It's A Wrap

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

July 10, 2026

Board approves resolution to place bond measure on November ballot

At a special meeting on July 9, the Board approved a resolution placing a General Obligation Bond measure on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot. The proposed measure would authorize up to $83 million in bonds to fund school facility improvements identified in the district's Facilities Master Plan, developed through facility assessments, community input, and recommendations from the Board's Ad Hoc Facilities Master Plan Committee. The Bond Project List includes projects that address aging infrastructure, campus safety, modernization, career technical education, arts facilities, technology, and other educational priorities.

If approved by voters, the measure would extend the district's current bond tax rate rather than increase it. The projected tax rate is estimated at $8.85 per $100,000 of assessed property value, with bond proceeds restricted to eligible school facilities projects identified in the Bond Project List. The measure also requires annual independent financial and performance audits, annual public reporting, and oversight by an independent Citizens' Oversight Committee.

Construction underway on LBHS pool modernization project

Construction is underway on the Laguna Beach High School pool modernization project, which began in June following the close of the school year. Demolition is expected to continue through August, with shoring work scheduled to begin next week as the site is prepared for the next phase of construction.

The project remains on schedule for completion in June 2027. When finished, the new aquatic facility will feature a 16-lane competition pool, modern locker rooms and restrooms for both school and community use, shaded spectator seating, and sustainable features, including solar panels to help power pool operations. The construction schedule was designed to limit the impact on LBHS aquatic programs to a single season during the 2026–27 school year.

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Meet and greet with Dr. Austin

Since beginning his tenure on July 1, Superintendent Don Austin has spent his first weeks meeting with district leaders, employees, and community partners as he prepares for the start of the 2026–27 school year.

Additional opportunities for families and community members to meet Dr. Austin are planned for Tuesday, Aug. 11, following Breaker Days at Laguna Beach High School, and Thursday, Aug. 13, at Thurston Middle School prior to the Board of Education meeting.

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Board approves new agreement with LaBUFA

The Board approved the 2026–2029 successor collective bargaining agreement between the Laguna Beach Unified School District and the Laguna Beach Unified Faculty Association (LaBUFA). The agreement includes a 1% salary increase effective July 1, 2026, a 2% increase to the district's health and welfare contribution caps, and the potential for an additional 1% salary increase based on growth in district property tax revenues during the 2026–27 fiscal year.

The agreement also establishes a formal process for the Insurance Committee, designated association representatives, and district staff to regularly review employee and district health care premium contributions before annual benefit guides are finalized. The three-year agreement will remain in effect through June 30, 2029.

Watch the Board Meeting

The next regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting is on July 23, 2026. Visit lbusd.org/board for more information.

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