[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6323267,"mediaKeyId","2342825-5f18f57511348c324de4470d9d7d5fc1","parentId",2342825,"title","Students, community groups press Laguna Beach Unified to approve energy master plan and certificate of participation financing","audioSeconds",1230,"startMs",250000,"endMs",1480000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2342825-5f18f57511348c324de4470d9d7d5fc1&start=250&end=1480","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2342825-5f18f57511348c324de4470d9d7d5fc1/thumbnail_250000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6323267/California/Students-community-groups-press-Laguna-Beach-Unified-to-approve-energy-master-plan-and-certificate-of-participation-financing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6323267-9c05c43b40204e9e91f80030839dc401/orig.mp4?Expires=1776704679&Signature=JnisO~YnsY5S4FSYqVgno~0AvvZx-jr-qyL8Ldseq7oOdsGHLo6CnU~ilekzp8rJWcHknHkqHgMwb95gPe6ZCDHnxwUyUzG-T0MEAV31f5RIADTJZ4sC~qjEXiNjfnBGAvPiYfOLR~lJGe4vXcpFDeekIlFwetinVGeMQ3FlqdTIkDLEBkTbOKFzFZboayqtnrHa5bhiqd-VvlqRbHONssf~OFWjiayQ~jS42s0diewHr2ayOAzLl53kHQXp45pImwF7hvefqA~Od-urLXzkpmg0v22Lc5IbbWSrF1OL3IJIYxBI-Ex7j70CgjOTaPR7EXb6rZeAyEFqCpPnWAs5qw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","LBUSD Board ","date","2025-02-13T00:00:00Z","article","Students from Laguna Beach schools and local sustainability groups pressed the Laguna Beach Unified School District Board on Feb. 13 to approve an energy master plan that would add LED lighting, solar panels with battery storage, HVAC upgrades and other resiliency measures.

The students, parents and community members framed the plan as both a safety investment and a fiscal one: they told the board the measures would reduce classroom disruptions during power outages, improve indoor air on smoke days, and lower energy costs. “Our students’ education should not be disrupted by weather, so we must act quickly,” student Macy Shearer told the board. “This plan saves money, protects students, and secures the future,” student Billy said later. Several speakers cited state and federal grants that could cover up to 50% of project costs and said LED lighting and solar would reduce annual operating expenses.

Why it matters: Board approval would allow the district to pursue design and financing options that district staff say could make campuses more resilient during wildfire-related outages and extreme heat. Speakers repeatedly urged the board to act so the district could pursue available incentives and avoid higher costs later.

Supporting details and debate: Students and parent advocates described specific resilience features: solar paired with battery storage or microgrids to keep critical systems powered during blackouts; modernized HVAC systems and filtration to improve indoor air quality on smoke days; and LED lighting to save energy and free up funds for classrooms. Keon Arshadi, a student speaker, said the district could save an estimated $142,000 annually by 2026 and referenced other California districts (Irvine Unified, Capistrano Unified, Newport-Mesa) that have implemented renewables.

Several speakers recommended the district use a certificate of participation (COP) — a form of installment financing — to spread costs over time so upgrades would not cause a net increase in annual operating transfers. Parent Shaheen Shaikh Sadal described COP/lease financing as “a routine installment financing used widely across the state at competitive rates,” and cited a previously approved resolution in support of Earth Day from April 2022 as precedent for district sustainability goals. School Power Executive Director Sarah Durand described local education programs and grants that already support environmental education and urged the board to continue momentum.

What the board heard but did not decide: The public comment section included requests for the plan to incorporate curriculum elements and student project opportunities (for example, energy dashboards and lab-scale wind or water projects), and questions about the balance of district versus city sustainability efforts. Board members acknowledged the comments and thanked students for their advocacy but did not take a vote on the plan during public comment. Superintendent Dixon noted staff will continue to refine financing and project phasing and invited further input.

Community context: Speakers said Laguna Beach’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and local Environmental Sustainability Committee align with the proposed school work. Public speakers also highlighted grant programs and examples from other districts to show funding paths and curriculum tie-ins.

