Development News for Laguna Beach, California
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Recognition & Regular Meeting - June 04, 2026
Thursday, Jun 4, 2026
Dr. Don Austin Appointed Laguna Beach Unified Superintendent; Interim Superintendent Contract Approved
The board discussed and ultimately approved the employment agreement for Dr. Don Austin as the new superintendent of Laguna Beach Unified School District. The agreement is for a 4-year term, commencing July 1st, 2026. The annual base salary was not specified in the oral summary, but it was stated that Dr. Austin would not receive annual salary steps, automatic increases, or predetermined adjustments. He will be a 12-month employee working 224 days and will not accrue paid vacation. The district will provide the standard health and welfare benefits, and contribute 4% of his base salary to a tax-sheltered annuity. The agreement explicitly excludes longevity payments, moving expenses, housing stipends, or paid sabbatical leaves. The board also approved the employment agreement for Manoj Rochchowie to serve as interim superintendent, which involves a per diem rate in addition to his regular salary as Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, retroactive to May 13th. This interim role automatically terminates upon the appointment and employment of a new permanent superintendent.
District Accepts 2026 Facilities Master Plan Valued at $145 Million
The Board of Trustees reviewed and accepted the 2026 update to the district's Facilities Master Plan (FMP). The FMP, developed over six months with community, staff, and board member input, serves as a 20-25 year roadmap for facility improvements. It includes 12 Tier 2 projects and 31 Tier 3 projects, with an estimated total cost of $144-$145 million. Key priorities include modernizing student support services, administrative spaces, CTE and visual arts classrooms, the theater, and campus-wide energy/infrastructure upgrades. Specific site needs were presented for Laguna Beach High School, Thirston Middle School, El Morro Elementary, and Top of the World Elementary, focusing on areas like gym expansion, tech lab modernization, UTK and playground improvements, and food service/restroom upgrades. The plan also addresses district office and warehouse facility needs, including potential electrification of the bus fleet. The FMP is a living document and a requirement for applying for state matching funds for capital improvement projects. The board accepted the plan and will proceed with identifying funding resources, with a focus on exploring opportunities for the Tier 2 and Tier 3 projects over the next 5-10 years. Board members expressed concerns about the timeline for carbon neutrality goals and the prioritization of sustainability projects like solar and bus electrification.
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