It's A Wrap

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

December 15, 2023

Laguna Beach Unified School District honors exceptional educators of the year

The Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) is proud to announce the selection of Shannon Chastain, a third-grade teacher at El Morro Elementary School, as Teacher of the Year and Lynn Gregory, College and Career Specialist at Laguna Beach High School, as Classified Employee of the Year.

In addition to the district-wide winners, LBUSD also announced Classified Employee of the Year winners in specific categories, reflecting the diverse talents of its staff:

Missy Palino: Clerical and Administrative Services, High School Reception and Counseling Office Assistant, Laguna Beach High School
Doug Bowman: Custodial, Maintenance, Nutrition, and Security Services, District Office Delivery Driver
Erin Carlton: Paraprofessional and Instructional Assistance, Instructional Aide, Top of the World Elementary School

Board approves annual update to Ten Year Facilities Master Plan

On Thursday evening, the Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) Board of Education approved the annual update to the district's Ten-Year Facilities Master Plan in a motion carried by a 4-1-0 vote, with Member Perry opposing.

The plan includes:

Tentative Project Phasing: A preliminary timeline has been established based on existing resources and community feedback. This allows for flexibility based on future funding opportunities and evolving needs.
Funding Strategies: The plan incorporates the district's current cash flow to take advantage of potential state and federal grants, ensuring responsible budgeting and resource allocation.

Each project listed in the plan requires individual approval by the Board of Education before construction can begin.

Laguna Beach schools invest in future while maintaining healthy reserves

The Laguna Beach Unified School District's First Interim Budget, approved on December 14, received a positive certification, indicating a strong financial standing. This allows the Board of Education to allocate resources towards expanding student-related services, including a new preschool program, extended day care for Transitional Kindergarteners, continued Summer LEAD programs, and facility upgrades. Notably, the district will maintain $2.5 million in one-time dollars to support Board goals and priorities.

The positive budget certification signifies the district's ability to meet its current and future financial needs with the resources available. This financial stability bodes well for the continued development and success of Laguna Beach's educational programs.

Board elects president and clerk at annual meeting

The LBUSD Board of Education held its annual organizational meeting on Thursday evening to elect officers and approve meeting dates for the 2024 calendar year. The board elected its slate of officers as follows:

Jan Vickers, President
Kelly Osborne, Clerk

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 will be held at Thurston Middle School Library on 2100 Park Avenue in Laguna Beach, California.

2024 Board of Education Meeting Dates

Paving the way to net zero: LBUSD partners with P2S for a sustainable future

LBUSD has taken a major step towards its ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 by partnering with P2S, a leading sustainability firm. P2S will develop a comprehensive plan to identify all possible ways to reduce carbon emissions and increase renewable energy use. They will also work with the district to secure grants and rebates to offset project costs. This initiative demonstrates the district's commitment to environmental stewardship and providing world-class facilities for its students.

Watch the Board Meeting

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 5 p.m. Visit lbusd.org/board for more information.

Watch Here