Long Beach schools receive significant donation

The Long Beach School Board convened a special meeting today, joined by several honored guests, in recognition of a significant donation to its “Excellence in Education” foundation.

The donation was made by the family of Mr. Glenn Mueller, a businessman, philanthropist, and Long Beach parent whose contributions to the community span decades.

Other notable attendees included State Representative Richard Bennett and former superintendent Carolyn Hamilton, who has collaborated with Mueller since the 90’s to improve the schools.

She said he never turned something down if it was something needed by students, no matter what it is.

The donation comes less than two years after the formation of the Long Beach Excellence in Education Foundation.

The foundation funds scholarships, grants, and extracurricular activities for Long Beach students and teachers.

Current Superintendent Dr. Talia Lock called the foundation a ‘community of volunteers.’

“Certainly, you know, once everybody graduates high school, they’re sort of done, they sort of go out. But a lot of your success, to me, goes back to your – not just the city you live in – but into the school system. So the foundation is a way that people can give back, who have graduated from Long Beach. So, again, what I’m here for it on behalf of my children.,” said Mueller. “We set up a foundation, and in that effort, we’re trying to give back to the school. And be able to give back to the community. It’s helping me be successful, but it’s helping my kids be successful. Now they’re working in my business so I’m getting dividends. So we’re as a family just thanking the school system and the city by helping the foundation out.”

Long Beach was ranked Mississippi’s top school district in 2022, which the superintendent attributed to the long-term efforts of Mueller and his colleagues.