UPDATE: MAY 14, 2026 – OUTRAGE BOILS OVER AT DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS
The scene inside the LBUSD board meeting tonight was nothing short of historic. Hundreds of parents, teachers, and residents packed the room—and spilled into the hallways—to confront the board majority following the forced removal of Dr. Jason Glass.
LBUSD SHOWED UP!
The air was thick with chants of “LBUSD SHOWED UP!” as community members took to the podium to denounce what they described as a “political hit job” and a “shameful power grab.” Speakers repeatedly called out the 3–2 majority—Sheri Morgan, Dee Perry, and Howard Hills—for prioritizing personal control over the stability of our schools.
fThe contrast in the room was stark: while the board majority remained largely stone-faced, the vocal support for Dr. Glass and the dissenting board members, Dr. Joan Malczewski and Dr. James Kelly, was deafening. This is no longer just a “separation agreement”—it is a full-blown community uprising.
The Laguna Beach community is rallying to protest the unjust treatment and recent firing of respected Superintendent Dr. Jason Glass, removed by a 3–2 vote of a rogue board majority.
Over the past 17 months, this board has been widely criticized as dysfunctional, tone-deaf, disrespectful, and at times, bullying.
From the outset of Dr. Glass’s tenure, the majority moved to strip authority from the superintendent’s role, shifting core responsibilities to the Board President in a clear power grab. The community has responded with strong and growing opposition to these actions.
The scene inside the Laguna Beach Unified School District’s board meeting just now, in response to Tuesday’s announcement by the board coming out of closed session that LBUSD was parting ways with Superintendent Dr. Jason Glass. The vote was 3-2, with Board President Sheri Morgan, Clerk Dee Perry and Member Howard Hills in favor of the separation agreement, and Member Joan Malczewski, Ph.D., and Member James Kelly, Ph.D., opposed.
May 13, 2026 The Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education has reached a mutual separation agreement with Superintendent Dr. Jason Glass. The decision, announced following a closed-session board meeting on May 12, marks a significant shift for our local schools as we look toward the end of the academic year.
The Details of the Vote
The motion to approve the separation agreement and general release was brought forward by Trustee Howard Hills and seconded by Trustee Dee Perry. The board voted 3-2 in favor of the action, with Board President Sheri Morgan joining Hills and Perry in the majority. Trustees Joan Malczewski and Jim Kelly voted in opposition.
As part of the agreement:
- Resignation Date: Dr. Glass will officially resign effective May 31, 2026.
- Administrative Leave: Effective immediately (May 13), Dr. Glass will be on paid administrative leave until his formal departure date.
- Leadership Transition: This marks the second departure of a superintendent within an 18-month period for the district, following Dr. Glass’s unanimous hiring less than one year ago.
Why Did This Happen?
The Root of the Conflict
- Power Struggles: A local advocacy group, FUEL (Families Unified for Education in Laguna), claims the board majority (Trustees Morgan, Perry, and Hills) has systematically consolidated control. They point to recent changes in board bylaws that shifted final agenda-setting authority to the Board President, a move they argue undermines the superintendent’s professional authority.
- Micromanagement Allegations: Critics suggest the board has frequently overridden Dr. Glass’s professional recommendations on operational matters, such as the location for graduation ceremonies and staff-led facilities decisions.
- Financial & Labor Tension: Conversely, groups like Sensible Laguna argue the current board is simply providing necessary oversight after years of “rubber-stamping” previous administrations. They point to past issues such as a $1.77 million overpayment in employee healthcare benefits and depleted financial reserves as reasons for the board’s more aggressive stance.
Timeline of the Separation
Evidence suggests the move to replace Dr. Glass was not sudden, but the result of several months of closed-door discussions:
- February 2026: An unscheduled performance evaluation for Dr. Glass was held in closed session.
- March – April 2026: Items regarding “Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release” appeared on the board’s closed session agendas for four consecutive meetings without public report-outs.
- Union Protests: In mid-April, district unions held a “march” to protest what they called a lack of trust and “abuse” by the board majority, while the board characterized the protest as a tactic during active contract negotiations.
What This Means for Our Community
Stability in school leadership is a priority for many families in Laguna Beach. As the district navigates this transition, the focus remains on ensuring that students and faculty have the support they need to finish the semester strong.
This news arrives as we approach the 2026 General Municipal Election this November. The future direction of LBUSD leadership will likely be a central topic of discussion as the community prepares to vote. Whether you are a parent, a neighbor, or a local taxpayer, staying informed and engaged with the board’s next steps is vital for the health of our community.
Community Perspectives
Diverse Community Viewpoints The 3-2 vote has highlighted a significant divide in community opinion regarding district governance:
- Concerns over Stability: The group FUEL (Families Unified for Education in Laguna) has expressed “devastation” over the leadership transition, pointing to the fact that the district has now seen three superintendents in just 18 months. They argue that frequent turnover and changes in board bylaws create an unstable environment for students and staff. You can read their full perspective at FUEL Laguna.
- Focus on Fiscal Oversight: Conversely, Sensible Laguna argues that the board is fulfilling its fiduciary duty by providing more rigorous oversight of district operations. They cite concerns such as a $1.77 million overpayment in employee healthcare benefits discovered by the current board as a primary reason for more active engagement in administrative matters. Detailed analysis from their perspective can be found at Sensible Laguna.
- Fiscal Accountability: Some residents have voiced support for a more engaged board that questions administrative recommendations, particularly regarding depleted financial reserves and the potential for a new $80M–$100M school bond.
Stay Connected
For those looking for deeper analysis of the board’s decision and the local reaction, you can find further reporting at Stu News Laguna and the OC Register.
We will continue to monitor updates regarding the appointment of interim leadership and the search for a permanent successor. At the neighborhood level, our goal is to keep lines of communication open and ensure our voices are heard in the conversations that shape our children’s education.
