Laguna Beach Unified board to interview three superintendent search firms after contentious discussion

The Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education voted to invite three of four responding search firms for interviews as it prepares to hire a firm to lead the superintendent search and screening process.

Board members discussed four proposals and initially considered interviewing all four firms. A motion to bring all four firms back for interviews was proposed; that motion was later amended and the board voted to interview three firms: Educational Leadership Services, Educational Support Services Group and Leadership Associates.

Board discussion focused on each firm's experience and on concerns raised about public perception. One board member said that a previous interim appointment tied to one firm had “created a possible perception problem for the public,” while others said the firm should not be disqualified for issues outside its control. Members discussed firm reach (California‑focused versus nationwide) and whether firms would be able to attract nontraditional candidates.

The board did not publish a roll‑call vote tally in the meeting transcript; the board president announced, “It passes. We will bring in 3 of the 4 firms.” The board directed staff to schedule public interviews with the selected firms and to post background materials for each firm ahead of the interview meetings.

Superintendent search firm selection will be followed by interviews at a future special meeting; the board said the superintendent search interviews will be part of a transparent process that includes community input.

Public comment preceding the discussion included calls from speakers urging the board to appoint Jeff Dixon as interim superintendent; the board confirmed a special meeting on Jan. 27 to discuss the interim appointment and said it expected the full interim selection process to continue with the superintendent present for final selection.