The attorneys at SDUSD believe this is a legal use of redevelopment funds.

When schools are in a redevelopment area, the redevelopment agency usually has agreements to pass back some of the tax increment collected for redevelopment.

I am going to agendize a council item asking for a report on the relationship of Long Beach redevelopment with the Long Beach Unified School District and the Long Beach Community College District -- specifically asking: 1) how much does RDA pass back to the schools and 2) how can we free up redevelopment funds to help keep our local schools open.

2nd Annual Solar Grand Prix -- Lots of Fun and a Great Success

Thanks to everyone who participated, volunteered, staffed and sponsored the 2nd Annual Solar Grand Prix held on Saturday, April 9th in El Dorado Park.

More than 500 students participated in design and racing contests. The students were amazing. So enthusiastic. Such team spirit.

Take a look at these photos and also check out: http://www.lbreport.com/ and http://www.presstelegram.com/. Very nice coverage.