Superintendent Weekly Update - August 21, 2026

Superintendent Weekly Update August 21, 2026 A Clearer Way to Talk About Our Budget and LCAP At its August 27 meeting, the Board will receive an early look at how LBUSD may approach development of its next three-year Local Control and Accountability Plan, or LCAP. The LCAP is a state-required accountability tool that helps districts focus resources on students who need additional support and measure whether those investments make a difference. That includes English learners, socioeconomically disadvantaged students, and foster youth, as well as students whose academic performance or other data show they need intervention or support. As a Basic Aid, or community-funded, district, most of LBUSD’s funding comes from local property taxes rather than California’s traditional school funding formula. Although LBUSD does not receive supplemental funding for students with greater needs, we allocate District resources to support them. The LCAP helps us focus on who needs additional support, what we are doing to help, what we are investing and whether it is working. Over time, LBUSD’s LCAP grew to represent much more of what the District does, including staffing, special education, transportation, facilities, technology, and other operations. Last year, those activities were presented more directly alongside their budget allocations, resulting in approximately $84.6 million in expenditures identified in the current LCAP. Those investments matter, but they do not all need to be discussed through the LCAP. As we develop the next LCAP, our goal is to create greater clarity about where those conversations belong. The LCAP will focus on investments tied to students who need additional support. At the same time, we will bring greater visibility to the annual budget-development process. From January through budget adoption in June, the Board will examine how LBUSD allocates resources across staffing, programs, student services, special education, technology, transportation, facilities, arts, athletics and other priorities. This will give families and the community a clearer picture of how District resources connect to priorities for students. Our preliminary review suggests that approximately $5 million of expenditures currently included in the LCAP may represent focused investments connecting students who need additional support with actions and measurable outcomes. That figure is an illustration, not a target or cap. The 2027–30 LCAP will be developed using updated student data, program evaluation, community input, fiscal analysis and Board oversight. Moving expenditures out of the LCAP does not eliminate them from the District budget. This is not an $80 million reduction in programs or services. Programs and services will continue to be considered and funded through the District’s full budget. What changes is where and how we discuss them. The August 27 discussion is an early step. No programs are being eliminated and no final LCAP decisions are being made. By June, our goal is for the community to have a clearer view of how District resources support our priorities and students.   Board & Governance Board of Education Meeting: The Board will meet on Thursday, Aug. 27, at Thurston Middle School, with an open session beginning at 6 p.m. View the board agenda. Wildfire Prevention & Mitigation: Director of Facilities and Sustainability Ryan Zajda will join representatives from the Orange County Fire Authority, Laguna Beach Police Department, and school site leaders for a presentation on wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts. Standing Arts Committee: The Board will consider establishing a standing arts committee to support ongoing discussion and engagement on visual and performing arts across the District. THIS WEEK IN DISTRICT OPERATIONS Pool Modernization Update The Pool Modernization Project remains on schedule and within budget, with several important construction milestones underway. Throughout construction, District staff will continue to monitor student and staff parking, construction-related noise, and safety conditions in and around the project area. Over the past week, the electrical contractor installed infrastructure needed to connect the new electrical service to Southern California Edison’s primary distribution system in the public street right-of-way. The Laguna Beach County Water District also removed two existing water meters from the sidewalk adjacent to the tennis courts. Work on the building foundations is progressing, with the project’s first major concrete pour scheduled for Thursday, August 27. Before concrete is poured, the structural engineer and the Division of the State Architect (DSA) building inspector will inspect the foundation to confirm that the work meets the engineer-approved building plans and applicable requirements. The construction team coordinated with the security services firm and Laguna Beach Police Department School Resource Officers regarding on-site security. Motion-sensor cameras are now in place, and nighttime guard services began on August 20. These measures will continue throughout construction to help keep the site secure when the job site is closed. The Board previously approved these services as part of the project budget, and the security provider was selected through a publicly advertised, competitive, qualification-based RFQ/P process. The construction team has also completed a 3D coordination model showing the planned locations of the building’s electrical, heating, cooling, and plumbing systems. This technology allows the team to identify potential conflicts before installation begins, helping reduce construction issues and keep work moving efficiently. School Site Wildfire Preparedness The safety of our students, staff, and school communities remains a top priority. On August 27, 2026, District staff, in collaboration