Long Beach Unified School District students kicked off the first day of the 2026-27 school year on Tuesday, Aug. 25 — and one local campus celebrated a milestone birthday.
The district, with a new leader at the helm, welcomed thousands of kids back to its 83 campuses, with LBUSD’s focus continuing to remain on academic excellence for all students while navigating fiscal challenges.
Students from the elementary to high school levels were dropped off by their parents and guardians on Tuesday and strolled onto their campuses, lugging their backpacks — but ready for the new academic year.
At Wilson High, however, students, faculty and district officials began the year by celebrating the school’s historic 100th anniversary, which transformed the campus into a once-in-a-century celebration of Bruins pride, tradition and new beginnings.
District officials, including new Superintendent David Zaid, joined administrators, the school’s marching band and its cheer team in welcoming students.
“We are celebrating 100 years of Wilson, which opened their doors in 1926, and to be able to celebrate 100 years of academic excellence is something that is amazing,” Zaid said in an interview. “Although I’ve been with the district for 32 years, standing in this capacity just brings a whole new level of excitement. I know that it’s going to be an amazing year.
“You can feel it in the air,” he added, “and there is no better place to be (than) in one of our historic and nationally recognized high schools.”
For the nearly 60,000 students who are anticipated to attend LBUSD this year — at campuses in Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill and Avalon — the school district is looking forward to continuing its focus on academics, Zaid said.
“Academic excellence is first and foremost,” he said, “and we are focused on not only literacy in elementary (school) but college and career opportunities with our pathways and making sure that we’re supporting students and really setting the conditions for our teachers and students to thrive.”
Principal Rebecca Caverly welcomes students to campus during the first day of the 2026-27 school year at Wilson High School in Long Beach on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Students arrive to campus during the first day of the 2026-27 school year at Wilson High School in Long Beach on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Trophies adorn the entrance to Wilson High School’s newly modernized aquatic center in Long Beach on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Wilson High School’s newly modernized aquatic center in Long Beach on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Wilson High School’s newly modernized aquatic center in Long Beach on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Superintendent David Zaid welcomes students to campus during the first day of the 2026-27 school year at Wilson High School in Long Beach on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
From right, Jayden Brito and Sanaa Mozee of Wilson High School’s drum line welcome students to campus during the first day of the 2026-27 school year in Long Beach on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Wilson High School celebrates the 100th anniversary of its campus during the first day of the 2026-27 school year in Long Beach on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Wilson High School celebrates the 100th anniversary of its campus during the first day of the 2026-27 school year in Long Beach on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Students arrive to campus during the first day of the 2026-27 school year at Wilson High School in Long Beach on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Elite Bruinette Captain Jazzanine Sak welcomes students to campus during the first day of the 2026-27 school year at Wilson High School in Long Beach on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
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Principal Rebecca Caverly welcomes students to campus during the first day of the 2026-27 school year at Wilson High School in Long Beach on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
The new superintendent is also looking forward to connecting with students, families and the community to learn more about what the district’s needs are. Students across LBUSD could be having different experiences, Zaid said, and he is ready to learn what their needs are — and to potentially pivot to ensure their success.
LBUSD will also face challenges, such as spending more than it receives in revenue. The district’s deficit is primarily because of declining revenue, while costs for employees, transportation, utilities and other services continue increasing. Continued declines in enrollment — a problem school districts across the country are facing — has also been a challenge.
Several organizational adjustments have been made for this school year, which district officials said reflect their commitment to supporting schools while being fiscally responsible and maintaining a strong focus on student success. The district’s operating budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year is $1.26 billion.
“Our goal,” Zaid said, “is to make sure that, with fiscal stabilization, we are focused on classrooms, learning, and making sure that we’re protecting that.”
LBUSD’s guides are its Vision 2035 and Strategic Plan, which focus on advancing student learning, fostering safe and inclusive schools, and strengthening partnerships with families and the community, district officials said.
On Tuesday, Wilson High students looked around for their friends as they walked up the stairs to go into their school. Some were even greeted by Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Long Beach, who previously served as the city’s mayor — and who is a Bruin alumnus. Twelfth-graders stood out in the crowd as they wore ties decorated with the word “senior” or their graduating year.
Senior Luna Gallegos’ tie was decorated with “2027” written in plastic pearls. Gallegos said she was looking forward to her law class, since she eventually wants to attend law school. She is also looking forward to attending school events with her friends.
“I’m excited to start this new year with a fresh mindset and get ready for college,” she said. “My hopes for this school year are to have good grades and just make so many memories with my friends.”
Parents also stuck around after dropping off their children to enjoy the school celebration.
Long Beach resident Maria Molina, for example, said it was emotional to see her two children start their school year; one is a sophomore and the other is a senior.
“They both used to walk together into elementary school,” Molina said, “and now they’re walking into high school together.”
As a parent, Molina said, she hopes schools across the district continue to be safe spaces for all students. LBUSD, she said, must continue prioritizing safety.
To that end, security guards and other staff stationed at campus entry and exit points have been trained on how to respond to various safety-related scenarios, district officials said. LBUSD has also provided helpful resources to every school site and families can be assured that schools are safe and staff are well-prepared for any potential danger.
Wilson High principal Suzanne Caverly, meanwhile, spent Tuesday morning welcoming students.
“It’s really special. This school is really deeply rooted in this community,” Caverly said in an interview. “When it was first built and when we opened in 1926, there weren’t even roads over here. It was built to support the growing student population in the city, because Poly was already up and running. So kids came over here to be part of the new school here in 1926.”
Centennial celebrations for the high school began last spring, she said, with a fundraiser that will support student and community events throughout the year, as Wilson has a strong alumni base. After the first bell, Caverly also gave a media tour of Wilson’s newly modernized aquatic center, highlighting another milestone in the school’s historic centennial year.