| | News from Laguna Beach Unified School District, its teachers, students, staff and Board of Education. | | Celebrate student creativity at the LBUSD Celebration of the Arts | | |
Laguna Beach Unified School District invites the entire community to attend the annual Celebration of the Arts on Tuesday, April 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Laguna Beach High School, 625 Park Ave.
This free, family-friendly event showcases the creative talents of students in grades TK–12. Enjoy live performances by student ensembles in choir, theater, jazz band, wind and string, and dance, along with an impressive art exposition featuring visual art, digital media, and student films.
Guests can also connect with community partners, including the Laguna College of Art and Design, Laguna Art Museum, Sawdust Festival, No Square Theater, and the Coast Film and Music Festival.
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Board receives update on environmental education and sustainability goals | In recognition of Earth Day, the Board of Education received an update on the district’s continued efforts to advance environmental literacy, sustainability, and climate education across all grade levels. Highlights included student-led Green Team initiatives at every school, expanded use of outdoor learning spaces, professional development focused on instructional design for sustainability, and integration of climate literacy aligned with AB 285. The update also emphasized the district’s strategic goals to reduce environmental impacts and costs, improve student and staff wellness, and provide effective environmental education through hands-on, standards-aligned learning experiences. | Student film earns honorable mention in statewide contest | The Laguna Beach High School Student Support Collective’s film Look Beyond the Signs earned an Honorable Mention in the 2025 Directing Change Film Competition, recognized among thousands of entries statewide. The short film raises awareness about the warning signs of mental health struggles and encourages students to check in on one another. | LBHS freshman presents research at University of Oxford symposium | Laguna Beach High School freshman Piper Rankin presented original research at the University of Oxford on March 23, 2025, during an international symposium of scholars and professors. Her co-authored paper, Teaching Teenagers Communication Practices that Bypass Cognitive Bias and Other Obstacles, explored how teens can learn to communicate more effectively by translating complex psychological concepts, like cognitive dissonance and confirmation bias, into relatable, real-world language. | Board directs resubmission of Algebra 2 Honors for UC honors review | Following a statewide policy change by the University of California removing the honors designation for Algebra 2 Honors courses beginning in 2025–26, the Board of Education discussed local impacts on student GPA weighting. The board directed staff to resubmit the LBHS Algebra 2 Honors course for UC honors consideration, citing the course’s integration of essential precalculus standards. | | Board reviews transportation options for off-campus CTE programs | At its April 17 meeting, the Board of Education reviewed transportation cost estimates in response to a request to expand access to after-school career technical education classes offered at neighboring high schools. These classes provide students with hands-on experience in pathways such as culinary arts, automotive technology and aeronautics—programs not available at Laguna Beach High School due to the district’s small size. Staff presented estimated annual costs ranging from approximately $325,000 to $510,000, depending on the number and type of vehicles used. The board discussed the information and asked staff to continue exploring cost-effective solutions to support students who need transportation. | Board approves contract for acting superintendent | At its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday evening, the Board of Education approved a contract for Acting Superintendent Jeff Dixon by a 5-0 vote. The agreement, effective January 9 through June 30, 2025, or until a permanent superintendent is appointed, sets the base salary at $339,166. | Board tables discussion on new curriculum committee | The Board of Education discussed the possibility of forming a Board-directed curriculum committee that includes students, Board members, staff, and parents, but reached consensus to table the item until a new superintendent is appointed. Staff will continue with planned updates to the Curriculum Council process for the 2025–26 school year, including adding Board and student representatives and moving the first meeting to early December. | Board approves three new AP courses for 2025–26 school year | The Board of Education approved the addition of three new Advanced Placement courses—AP Precalculus, AP Environmental Science and AP Physics 2—to begin in the 2025–26 school year. These courses were developed through a rigorous review process and align with California State Standards and College Board requirements to expand advanced STEM opportunities for students. | The next regularly scheduled board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 6 p.m. Visit lbusd.org/board for more information. | | | | | |
