January 8th LBUSD Board Meeting Recap

Dear FUEL Community,

Happy New Year.

Before we address last Thursday’s board meeting, we want to share a quick note. Our in-depth December 12th Special Board Meeting recap sent last month may have landed in spam for some readers due to the number of links included. That full recap, along with other recent updates, are posted on our website. We encourage you to read through the email here.

This past Thursday’s Board meeting reflected both the progress our district can make and the level of engagement our community continues to bring to our schools. The agenda covered curriculum, facilities, innovation, and long-term planning, and it was clear throughout the evening how much work students, families, educators, and community members have invested to move these efforts forward.

After more than five hours, the board approved and discussed several important items:

• Agenda Item 7A-C: Approval of New Vocal Arts II Course, Approval of New Theatre Production Course, Approval of Adoption of New Amplify Desmos Elementary Math Curriculum. Curriculum Approved

• Agenda 8A: Technology Update - Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education. Informative Presentation and Discussion

• Agenda Item 9A - B: Approval to Award Contracts for the LBHS Pool Modernization - Approved

• Agenda Item 9 C-E: Approval of Exploring the Feasibility of a Bond Measure, Utilizing True North Research (True North) to Design and Conduct a Public Opinion Survey of Voters in the District, Approval of Exploring the Feasibility of a Bond Measure, utilizing Fieldman, Rolapp & Associates (FRA) to assist as Municipal Bond Advisor, Approval of Agreement with Dannis Woliver Kelley (DWK) to Provide Legal Services Associated with Considering and Calling a Bond Election in 2026 - Approved

Thank you to the students, families, staff, and community members who continue to show up, lend their voice, and commit to holding this board accountable. We remain encouraged by the progress made and committed to advocating for decision-making processes that center students, staff, and meaningful public participation.

Highlights from the January 8th Board Meeting

LBUSD January 8th Meeting Agenda | Watch January 8th Meeting | Read January 8th Submitted Public Comments | View FUEL’s last Newsletter

Pool Modernization Approved

One of the most important and hard-won outcomes of the meeting was the approval of the pool modernization project.

This approval reflects years of thoughtful work by dedicated staff and sustained effort by students, athletes, families, and community members who showed up meeting after meeting, often late into the night, to advocate for this project. It represents hours of organizing, hundreds of public comments, and a level of coordination and persistence our district has not seen before.

This project moved forward because the community stayed engaged, even when progress felt uncertain. It is a clear reminder of what is possible when people organize, remain committed, and continue showing up together.

Curriculum and AI

The Board approved three curriculum items, including two new Laguna Beach High School courses, Vocal Arts II and Theatre Production, and the adoption of the Amplify Desmos Elementary Math Curriculum.

The new arts courses reflect a long-standing commitment to investing in the arts and supporting their continued growth. Intentional hiring and sustained program support have allowed these departments to innovate and flourish, creating expanded opportunities for students.

The math curriculum adoption reflects the time, collaboration, and care district staff invested in preparing strong instructional tools aligned with updated state frameworks. This work ensures teachers are well supported and students are best positioned for success in the classroom.

The meeting also included a thoughtful discussion on artificial intelligence in education. We were encouraged to see AI included on the agenda and appreciated the robust dialogue, including insights from community experts such as Mike Morrison. These conversations reflect a district thinking proactively about the future of education. 

Facilities and Bond Planning

The continued discussion around facilities and bond planning reflects a shared understanding that investment in our schools is an investment in a safe, thriving community. Well-maintained school facilities support student learning, staff working conditions, and the long-term health and desirability of Laguna Beach as a place to live and raise families.

The Facilities Master Plan outlines the condition of district buildings and identifies areas in need of investment. We encourage the community to review the plan here: Link to Facilities Planning: Review and Funding.

This phase of planning represents the first step in a thoughtful, transparent process to eventually bring a bond measure to our community for consideration. 

Restoration of Public Comments

Since November 13th, families, students, and staff have asked for public comment on non-agenda items to be moved back to the beginning of board meetings. When meetings run long, students and educators should not have to wait late into the night to speak on issues that directly affect them.

Meaningful public participation is a cornerstone of good governance. Bringing public comment back to the start of meetings would ensure student and staff voices are heard early, respectfully, and without unnecessary barriers. We will continue to advocate for meeting structures that support broad and equitable community engagement. 

Looking Ahead

This meeting was not just about what happened in one night. It reflects the collective effort required to achieve progress on facilities, curriculum, and long-term planning.

As we move forward, we will continue to advocate for meetings that center students and staff, welcome public participation early in the process, and reflect the values of the families and educators who make this district strong.

We are planning events, continuing to engage with community members, and hope to return to the Farmers Market soon.

The next board meeting is January 22, a recognition meeting. Congratulations to all those being recognized. We are grateful to be part of such a incredible community.