with the Laguna Beach Fire Department, will present on wildfire preparedness and ongoing efforts to strengthen fire safety across our schools. Wildfire preparedness is a year-round effort. Each summer, trees are trimmed, and roofs and gutters are cleaned annually to remove leaves and other combustible materials. Fire alarms, sprinklers, fire extinguishers, and other fire safety systems are inspected and maintained on a regular schedule. In addition, all school fire alarm systems have been replaced within the past five years and are operating properly. The District also works closely with the Laguna Beach Fire Department and Orange County Fire Authority on annual inspections and wildfire risk-reduction efforts. New construction will incorporate fire-resistant roofing, vents, building materials, and other features designed to reduce the risk of embers entering buildings. Maintenance staff will continue to improve the fire resilience of existing facilities and strengthen their defenses against wildfire threats. The fire alarm system at Laguna Beach High School was replaced on August 18, just in time for the new school year. The six-week project included replacing three large control panels and more than 350 devices. All district schools now have fire alarm systems that were replaced within the last five years. Our long-term goal is to have fire-hardened buildings on every campus, providing a safer location for students and staff in the event that evacuation is not possible. We look forward to sharing a more detailed look at these prevention, preparedness, and campus safety efforts during the August 27 presentation. Learning Together to Support Students This week, more than 350 LBUSD employees came together for our annual districtwide professional learning day, featuring a mini-conference with more than 50 sessions designed to help staff learn, collaborate, and prepare for the year ahead. Nearly all sessions were led by LBUSD educators and leaders, giving employees across instructional and operational teams the opportunity to learn directly from colleagues with local knowledge, practical experience, and professional expertise. A major focus was strengthening collaboration across grade levels and schools so students experience a more connected learning journey from elementary through high school. Teachers worked together across subject areas, while elementary educators also received training to support implementation of the new Amplify Desmos Math curriculum. The day also emphasized two priorities for the coming year: AI literacy and the intentional use of technology. Staff explored how to help students use AI safely, ethically, and effectively, while ensuring technology enhances learning without replacing critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, or meaningful interaction. Together, these opportunities strengthen our collective work to create engaging, relevant learning experiences and develop the skills and qualities reflected in the LBUSD Learner Profile. California State Seal of Civic Engagement Civic education and real-world learning are important parts of the LBUSD Learner Profile. One way we bring that commitment to life is through the California State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE), a recognition on the high school diploma for students who demonstrate knowledge of civics and government and apply what they have learned to make a positive difference in their community. LBUSD began offering the Seal in 2025, when 37 students earned the recognition. That number more than doubled to 79 students in the Class of 2026. At Laguna Beach High School, students can earn the Seal in two ways. The first integrates civic action into classroom projects and connects students with audiences beyond the classroom. For example, 11th-grade English students create ocean-themed films through FLOW, LBHS’s interdisciplinary environmental literacy program, with top films reviewed by the Coast Film and Music Festival and shown at the Rivian Theater. Advanced Placement U.S. History students identify a current national issue, research its historical context, propose solutions, and take action, including presenting at city meetings or contacting state lawmakers. The second pathway recognizes civic work through clubs, leadership, and community advocacy. Students have presented a tree canopy resolution to the School Board, developed a sustainability and energy plan with feedback from industry professionals, and used the student-led Walking for Water club to build a partnership with the Laguna Beach County Water District. Students pursuing this pathway present their work to a panel of district leaders and community partners. This work is also expanding beyond high school. During the upcoming school year, LBUSD will partner with the Orange County Department of Education to introduce Civic Learning Pathways recognition in grades 3, 5, and 8, giving students age-appropriate opportunities to understand their communities and government, explore issues that matter to them, and put their learning into action. People Alexis Karol Named Coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts Laguna Beach Unified School District has selected longtime LBUSD educator and arts leader Alexis Karol to serve as the district’s coordinator of visual and performing arts, a new role focused on strengthening arts education, expanding student access, and deepening partnerships with Laguna Beach’s arts community. Karol brings more than 25 years of professional experience in the arts and more than a decade of experience within LBUSD. Her background spans classroom instruction, theatre direction, instructional leadership, program development, and professional arts organizations. She has taught and directed theatre at both Thurston Middle School and Laguna Beach High School and has served in leadership roles, including teacher on special assignment, performing arts lead, and VAPA department chair. Continue reading.   