Ending note: Supporters asked the board to place the energy master plan and associated financing on an upcoming agenda so staff can pursue grants and begin project design that could improve safety, reduce operating costs and provide hands-on learning opportunities for students.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Meeting - Thursday, February 13, 2025 (Open Session)","oneSentenceSummary","Students and community members urged the Laguna Beach Unified School District board to approve an energy master plan including solar, batteries and HVAC upgrades and to pursue certificate of participation financing to pay for it.","taxTitle","Laguna Beach Unified School District, School Districts, California","taxId",76641,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6323250,"Board adopts comprehensive safety plan; approves CMAS procurement route for high-school turf and track",1852,14483000,16335000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2342825-5f18f57511348c324de4470d9d7d5fc1&start=14483&end=16335","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2342825-5f18f57511348c324de4470d9d7d5fc1/thumbnail_14483000.jpg","/articles/6323250/California/Board-adopts-comprehensive-safety-plan-approves-CMAS-procurement-route-for-high-school-turf-and-track","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6323250-5b9e611014aa87e3c65299303d6a58ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1776704679&Signature=FUuK9z3TkR-jt4ef7qX77sCpphyl2ODIukxNOTQb1HKTUHAHqxtQGeRN0x4AGBKWYRyygwp4Ty1ZnwdEVrADZBy1PFA2fF42Mqjp~nadQcTTSI8szDTdXhcaaBq8PJaaJw~yeYgUG4XPveMEG5mVc5NZQ12RAJFwaVbLNqvBoprGrumGW4~Yd8-YLXWWkHtoI~0LOVuzZt711yYPX8yPyPzNAtNL~sxLoxe8LuPbx36jHHXfg1hBJEaHJvOIFVTGCi6eXWhbghSFgADd0VsWVThv6i3nHLlrw9BBk5nFvDSq5lF1RdpWw4ABdG2KM0yBPvPhFTMspCcIUwO9Uz4i7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Laguna Beach Unified School District board approved the district’s Comprehensive District and School Safety Plan for 2025 at its Feb. 13 meeting and also authorized use of the California Multiple Awards Schedule (CMAS) procurement vehicle for planned turf and track projects.

Safety plan approval: Superintendent Dixon reviewed the required annual update and told the board the plan incorporated recent state changes, including age-appropriate active-shooter drill guidance, inclusion of emergency medical personnel in safety planning and mandated evacuation planning for high-fire areas (AB 2968 referenced in the staff summary). Dixon said the plan is a “living document” and invited board and community feedback. Trustees voted to adopt the plan.

Procurement action (turf/track CMAS): Later in the meeting trustees considered consent items authorizing CMAS-based procurement for facilities work, including synthetic turf and track surface options. Staff explained that CMAS is a state-competitive contract list that districts can “piggyback” to obtain vendor proposals and unit pricing without running a new competitive bid. Board members asked whether approving CMAS would obligate any project spending; staff clarified that CMAS authorization locks in vendor unit pricing but does not itself authorize a project or final contract amount. Several trustees asked that any specific turf/track contract return to the board for final approval; staff said a project proposal with final costs would come back for board consideration and a summer work timeline was at risk if procurement were delayed.

Why it matters: The safety plan covers emergency response and evacuation procedures for a coastal community exposed to wildfire and severe weather risks. The procurement authorization provides a pathway to replace aging athletic surfaces in the summer window; staff and trustees flagged material and labor cost pressures that could increase project budgets if delayed.

Ending: Trustees adopted the safety plan and authorized CMAS procurement routes with the understanding that any final contracts and construction costs will be presented to the board for approval prior to expenditure.","Trustees adopted the district's annual Comprehensive District and School Safety Plan and approved using California Multiple Awards Schedule (CMAS) vendors for upcoming turf and track procurement, clearing a procurement path though the board asked staff to return project-specific proposals for final approval.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6323255,"Board disputes use of outside counsel and governance process as superintendent search continues",900,15087000,15987000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2342825-5f18f57511348c324de4470d9d7d5fc1&start=15087&end=15987","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2342825-5f18f57511348c324de4470d9d7d5fc1/thumbnail_15087000.jpg","/articles/6323255/California/Board-disputes-use-of-outside-counsel-and-governance-process-as-superintendent-search-continues","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6323255-29bc1d736612f07a113db6a603ce9db8/orig.mp4?Expires=1776704679&Signature=gS4XJBZaYti6LTgn2uw8UZSU7DqC0h6V1GhopAe7I7Y1-xkROdGI72gqABg45aWvXbKEOqYCB3N634EKtbqws4pSqdIEzgb3ufFhaOag0qpaCEVFlrNFSOnFxE95~RptSPosh3CGjSBeDKjIJWE2NYce2kEUeKhJZUA4-GGkQXlb6J6yiWXCqz-vicODUDPSoLhe80aHKUtg0TrSZnheODwU6KUEbD6i4TLa6FQgb6R9m3LZZ6Tj-SrI2YbOJ-k8BQ6L3bq77KNNNTwX1r84m-Thh6dwI6kH4exKAyUIcBEBjxn-jI4NX6Jkquedv8Cd97DAueGO6uuPd6XACkUODA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Laguna Beach Unified School District board engaged in a prolonged governance discussion on Feb. 13 over the use of outside legal counsel, interim-superintendent arrangements and communications during the superintendent transition.

