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Laguna Beach school board directs preparation of interim contract for Dr. Joanne Culverhouse after 3–2 closed‑session vote
Summary
After a contentious discussion about process and transparency, the Laguna Beach Unified School District board voted 3–2 in closed session to prepare an employment agreement for Dr. Joanne Culverhouse as interim superintendent effective Jan. 1, 2025; two trustees said they opposed the action because they had not been given adequate vetting materials or interviews.
The Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education voted in closed session to direct staff to prepare an employment agreement with Dr. Joanne Culverhouse to serve as interim superintendent beginning Jan. 1, 2025, a board spokesperson announced when the meeting returned to open session.
Supporters of the move said the district needs immediate leadership after a midyear transition and characterized Culverhouse as someone familiar with the district who could provide continuity. Opponents said the majority’s decision to move closed session earlier on the agenda and to direct staff toward a single candidate deprived the full board and public of an open, deliberative process. Two trustees recorded no votes, saying they had not received Dr. Culverhouse’s resume or a chance to interview her before the vote.
District staff told the board during the meeting that the closed‑session action was advisory and that any final contract would require a subsequent public vote. Jeff Dixon, the district’s operations lead, framed the closed‑session report out tersely: “During closed session, the Board moved to prepare an employment agreement with Doctor Joanne Culverhouse as the district’s interim superintendent effective January 1, 2025 and to announce the approval of this decision when returning from closed session,” the board’s open‑session statement said.
Trustees who voted against the action said they objected to the timing and the lack of materials. One dissenting trustee said they had not seen a curriculum vitae, letter of interest or met the proposed interim in person. Advocates for the action responded that the board had legal advice supporting the procedure and that preparing an agreement was not a final appointment.
The board also discussed next steps for a full superintendent search at the same meeting and voted separately to direct staff to begin a formal process to solicit and evaluate search firms for a permanent hire. A final decision on Dr. Culverhouse’s contract, including any negotiated terms, will be brought to the board for action in a future open‑session meeting.
The board’s report said the closed‑session motion to prepare the agreement passed 3–2. The district did not provide immediate details of any contract terms; staff said negotiations and a vote on an employment agreement would follow the preparation directive.
