El Morro Elementary School teacher Kathleen Margaretich has been named a 2026 Outstanding K–12 STEM Educator by the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE). Margaretich is among 11 Orange County educators and community leaders selected for the 2026 Outstanding STEM Educator Awards, which recognize individuals expanding opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.

The Festival of Arts (FOA) Foundation awarded $18,500 in grant funding to support student arts programs at Laguna Beach High School and Thurston Middle School. The funding enhances programs in ceramics, visual art, photography, and theatre by providing students access to professional-grade materials and hands-on learning experiences that strengthen connections to the broader arts community.

The Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) has appointed Christian Esperanza as its District Athletics Administrator. Esperanza began serving in the role in July 2026 and will succeed Denise Selbe, Ed.D., upon her retirement in August 2026.

The Orange County Department of Education has engaged the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) to conduct an independent review of the Laguna Beach Unified School District's financial records through a process established in California law.

Laguna Beach Unified School District and the Laguna Beach Unified Faculty Association (LaBUFA) have reached a tentative agreement that prioritizes maintaining high-quality health care coverage while limiting cost increases for employees and the district.