Laguna Beach School Board Recognition & Regular Meeting - June 04, 2026

June 4, 2026

Executive Summary

- The Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education held a recognition and regular meeting on June 4, 2026, beginning with student and staff honors before addressing the controversial governance action item regarding the applicability of Board Policy 2120 to the recent appointment of Dr. Don Austin as superintendent. - The meeting featured extensive public comment criticizing the board majority's process for appointing Dr. Don Austin just 48 hours after separating from Superintendent Dr. Jason Glass on May 14, 2026, with speakers characterizing the actions as lacking transparency and violating the spirit of Board Policy 2120 regarding superintendent searches. - The board voted 3-2 (with Trustees Malcheski and Kelly dissenting) to approve both the interim superintendent employment agreement for Manoj Roy Chowdhury (per diem rate of $1,783) and the employment agreement for Dr. Don Austin (four-year term, $450,000 annual salary, effective July 1, 2026). - The meeting included extensive recognitions for retiring staff members Denise Selby (District Athletic Administrator, five years) and Daphne Hammer (Assistant Principal at Thurston, four years), along with numerous student

Key Decisions

- Approved the interim superintendent employment agreement for Manoj Roy Chowdhury with a per diem rate of $1,783 retroactive to May 13, 2026, in addition to his regular salary as Assistant Superintendent of Business Services (5-0 vote). - Approved the superintendent employment agreement for Dr. Don Austin with a four-year term, $450,000 annual base salary effective July 1, 2026, no automatic salary increases, 224 workdays with no accrued paid vacation, 4% TSA contribution, district-provided health and welfare benefits, and no longevity payments, moving expenses, housing stipends, or sabbatica