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Parents, teachers urge Laguna Beach board to support Superintendent Dr. Glass amid surprise evaluation
Summary
Multiple parents, alumni and teachers told the Laguna Beach Unified School District board they support Superintendent Dr. Glass and questioned the timing of a second, short-notice performance review; callers urged the board to prioritize stability for students and staff.
Multiple parents, alumni and district employees used the meeting’s public-comment period to urge the Laguna Beach Unified School District board to support Superintendent Dr. Glass and to question the timing and purpose of a second, unplanned performance review.
Shabnam Penry told the board she appreciated Dr. Glass’s composure amid what she called a 'combative' tone at the dais and said his steadiness helped keep attention on students. 'It makes the work harder... it erodes public confidence,' she said, adding that she was 'grateful for the discipline it takes to continue leading with composure.'
Several speakers recounted their ties to the district and urged the board to allow professional staff to do their work. Emily Rolfing identified herself as an alumna, lifelong resident and parent and questioned why an additional evaluation had been scheduled in February when the superintendent's contract, she said, sets an annual evaluation due no later than Sept. 1, 2026. 'I did not see a provision in the contract for an additional evaluation in February,' Rolfing said, calling the agenda placement 'unusual' in light of recent events and urging the board to use closed session to affirm his leadership.
Other commenters echoed that view. Kimberly Smith thanked Dr. Glass for 'steadfast grace' and said the community—and teachers—have noticed his leadership. Leslie Elliott called the extra scrutiny 'excessive, odd, and destabilizing' and said community input overwhelmingly supported the superintendent.
Several speakers also criticized the board majority’s conduct toward staff and asked that the board maintain a clearer separation between governance and professional leadership. Commenters requested the board respect contract timelines, avoid decisions that feel retaliatory or arbitrary, and prioritize the district’s stability.
The board moved into closed session after the public-comment period; no formal public response to the comments was recorded on the dais during the public-comment block.
What happens next: The district will consider closed-session discussion and any board actions will be reflected in subsequent meeting minutes; speakers urged a public message of support for stability and clarity around evaluation timing.
