Laguna Beach Board Meeting - Apr 09 2026

April 9, 2026

Executive Summary

- The Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education held a meeting on April 9, 2026, at Thurston Middle School, receiving a bond feasibility survey presentation from True North Research showing 64% community support for an $83 million bond extension at the current tax rate of $8.85 per $100,000 assessed value. - Dr. Tim McEleny from True North Research presented findings from a survey of 547 likely November 2026 voters (margin of error ±4.1%), indicating strong feasibility for a bond measure that would extend the current tax rate without increasing property taxes, with support ranging from 59% initially to 70% after positive messaging and settling at 64% after negative arguments. - The bond extension represents a limited-time opportunity, as waiting until 2028 would reduce the available tax rate to approximately $4.25-$4.75 per $100,000 and would require a June election rather than November. - The Board discussed the communications plan continuation from the March 26, 2026 meeting, with questions raised about consistent messaging, two-way engagement with stakeholders, and collaboration between the Board President and Superintendent. - Public commenters strongly urged the

Key Decisions

- No formal votes or decisions were taken during this meeting, as both the bond feasibility study and the communications plan were presented as informational items for board questions and public comment. - The Board previously approved (March 26, 2026) insurance claim number 669071 in closed session. - The meeting agenda was adjusted to accommodate the True North Research presentation first at the consultant's request.