Superintendent Wins Support of Trustees

Laguna Beach School District received a vote of confidence last week from trustees, who announced that Smith, hired in 2010 and up for midyear review, should continue on as superintendent.

“Ms. Smith has met all of the expectations of the school board, and we are all in support of her ongoing leadership,” said board President Theresa O’Hare at Tuesday's Board of Education meeting. The vote to keep Smith was unanimous.

Trustees also shared their appreciation for members of Laguna Beach's Parent Teacher Association by recognizing PTA Founders Day, which celebrates the country’s largest child advocacy organization.

Smith said the PTA has played a significant role in improving the education and welfare of children in Laguna Beach. O’Hare presented PTA Council President Melanie Lewis, PTA Presidents Elaine Brashier, Tammy Skendarian and Lynn Gregory, as well as council secretary Kathleen Fay with yellow roses, while other members of the board spoke of their personal experiences and gratitude.

“There is no organization I have greater or deeper respect for than the PTA,” said Trustee Betsy Jenkins.  “We are blessed with an amazingly intelligent, efficient, hard-working and dedicated group of women.”

Trustee Jan Vickers offered a "thank you" on behalf of working mothers in the community who are unable to be as involved as the PTA leaders.

 LBUSD Administrators Recognized

Smith noted that the first week of March is “week of the school administrator,” which honors staff members in the Laguna Beach schools for their leadership in both the classroom and in the field. Smith noted that administrators have various leadership responsibilities, from overseeing schools to developing curriculum to managing facilities.

Among those recognized at the meeting were Principals Chris Duddy (El Morro), Ron LaMotte (TOW), Joanne Culverhouse (Thurston Middle) and Don Austin (Laguna Beach High), as well as facilities director Eric Jetta, technology director Victor Guthrie and special education director Irene White. 

 O’Hare said their efforts played a large part in Laguna Beach being named among the top districts in Orange County by the Orange County Register.

“We are so lucky to have the administrators that we have, who go above and beyond every day,” she said.