It's A Wrap

News from Laguna Beach Unified School District, its teachers, students, staff and Board of Education.

January 13, 2023

District seeks feedback on 2023-2024 District and School Safety Plan

Did you know? California Education Code requires that all K-12 schools develop and adopt a comprehensive school safety plan that is updated annually. At LBUSD, a safety sub-committee comprised of parents, district staff and representatives from the City of Laguna Beach Police and Fire Departments is responsible for developing and updating the plan.


The updates to the 2023-2024 LBUSD Comprehensive District and School Safety Plan were presented to the LBUSD Board of Education as an information-only item at the regularly scheduled meeting on January 12. The final plan will be brought to the Board for approval at the regularly scheduled February 16 meeting. This year, Section 8.8, titled "Emergency Communications," was replaced with a new section to expand on the current protocols and guidelines. LBUSD is seeking feedback on the updated 2023-2024 LBUSD Comprehensive District and School Safety Plan.

District and Safety Plan
Share your feedback!

The comprehensive safety plan is one of the tools used to ensure the safety of the school community. In collaboration with the City of Laguna Beach and local first responders, LBUSD staff has engaged in various opportunities to evaluate and enhance all aspects of the district’s safety.


Over the last few years, LBUSD has: 

  • Added a new social-emotional division to the instructional services team
  • Introduced a School Resource Officer (SRO) program, with two full-time officers assigned to support the district 
  • Conducted monthly emergency preparedness drills at each school site
  • Updated door hardware and rekeyed all school sites
  • Enhanced the visitor check-in and check-out process utilizing school safety software that screens and tracks visitors on the campus
  • Provided additional safety training opportunities throughout the year at regularly scheduled meetings and professional development training days
  • Conducted complete site assessments with the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center (OCIAC) to implement additional mitigation measures
  • Examples of mitigation measures include new fencing, gates, window film, signage, PA System upgrades, Information Technology cyber security enhancements, and the refinement of campus operational processes and procedures for supervision.

E-bike safety

DYK? Every person riding a bicycle under 18 is required to wear a helmet, including e-bikes and regular pedal bikes. LBUSD School Resource Officer Fred Yeilding and the Laguna Beach Police Department share tips for e-bike safety in the 12-minute video above. Watch and share!

Watch Here (12 min.)

Board of Education approves contract with Lynn Lyons, LCSW, to serve as keynote speaker


On January 12, the Board of Education approved a contract with Lynn Lyons, LCSW, to serve as a keynote speaker for the district's annual parent education event, LBUSD Presents. Lyons will join LBUSD staff and families on May 9. She is the author of the book, "Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents: 7 Ways to Stop the Worry Cycle and Raise Courageous and Independent Children."

El Morro Elementary Principal provides update on 2022-23 school year

Principal Julie Hatchel, Ed.D., presented a report to the board sharing the school's data-driven approach to focus on students by name and need. Dr. Hatchel highlighted the strategies and tools teachers and school staff have used to identify students that may benefit from additional academic or social-emotional support. The report also shared new learning opportunities available to students on-campus such as a visual and performing arts lab and enhanced garden learning spaces.

Board Member Perry takes oath of office

During the 2022 candidate filing period, only three candidates filed to fill three open positions for the LBUSD Board of Education. As such, no election was held for the district. Newly appointed Member Perry took the oath of office at the January 12 meeting. Members Malczewski, Ph.D., and James Kelly, Ph.D., took their oath of office on December 15. The Board of Education holds its regular meetings on Thursdays, starting at 6 p.m. However, the weekday and start time may be adjusted and, if so, will be reflected on the posted Board Meeting Calendar and the agenda for the meeting. Meetings are held at Thurston Middle School Library on 2100 Park Avenue.

Board Meeting Dates

Board accepts gifts and donations totaling $50,000

On Thursday evening, the Board took action to accept gifts totaling $50,000 from SchoolPower on behalf of the Hexberg Family Foundation. The gift will support strength and conditioning for high school athletes.

Board accepts 2021-2022 District Audit

Education Code requires that an audit report for the preceding fiscal year be filed with the County Superintendent of Schools of the county where the school district is located, the State Department of Education, and the Controller. The 2021-2022 audit was performed by the independent auditing firm of Eide Bailly, LLP.

View the report

Watch the Board Meeting

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 2, 2023, at 6 p.m. Visit lbusd.org/board for more information.

Watch Here
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