Laguna Beach School Board Meeting February 12, 2026 (Closed Session)

February 12, 2026

Executive Summary

- The Laguna Beach School Board meeting on February 12, 2026 was marked by procedural confusion and voting disputes, with Member Hills absent throughout the session. - A motion to move public comments of non-agenda items from agenda item 13 to item 5 failed 2-2, leading to extended debate about whether a tie vote constitutes a failure or simply does not pass. - The board struggled with parliamentary procedure, requiring multiple attempts and a motion to reconsider before successfully approving the agenda as presented by a 3-2 vote. - Board members engaged in confusion about proper voting procedures, motions to reconsider, and the distinction between a motion failing versus not passing. - The meeting adjourned to closed session with no public comment cards submitted for closed session items. - The procedural difficulties reflect ongoing governance tensions within the district following the controversial separation of Superintendent Dr. Jason Glass and appointment of Dr. Don Austin in May 2026. - Only four of five board members were present (Member Kelly, Member Malcheski, Clerk Perry, and President Morgan), with Member Hills absent throughout the meeting. - The board ultimately appr

Key Decisions

- Motion to move public comments of non-agenda items from agenda item 13 to item 5 failed 2-2 (with Member Hills absent). - Motion to reconsider the agenda approval passed (vote count not clearly specified in transcript). - Motion to approve the agenda as presented passed 3-2. - Motion to adjourn to closed session approved unanimously by the four members present.