Background: The board hired Leadership Associates as a search firm for a new superintendent, and board members discussed past actions during the transition period, including communications between staff and board and whether decisions were handled in open session. At the Feb. 13 meeting several trustees and public speakers criticized staff and outside advisors for public comments that some said undermined newly elected trustees. Other public commenters defended staff or asked the board to focus on student-centered work.

Legal-counsel debate and vote: In a late-evening agenda item trustees considered a proposed agreement to retain outside legal counsel for governance and negotiation tasks. Board members debated whether individual trustees or subsets of the board had engaged counsel without full board direction and whether bringing a second outside attorney was appropriate. Trustees ultimately voted to approve the contract; a trustee explained she would vote against the motion because she felt the engagement had not been reviewed as part of the board’s annual counsel review. The transcript records objections to how counsel had been engaged during prior weeks but does not show any formal action to rescind prior counsel assignments.

Why it matters: The discussion reflects tensions about board-staff roles and transparency during the superintendent search and transition period. Trustees said they will use a governance workshop scheduled for Feb. 24 to clarify processes and consider counsel options. Board president and staff said the district’s bylaws allow ad-hoc counsel engagement for specific tasks; some trustees asked staff to provide a comparative summary of legal services used by the district and to invite Leadership Associates to the governance work session so the search consultant and attorney could both advise on governance questions.

Ending: The board scheduled a governance workshop and promised follow-up. Trustees also approved a series of consent items and personnel actions during the meeting.","Board members and members of the public debated recent use of outside legal counsel, interim-superintendent procedures and decisions made during the superintendent transition. Trustees approved a new contract for legal services after extended discussion; one trustee voted against the contract.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6323259,"Public commenters urge Laguna Beach Unified to expand Holocaust education, anti-hate resources and staff training",1454,2314000,3768000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2342825-5f18f57511348c324de4470d9d7d5fc1&start=2314&end=3768","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2342825-5f18f57511348c324de4470d9d7d5fc1/thumbnail_2314000.jpg","/articles/6323259/California/Public-commenters-urge-Laguna-Beach-Unified-to-expand-Holocaust-education-anti-hate-resources-and-staff-training","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6323259-890185b93a3024c28d9c4d3e4d2b615d/orig.mp4?Expires=1776704679&Signature=N5saqqVu4AdVtSb~yEI1fOWr9nJNEf74XXYi1MhDVEcVys7bCtrc437Hh7bdj51MtT9Bmzi72cqDSH~0Tab9qMyLioH2Lhoadh9e~yp7-D5~Bk1h7Q3Qvk8Qcj5hcVDvUMcGipImaVxBq3L7i9qmjYZqt-jBbCNOCqgX8nOJbJ4ogBpUkVIDaBaOFq9TL2QabYKggC8QKGH0Q7YOB1nxSHOdZgxpmV5YRLltKeLlPNpxiEo7PtB9IaqciXs7xY-3DwPVPxHj7Q~TO231OfjzDXaDr3EjuO4xOtocYRIZsR5Lee-5PJGjgdGjam4lV4wF7EP~PwhuiFGlhQ6nW0xZiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several speakers during the public-comment period urged the Laguna Beach Unified School District board to expand Holocaust education, provide staff training on antisemitism, and make resources available to students and teachers.

Representatives of local Holocaust and Jewish organizations described incidents of antisemitism they have observed in schools and universities and asked the board to partner with community resources. Carol Lee, a docent from the Holocaust Education Center of Orange County, recommended student visits and urged the board to “bring your students. Let them walk through history, learn from the past, and emerge as leaders who reject hate in all its forms.”

Resources offered: Speakers identified multiple no-cost or subsidized programs for classroom or staff development, including the Holocaust Education Center (Newport Beach), the Orange County Holocaust Museum, a “Student to Student” classroom program funded by the Jewish Federation, a Survivors play with post-show Q&A, a docuseries screening with filmmaker Q&A, and a staff development presentation from the Israeli American Council. Parent advocates and a representative of School Power and other donors said funding and transportation support exist for field trips and educational programming.

Why it matters: Several speakers said antisemitic language and imagery have appeared in school contexts and that early education and teacher training are needed to prevent escalation. Commenters asked the district to make reporting mechanisms accessible, provide staff development and partner with vetted community organizations to deliver age-appropriate programming.

Board response: Trustees thanked the speakers and invited further email contact; one board member said she would follow up to arrange meetings with community organizations. Staff noted existing community partnerships and acknowledged the importance of the issue.

