| | News from Laguna Beach Unified School District, its teachers, students, staff and Board of Education. | | District shares TK–12 approach to environmental and sustainability education | | |
At the April 16 meeting, the Board received the district’s annual update on environmental and sustainability education, which outlines a coordinated TK–12 approach that connects classroom instruction, campus operations, and community partnerships. The update describes the district’s approach to building environmental literacy through a vertical framework that develops student knowledge, skills, and civic engagement over time.
The district’s work is organized around three key areas: reducing environmental impacts through operations and facilities, improving health and wellness for students and staff, and providing effective environmental education across grade levels. Students engage directly in this work through hands-on learning experiences, including participation in sustainability initiatives related to energy, water, waste, and campus design, connecting classroom learning to real-world applications.
Across all schools, environmental education is embedded within multiple subject areas and supports interdisciplinary learning in science, social studies, career technical education, and the arts. This approach allows students to understand environmental systems and develop the ability to analyze, communicate, and take action on issues that impact their community and beyond.
| | Board advances arts and transportation recommendations for LCAP consideration | |
At its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday evening, the Board received a joint presentation on the progress of the Ad Hoc Arts and Transportation Committees, including interim recommendations and items under consideration for future budget discussions. Both committees shared updates on their work to date and outlined recommendations for inclusion in the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and the 2026–27 budget cycle.
The Arts Committee presented interim recommendations to strengthen district program coordination, expand student access, and enhance partnerships with the local arts community. Key considerations included the potential establishment of a district Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) coordinator, expanded opportunities for student participation, and enhanced promotion of events and activities.
The Transportation Committee shared completed work, ongoing efforts, and budget-related proposals, with a focus on safety, communication, and service improvements, including updates to the Audubon route. Completed actions included adjustments to TK/Audubon pickup times to support late-start schedules and the launch of additional Audubon service for high school students after Spring Break. Ongoing efforts include a review of expanded Audubon services, consideration of bus monitors, development of a Student Transportation Bill of Rights, and continued improvements to safety protocols.
The Board approved motions directing staff to incorporate the Ad Hoc Arts Committee’s interim recommendations and the Ad Hoc Transportation Committee’s recommendations — including the bus monitor position and CTE transportation pilot — into the LCAP development process for consideration in the 2026–27 budget cycle.
| Top of the World hosts inaugural Springing into Our Roots event | |
Top of the World Elementary recently hosted its first annual Springing into Our Roots event, which brought students together for a vibrant celebration of culture and community.
The school’s multipurpose room was set up as an interactive space where students from all grade levels moved through a variety of activities. These included multicultural reading, sharing bread from different traditions, arts and crafts, and hands-on experiences connected to what they are learning in class.
This new annual event, hosted by the Top of the World PTA, celebrates inclusion and gives students meaningful opportunities to learn about different cultures and perspectives. It also reflects the district’s Learner Profile by supporting the development of well-rounded students who are prepared to understand and engage with the world around them.
| Board Clerk Dee Perry brings decades of educational experience and community connection to LBUSD | |
This profile is part of a series highlighting the five members of the Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education. Each feature shares the background, perspective, and priorities each trustee brings to serving students, families, and the Laguna Beach community.
Board Member Dee Perry brings to the Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education the perspective of a longtime educator and community member with a deep commitment to student access, equity, and public education.
| | Thurston Middle School shares progress in student learning and well-being | |
Thurston Middle School Principal Joe Vidal presented an annual update on the school’s progress in student learning, well-being, and school climate. The report showed growth in reading and math, supported by targeted instruction, small-group support, and a flexible tutorial program that gives students additional help and enrichment during the school day.
The presentation also highlighted counseling and wellness supports, including tiered services, a student wellness space called The Cove, and an average counselor caseload of 1:177. The school has seen fewer students chronically absent and was recognized as a 2026 California Distinguished School for its strong performance and progress in closing achievement gaps.
| Enrollment and interdistrict transfer options presented for Board discussion | |
The Board received a report on enrollment trends and current interdistrict transfer policies, along with information on potential options to further define open enrollment. Staff shared information on the current interdistrict transfer process and outlined conceptual options for expanding eligibility, including possible consideration for children of employees of local community partner organizations. The report also reviewed factors such as capacity, equity, and program sustainability.
The item was presented for information and discussion only. The Board tabled the item for further discussion and questions at a future meeting, given the depth and complexity of the topic involved.
| Community invited to LCAP convening on April 30 | |
LBUSD invites students, families, staff, and community members to an LCAP Community Convening on Thursday, April 30, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Laguna Beach High School.
The LCAP is the district’s three-year plan that outlines priorities, goals, and investments to support student success. Attendees will have the opportunity to review progress, learn more about school performance, and share input to help guide future decisions. Please register in advance; childcare will be available for students in grades K–5.
| Board approves legal services agreement | The Board approved an agreement with Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP to provide legal counsel related to insurance responsibility in an AB 218 case. The agreement was approved on a 3–2 vote, with Member Hills and President Morgan dissenting. | The next regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting is a governance meeting on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 6 p.m. Visit lbusd.org/board for more information. | | | | | |
