Dee Perry: Laguna Beach School Board Candidate 2026

I’m running for school board to preserve what works in LBUSD and improve communication. I’m listening to parents, students, teachers, and residents, and I ask Laguna Beach voters for the chance to continue serving with classroom experience, boardroom independence, and a commitment to all students. I know these decisions are complex, I’ve learned from mistakes, and I understand that effective governance requires hard questions, collaboration, respect, and forward progress.

I’ve been part of Laguna Beach schools for decades, advocating for students and asking hard questions when needed. I’ve also learned that good governance requires listening, respect, transparency, and the ability to disagree without division.

I bring experience, honesty about mistakes, independence to ask hard questions, and collaboration to move us forward.

LBUSD is excellent. As Trustee, my job is to protect what works, measure what matters, improve what doesn’t, and ensure every student benefits. Every major investment should have a clear purpose, measurable outcome, and public accountability.

Every new initiative should answer three questions: What problems are we solving, what will it cost, and how will we know it worked? As a Basic Aid district, LBUSD owes the community clear reporting. The Board should publish an annual Student Outcomes and Investment Report showing results alongside spending.

Let’s use the LCAP framework to make results clearer, more measurable, and more useful to parents. I know these schools, what works, and where students need more support. The next four years should focus on measurable results, not just good intentions.

My three priorities are Students First, responsible long-term stewardship, and respectful, independent governance.

Priority 1: Students First. I propose a baseline-driven dashboard of 10–12 key student indicators, developed with teachers, students, parents, and staff and aligned with the LCAP framework. Each major investment should be tied to a student outcome, so we know the problem, measure success, and continue only what delivers results. We should set outcomes and hold the superintendent accountable without micromanaging teachers or classroom methods.

Priority 2: Responsible stewardship and long-term financial/facilities planning. Protect taxpayer dollars; demand accurate financial reporting and strong internal controls; make long-term decisions based on sound data—not short-term politics; and maintain our schools and plan responsibly for future facilities needs.

Priority 3: Respectful, independent governance. Put students ahead of personalities and politics; listen respectfully—even when we disagree; make decisions based on facts, law and the long-term interests of LBUSD; improve communication and transparency while respecting legal and personnel confidentiality; and work collaboratively with fellow trustees, educators, parents and the community.

Superintendent personnel decisions are serious, confidential, and made by the elected Board. I took that responsibility seriously, considered what I believed was best for the District and students, and made the decision I believed was right. I know reasonable people disagree, and I respect that. My focus now is stable leadership with Don Austin and moving LBUSD forward. I’ve served this district for decades and been part of difficult disagreements. I’ve learned from them. I still believe in hard questions, but also in working together and moving forward. I hear concerns about trust, and I understand district responsibilities and why some difficult decisions were necessary.

Students need safe, modern, high-quality facilities, and taxpayers deserve accountability. I support letting voters decide on the bond. If approved, I will insist funds be spent as promised, focused on student needs, and publicly reported.

Parents should know what we aim to accomplish. All students should be reading at grade level. Establish K-3 reading proficiency as a top District priority, provide targeted intervention, monitor results by school and student subgroup, and establish proficiency targets.

In math, we must close gaps between strong and struggling students. A high average is not enough if some students are falling behind. We should apply the same approach used for reading and increase CAASPP math proficiency.

Every LBUSD student should leave with a documented postsecondary plan, including progress on A-G completion and at least three years of post-graduation tracking.

We need to improve students’ sense of safety, connection, and support; set response-time targets; track access to counselors and supports; and ensure extra support for students who are marginalized, including special education students, LGBTQ students, and English learners.

LBUSD must continue to provide students with access to the arts, athletics, STEM, clubs, and career exploration; measure participation; and ensure teachers have what they need to teach effectively.

I believe strong school-board leadership means clear goals, responsible oversight, and accountability without micromanaging classrooms. I will keep students first, respect the superintendent’s role, ask hard questions professionally, and make decisions based on evidence, sound finances, and LBUSD’s long-term interests.

Trust means transparency, results, and follow-through. I will make information clear, report honestly on student outcomes and spending, and work collaboratively so the community knows what we are doing, why it matters, and whether it is working.

I will listen to everyone but be owned by no one. I answer to students and the whole community. I will seek input from teachers, parents, employee groups, and fellow Board members, then make independent decisions based on evidence, student outcomes, and responsible stewardship. Good governance means listening broadly, thinking independently, and working together for results.

After more than 50 years in Laguna Beach schools and 12 years on this Board, I know this district’s students, educators, programs, and challenges. I ask hard questions, even when unpopular, and I also want to help build a more collaborative Board. Voters need not agree with every decision I’ve made, but I ask them to consider my full record, experience, independence, and commitment to LBUSD students.

I am the only candidate with K-12 experience in California and more specifically, in each of the schools in Laguna Beach. I bring experience and continuity while always putting students first. I have actually brought about change to the children in this District.