Ending: Speakers and board members agreed on the need for additional dialogue and offered to meet with staff to plan next steps and possible staff development sessions.","Multiple community members and representatives from Holocaust and Jewish organizations urged the board to expand Holocaust education, provide staff development on antisemitism, and bring district students to local museums and programs.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6323264,"Laguna Beach Unified reports midyear gains in reading and math; special education team outlines services and parent-mentor program",2084,9096000,11180000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2342825-5f18f57511348c324de4470d9d7d5fc1&start=9096&end=11180","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2342825-5f18f57511348c324de4470d9d7d5fc1/thumbnail_9096000.jpg","/articles/6323264/California/Laguna-Beach-Unified-reports-midyear-gains-in-reading-and-math-special-education-team-outlines-services-and-parent-mentor-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6323264-10715a85ee1420a017209bc6c32bf318/orig.mp4?Expires=1776704679&Signature=eZs1bSweLkh9BgFJqkxbeYQ8A7th0DjHup1CIdLrImtD-4DaWAqkhp~O34QNxgqB7aEp2egEtZx8RKuTlRuChYLrSk24GeSQqp0LW0ki~DtsPaNT~PI8hLH2m0RJReoLlsdDWdnY2JCPunxP59UbSxpt87xVTboCkakx17RhaTNF37GGEnx8XaTY4S4VpDDtkqSJX8BbbkH~b1simVmDkoSvX7enDccDO1WUljWYaqiEnBwk950-2Jhsg65A7jl2-k6gola43Wys42EECFtgJGX0Iep-6HUnrEi3FYpJm7YMpZApCGLNLOtYs5LLqy2oYbJC1TyeAEBO2D7tRdr06g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District administrators presented the midyear Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) update and a comprehensive report on special education services and outcomes at the Feb. 13 Laguna Beach Unified School District board meeting.

The special education presentation summarized federal and state obligations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and described the district’s evaluation, eligibility and individualized education program (IEP) processes. Director of Special Education Irene White said the district currently serves 241 students in-district with special education services and an additional 30 students in SELPA or out-of-district placements. “We support students individually based on what they need,” White said, noting that 64% of eligible students receive 80% or more of their services in general education settings.

Why it matters: The report outlined how the district is meeting legal requirements, expanding targeted interventions, and using parent mentors and peer mentors to increase inclusion and outcomes for students with disabilities. Staff and parent mentors argued that early, intensive intervention matters for closing achievement gaps.

Key program highlights: White and SELPA director Raylan Nelson described the district’s “Read to Succeed” dyslexia intervention (after-school and targeted supports), CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) and de-escalation training for instructional assistants and the launch of a peer-mentor program to pair students with disabilities with trained peers. Parent mentors—trained volunteers who connect with families—said their role includes outreach, helping families navigate IEP processes and providing community supports. One parent mentor said the program helped her “relax completely” and feel “not alone” when her child struggled during the pandemic.

Midyear LCAP and assessment results: District staff reported midyear i-Ready diagnostic testing showing reading and math gains from fall to midyear. Districtwide early college credit participation and Advanced Placement enrollments were also highlighted: staff said roughly 68 students were participating in dual enrollment, and AP course enrollments remain substantial across 24 AP offerings. Administrators noted decreases in the numbers of students placed in intensive Tier-3 interventions and increases in Tier-1 performance bands among English learners, students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students.

Attendance and behavioral indicators: The district’s midyear attendance average was about 96%; chronic absenteeism was about 8–9% at midyear, below county and statewide averages, and suspension rates remained low (about 1.2% midyear). Social-emotional supports include nine school counselors, four school social workers, four student support specialists and four school psychologists.

Next steps: Staff invited board members to site tours of intervention programs and said they would return with end-of-year LCAP reports in May. Parents and board members asked for more disaggregated counts in future reports to make percentage changes easier to interpret.

Ending: Board members thanked staff, parent mentors and teachers for programs that combine academics and social-emotional supports; administrators said they will provide more detailed breakdowns and welcome board site visits.","District staff reported midyear LCAP results showing reading and math growth, described special education processes under IDEA, and highlighted a parent-mentor program and new intervention efforts including a Read to Succeed dyslexia initiative and peer-mentoring.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Students, community groups press Laguna Beach Unified to approve energy master plan and certificate of participation financing

Board adopts comprehensive safety plan; approves CMAS procurement route for high-school turf and track

Board disputes use of outside counsel and governance process as superintendent search continues

Public commenters urge Laguna Beach Unified to expand Holocaust education, anti-hate resources and staff training

Laguna Beach Unified reports midyear gains in reading and math; special education team outlines services and parent-mentor program