|
|
News from Laguna Beach Unified School District, its teachers, students, staff and Board of Education. | |
Board receives update on state-driven goals and Learner Profile impact
| |
|
At the Feb. 13 Board of Education meeting, staff presented an update on the Laguna Beach Unified School District’s Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP)—a state-required plan that outlines how the district supports student success, including academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and school safety. Midyear data showed improvements in reading and math, with more students meeting grade-level expectations and increased participation in early college credit programs. Attendance interventions that support families in overcoming barriers to regular attendance have helped reduce chronic absenteeism. Additionally, restorative practices—which emphasize conflict resolution and relationship-building over punitive discipline—have contributed to a decline in suspension rates.
A key focus of the update was the Learner Profile, which guides instruction to help students develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration through personalized, competency-based learning experiences. Watch the video to see how the LBUSD Learner Profile is shaping student learning.
| | |
|
At the Feb. 13 Board of Education meeting, Director of Special Education Irene White, the district’s legal counsel, and members of the Parent Mentor Program provided an update on special education services in LBUSD. The presentation covered the district’s legal responsibilities under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, and efforts to enhance inclusive education, co-teaching, and behavioral support programs.
An IEP is a legally required plan that outlines learning goals, support services, and accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure they receive the resources needed to succeed. Staff also shared parent resources, dispute resolution options, and future plans, including expanded student support services and upcoming state policy changes.
| Board approves contract for Laguna Beach High School Guyer Field turf replacement | |
The LBUSD Board of Education has approved a contract to replace the Laguna Beach High School stadium turf this summer with a sustainable, high-performance product from Shaw Sports Turf, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. Shaw Sports Turf was selected for its ability to recycle the removed turf while providing a new turf surface free of PFAS (per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) and other fluorinated chemicals.
The new field will also feature Geofill, a natural, non-petroleum-based infill made from coconut husks mixed with sand in an 80/20 ratio. This eco-friendly infill mimics the feel and playability of natural grass and provides a high-performance and durable alternative to petroleum-based crumb rubber.
| Board selects Leadership Associates to lead superintendent search | At a special meeting on Feb. 12, the Board of Education interviewed two executive search firms to lead the search for a permanent superintendent. Following the interviews, the Board selected Leadership Associates to conduct the search, with the goal of hiring a new superintendent by June 30, 2025. | LBHS Unity Week encourages connection through shared stories | |
LBHS celebrated Unity Week with a variety of activities designed to encourage meaningful conversations and connections among students. Yesterday, during tutorials, students focused on human connection. Partnered in pairs, they had five minutes to ask and answer three thought-provoking questions:
- What’s one experience that has shaped who you are?
- What’s a challenge you have overcome, and what did you learn from it?
- What’s a dream or goal you’re working toward, and why is it important to you?
Students shared their experiences, found common ground, and connected on a deeper level, stepping out of their comfort zones, developing social skills, and engaging with peers they might not typically interact with. This activity reinforced a powerful message: human connection begins with sharing one’s story and leads to deeper understanding and unity.
| |
The LBUSD Board of Education approved the Comprehensive District and School Safety Plan, an annually updated document incorporating staff, teacher, parent, and local safety agency input, including the Laguna Beach Police and Fire Departments and the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center (OCIAC). This year’s updates reflect new state laws effective Jan. 1, 2025, including regulations on active shooter drills (AB 1858), expanded emergency medical planning (AB 2887), and mandatory evacuation plans for high fire hazard zones (AB 2968). The plan serves as a key resource for prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery planning across the district. |
LBHS ASB leaders highlight student engagement, campus culture, and academic progress
| At the Feb. 13 Board of Education meeting, the LBHS Associated Student Body (ASB) leaders presented their collaborative efforts to enhance student engagement, school spirit, and campus culture through a variety of activities and initiatives. They highlighted school-wide events, athletics promotion, community service projects, and cultural celebrations that encourage inclusivity and student leadership. The presentation also showcased how ASB has expanded digital outreach and marketing efforts to increase student participation through social media, video content, and campus-wide communications. The administrative and counseling team shared data on student achievement, wellness, and postsecondary readiness, and ongoing efforts to support student success. | Young chefs shine in 2025 Future Chefs Challenge | |
On Wednesday afternoon, three elementary school students showcased their culinary skills in the 2025 Future Chef’s Challenge held at El Morro Elementary School. Each student had previously submitted a recipe, earning them a spot in the competition.
During the event, participants faced a timed challenge to prepare their chosen dishes. Each young chef showcased a unique recipe: one prepared empanadas, another made chili, and the third crafted rigatoni pasta with pistachio pesto and sautéed shrimp. Adding a special touch to the competition, all three students shared that their dishes were cherished family recipes passed down through generations.
Judges evaluated each dish based on taste, healthiness, kid-friendliness, originality, ease of preparation, plate presentation, and overall student chef presentation. In a close competition, the rigatoni pasta with pistachio pesto and sautéed shrimp took first place. All three competitors finished within just two points of each other. Watch their highlight reel on Instagram!
| The next board meeting is a Board Governance Session scheduled for Monday, February 24, 2025, at 5 p.m. Visit lbusd.org/board for more information. | | | | | |
