| | News from Laguna Beach Unified School District, its teachers, students, staff and Board of Education. | | Laguna Beach school board appoints Don Austin as superintendent of schools | | |
The Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education announced on May 14 the appointment of Don Austin, Ed.D., as Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1. The action quickly follows the governing board’s May 12 action to approve a mutual separation agreement with Dr. Jason Glass, which ends his service as Superintendent after May 31, 2026.
Dr. Austin brings more than a decade of superintendent success to his new Laguna Beach Unified School District leadership role and will leverage more than 30 years of public education experience, including five years as the highly effective principal of Laguna Beach High School.
To support a smooth transition, the Board has appointed LBUSD Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Manoj Roychowdhury as Interim Superintendent. Manoj is a veteran school district administrator who brings steady leadership, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to students, staff, and families. We appreciate his willingness to serve in this role during this transition and are confident that District operations will continue without disruption.
| | Board holds public hearing on annual LCAP update | |
At the May 14 meeting, the Board held a public hearing on the district’s annual update to the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), California’s required three-year framework that outlines goals, actions, services, and investments to support student success. The presentation reviewed progress across the district’s three LCAP goals: college and career readiness, social-emotional competencies and self-identity, and safe, equitable, and inclusive schools.
The update highlighted growth in reading and math intervention outcomes, strong college- and career-readiness indicators for the Class of 2025, expanded student wellness supports, and continued focus on targeted services for English learners, students with disabilities, foster youth, and students from low-income households. The presentation also reviewed stakeholder input gathered through surveys, focus groups, advisory groups, and community meetings, which informed proposed updates to actions and services for the 2026–27 school year.
The Board is scheduled to consider adoption of the LCAP and Budget on June 8, 2026. A complete copy of the LCAP is available on the district website.
| The stage is set for Thurston Middle School’s spring musical | |
Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in Shrek KIDS, based on the Oscar-winning animated film and fantastic Broadway musical. Everyone's favorite ogre leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek KIDS is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.
Performance Dates and Times:
Friday, 5/29: 4:00 pm
Friday, 5/29: 6:30 pm
Saturday, 5/30: 4:00 pm
Saturday, 5/30: 6:30 pm
*All performances are located at the Thurston Middle School Blackbox Theater
| Board Member Joan Malczewski brings public education and academic leadership experience 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 Joan Malczewski, Ph.D., brings to the Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education a background in public education, educational research, classroom support, and financial analysis shaped by her work as a university professor, historian of American education, former CPA, and parent in public schools.
| | Board and superintendent reach mutual agreement on leadership transition | Following a special meeting on May 12, the Governing Board of the Laguna Beach Unified School District and Dr. Jason Glass reached a mutual agreement to conclude Dr. Glass’ service as superintendent effective May 31, 2026. The Board thanked Dr. Glass for his service to the district, and Dr. Glass expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the Laguna Beach community and wished the district continued success. | Board holds study session on proposed 2026–27 budget | |
At a study session on May 12, the Board received a presentation on the proposed 2026–27 district budget. The presentation reviewed budget development and monitoring processes, revenue assumptions tied primarily to local property taxes, expenditure projections, multi-year financial outlooks, reserve levels, and key cost drivers such as pensions, special education, and facilities.
The proposed General Fund budget includes approximately $94.6 million in total revenues, including $79.1 million from local property taxes, and $96.5 million in expenditures, with planned use of reserves for capital projects and one-time costs. No action was taken.
| Board receives update on comprehensive communications plan | |
At the May 14 meeting, Director of Communications and Engagement Anakaren Cárdenas Ureño presented an update on the district’s comprehensive communications plan, which outlines the framework, priorities, and communication systems that support engagement with students, families, staff, community members, partners, media, and the Board of Education .
The presentation reviewed the district’s integrated communications structure and identified six strategic priorities for 2026–27: strengthening internal communication and feedback loops; elevating district profile and community reach; increasing arts visibility and engagement; amplifying student voice; supporting transparent, two-way governance communication; and strengthening family communication and engagement.
New initiatives for 2026–27 include a district family newsletter, annual report relaunch, State of the District event, student communications internship opportunities, expanded arts communication coordination, and additional strategies to broaden community engagement and accessibility.
| The next regularly scheduled Board of Education meetings are student and staff recognition meetings on June 3, 2026, for elementary schools and June 4, 2026, for secondary schools, both at 6 p.m. Visit lbusd.org/board for more information. | | | | | |
