UPDATE: MAY 14, 2026 — LARGE TURNOUT FOLLOWS SUPERINTENDENT SEPARATION
Hundreds of parents, teachers, students and residents attended the May 14 LBUSD Board meeting, filling the meeting room and extending into the hallways. Many speakers expressed strong opposition to the Board’s decision to separate from Superintendent Dr. Jason Glass.
Attendees chanted “LBUSD showed up,” and some public commenters characterized the decision as a “political hit job” or “power grab.” Those descriptions represent the views expressed by speakers at the meeting; they are not independent findings by So Laguna. The size and intensity of the turnout demonstrated substantial opposition among those present, but the meeting was not a communitywide public-opinion survey.
The separation agreement had been approved May 12 by a 3–2 vote. Trustee Howard Hills made the motion, Trustee Dee Perry seconded it, and Board President Sheri Morgan joined Hills and Perry in voting yes. Trustees Joan Malczewski and James Kelly voted no.
The district and Dr. Glass publicly described the action as a mutual separation agreement ending his service May 31. Critics questioned the rapid leadership turnover, changes in Board governance and what they viewed as interference with district operations. Supporters of the majority argued that a more active Board was necessary to address financial oversight, employee-benefit overpayments, depleted reserves and accountability for administrative decisions.
Because the decision involved confidential personnel discussions in closed session, the Board did not publicly disclose all of the information considered by individual trustees. That limitation has contributed to competing interpretations of why the separation occurred.
The district subsequently announced that Manoj Roychowdhury would serve as interim superintendent and that Dr. Don Austin would become superintendent effective July 1. Board President Morgan said the Board’s priority was maintaining stability and continued support for students, staff and families.
The May 14 meeting reflected a deeply divided community response to the decision. So Laguna will continue distinguishing verified Board actions from statements made by candidates, community organizations and individual speakers.
Editor’s note, August 21, 2026: This update was revised to distinguish observed events, attributed public criticism and competing viewpoints as So Laguna expanded its nonpartisan 2026 School Board election coverage.
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.