Community Superintendent Keynote with Don Austin Superintendent Don Austin, Ed.D., welcomed staff back with a keynote reflecting on the history of LBUSD schools and the stories that become part of our small town over time. He shared the example of Skipper and his iconic “Have a home run day!” greeting, which became part of the fabric of Laguna Beach, as a reminder that small moments of connection can leave a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the place we call home. Watch the keynote. Parenting Book Club Start the school year with connection and support! Join the low-pressure Parenting Book Club as we read Take Back the Game —a closer look at what’s happened to youth sports, and how we as parents can help our kids find joy, resilience, and balance in play again. Free book (hardback, audiobook, or Kindle) • Suggested reading schedule • 3 meetups per session Sign up to join! Teens launch wildfire prevention campaign to stop blazes before they happen After last summer’s Rancho Fire in Laguna Beach, three local teens turned the experience into an opportunity to help prevent future wildfires. The students launched Sparkwhyz, an awareness campaign focused on educating their peers about the dangers of illegal fireworks, and even wrote a children’s book to help share the message with younger audiences. Their efforts recently brought them to FOX 11 to talk about the project and their mission to make a difference. Watch the interview. 📣 LBHS Cheer Clinic Students in grades K–8 are invited to join the LBHS Varsity Cheer squad on Saturday, August 29, from 9 a.m. to noon in Duggar Gym to learn cheers, chants, and routines. Participants will then have the exciting opportunity to perform alongside the LBHS Varsity Cheerleaders during halftime at the LBHS football game on Friday, September 4, at Guyer Field. Registration: LBHS Cheer Clinic Form Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026 Check-In: 8:30 AM at Duggar Gym Clinic: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM Optional: Parents return at 11:45 AM for the performance Early Bird: $95 — Register by August 21 Regular Price: $105 — Beginning August 22 Registration Deadline: Thursday, August 27 Halftime Performance: Friday, September 4, 2026 Meet at Football Field: 6:00 PM For questions, families can email: lbhscheerbooster@gmail.com.   Looking Ahead Join us for the third annual Legacy Night during the home football game on Aug. 28 at Guyer Field. This special tradition brings kindergarteners and the senior class together at the 50-yard line. View the full LBHS fall athletics schedules for more opportunities to support our Breakers this season. In Case You Missed It Whiskers the Sea Lion, Oro the Aussiedoodle and even some grownups greet El Morro pupils, The Daily Pilot LBUSD welcomes back students for a new school year, Stu News

Friday, Aug 21 2026

Superintendent Weekly Update - August 14, 2026

Superintendent Weekly Update August 14, 2026 We are days away from the start of an amazing school year! As your superintendent, I am excited to return to LBUSD. It feels like only yesterday when I first served as the principal of Laguna Beach High School. The mirror reminds me it’s been a little while! The school district remains special in every meaningful way. The staff worked hard throughout the summer to prepare our sites for the return of our students. This begins with the efforts of our maintenance staff. Our campuses look spectacular! Teachers and staff members were engaged in professional development to sharpen skills and stretch their thinking. We will be ready when the first bell rings. We will make some shifts in our efforts to communicate with everyone who is part of our school district. One of those shifts begins today with this communication. Each Friday, our Board of Education receives updates and reports from each division of the District Office. Starting today, the non-confidential portions of those updates will be sent to all families, staff members, and those who wish to subscribe. While a portion of the information is operational, it may also be of interest to a broader audience. Our school district is in perpetual motion, with many initiatives and developments that are easy to miss. Our goal is to provide a look into parts of our school district that receive less of a spotlight. Examples of things you can expect to see in the weekly updates from my office include fire safety measures, proposed policies, curriculum revisions or pilot ideas, financial updates, construction plans and progress, upcoming school board agenda items, school board actions, and event schedules.   The school site letters from your principals serve a different purpose and will include information specific to the site. I have reviewed some of the site messages from the past. They are impressive! I look forward to meeting everyone and to begin to form new relationships. For now, I am happy to be within eyesight of the starting line. This is going to be a great year together. Enjoy each moment because our kids grow up! This town and our school district are small enough to know every child and powerful enough to do unparalleled things on their behalf.   Board Governance Committee Application: The Board Governance Committee is currently accepting applications from individuals interested in serving. Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, August 18, 2026. If you are interested in serving, please complete the application by the deadline. Election Update: The filing period for candidates interested in serving on the LBUSD Board of Education closed on Wednesday, Aug. 12, following a five-day extension after Member Kelly did not file for reelection. There are five candidates running for three open seats on the Board of Education. County Voter Information Guides are expected to begin mailing on Sept. 24, 2026. Vote-by-mail ballots will begin mailing to registered voters on Oct. 5, 2026. LBUSD General Obligation (GO) Bond Measure A: The Orange County Registrar of Voters has completed the measure designation assignments for the November 3, 2026, General Election. The Laguna Beach Unified School District bond ballot resolution, approved by the Board on July 8, 2026, will appear on the ballot as Measure A. It's A Wrap: Catch up on the latest Board of Education updates in the Aug. 14 edition of our post-Board meeting newsletter, highlighting key actions, discussions, and decisions. THIS WEEK IN DISTRICT OPERATIONS Teaching & Learning Professional Learning: Cohort 13 Completes Unit Design Institute This summer, 17 LBUSD teachers completed the district’s three-day Unit Design workshop, which helps teachers create engaging learning experiences that connect classroom lessons to real-world challenges. Teachers explored strategies for designing authentic, personalized, and inclusive learning that builds the skills in LBUSD’s Learner Profile, including collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. The workshop also focused on thoughtful uses of AI while preserving meaningful human experiences, such as discussion, hands-on learning, and community connections. Teachers left with practical tools to set clear expectations, provide meaningful feedback and create opportunities for students to apply what they learn. Laguna Beach Family Resource Center Supports Back-to-School Readiness The Laguna Beach Family Resource Center (FRC) connects LBUSD families with resources and support, including parent education, counseling, assistance with essential needs, and connections to community partners. Families can learn more, register for programs, or request support at www.lbfamilyresourcecenter.org. This week, the FRC is helping families prepare for the 2026-27 school year by distributing backpacks, school supplies, and water bottles. As of Thursday, 146 students had received supplies for the new school year. Thank you to SchoolPower and the Woman’s Club of Laguna Beach for their generous donations and continued partnership. Operations LBHS Swimming Pool and Safety Update As we begin the school year, families and community members will continue to see progress on the LBHS Swimming Pool project. Construction remains on schedule and within budget, with grading underway, building foundations being installed, and the new electrical service now in place. The project is scheduled for completion in June 2027. With students returning to campus, pedestrian safety around the construction area remains a priority. LBUSD has partnered with the City of Laguna Beach to install a temporary three-way stop at Park Avenue and Manzanita. Those crossing Park Avenue are encouraged to use the designated crossings at Short Street or St. Ann’s. Throughout construction, district staff and the city engineer will continue to monitor traffic and pedestrian conditions. After construction is complete and the permanent crosswalk is installed, the district and city will evaluate whether the three-way stop should remain permanently. Student Transportation As we prepare for the start of school, our transportation team has already issued more than 700 bus passes to LBUSD students. Routes will continue to be refined as enrollment and transportation needs become clearer, taking into account students' home schools, bell schedules, and after-school care arrangements. The first few weeks of school are an important adjustment period as students and families become familiar with bus schedules and schools establish their arrival and dismissal routines. Families may experience temporary delays during this time as routes are fine-tuned. LBUSD is working closely with Durham School Services dispatchers and drivers to prioritize student safety and improve the reliability and efficiency of our routes. We appreciate our families’ patience as everyone settles into new routines and look forward to a safe and successful start to the school year. People Director of Information Technology: After 17 years with LBUSD, Mike Rush has been promoted from systems administrator to director of information systems and technology. Coordinator of Learning and Innovation: After more than 10 years supporting educational technology and teaching LBUSD’s multimedia pathway, Andy Crisp has been promoted to coordinator of learning and innovation. District Athletics Administrator: Christian Esperanza was hired and began serving in the role in July 2026 and will succeed Denise Selbe, Ed.D., upon her retirement in August 2026. Esperanza brings more than 30 years of experience in public education, including service as a principal, assistant principal, department chair, teacher, and coach. Assistant Principal, Thurston Middle School: Amanda Bratcher was hired and began serving in the role in July 2026. She is replacing Daphne Hammer, former TMS Assistant Principal. Amanda brings more than 8 years of experience as an administrator in public education, including serving as a coordinator, program specialist, administrator, and assistant principal at Capistrano USD. Community 🏈 Breaker Football is Back Join us for LBHS football’s first home game on Friday, Aug. 21, and return on Friday, Aug. 28, for Legacy Night, a special tradition bringing together kindergarteners and the senior class at the 50-yard line. View the full LBHS fall athletics schedules for more opportunities to support our Breakers this season.   Looking Ahead First Day of School: August 20, 2026 Board of Education Meeting: August 27, 2026 In Case You Missed It El Morro teacher Kathleen Margaretich named 2026 Outstanding K–12 STEM Educator Festival of Arts awards $18K in grants to Laguna Beach schools for arts education Laguna Beach Unified School District names Christian Esperanza as District Athletics Administrator

Friday, Aug 14 2026