Board votes 3–2 in closed session on Glass separation; joint statement issued
Vote 3-2
A special board meeting was held on May 12, 2026, with closed session scheduled for 2:30 PM and a budget study session that followed at 3:30 PM at the LBUSD District Office. According to the closed-session report read aloud at the opening of the budget study session, the board voted 3-2 to approve a "mutual separation agreement and general release" with Dr. Glass. The motion was made by Trustee Howard Hills and seconded by Trustee Dee Perry; Trustees Joan Malczewski and James J. Kelly opposed. The agreement set Dr. Glass's resignation date as May 31, 2026, with paid administrative leave effective May 13, 2026. At approximately 4:08 PM the district issued a joint statement from the Governing Board and Dr. Glass that described the parties as having "reached a mutual agreement to conclude" Glass's service; the public joint statement did not disclose the 3-2 vote split, the financial terms, or the administrative-leave provision.
Citations (10)
- Laguna Beach Unified School District · 2026-05-12
The Governing Board of the Laguna Beach Unified School District and Dr. Jason Glass have reached a mutual agreement to conclude Dr. Glass' service as Superintendent of Schools effective May 31, 2026. The Governing Board thanks Dr. Glass for his service and dedication to the students, staff, and families of the Laguna Beach Unified School District and wishes him well in his future endeavors.
Verbatim joint statement sent to LBUSD community at approximately 4:08 PM PT on May 12, 2026.
- Board President Statement on Superintendent Transition primary Laguna Beach Unified School District — Board of EducationLaguna Beach Unified School District — Board of Education · Sheri Morgan · 2026-05-12
On Tuesday, May 12, the Governing Board of the Laguna Unified School District and Dr. Jason Glass reached a mutual agreement to conclude Dr. Glass's service as the Superintendent of Schools effective May 31, 2026. During this transition period, it is imperative that our students continue to receive the highest quality education and support. Service to our students, employees and families will be our highest priority. Families should expect schools to continue operating as usual. Students will continue to be supported by teachers, staff, principals and District leaders. The Board is focused on ensuring that this transitional period does not distract from our core mission -- teaching, learning and education. The Board recognizes the importance of the coming weeks and will act to provide stability and progress. Further comments will be brought forward as needed.
Standalone Board President statement signed by Sheri Morgan, issued alongside the joint statement on May 12, 2026.
- Stu News Laguna · Tom Johnson · 2026-05-12
Tom Johnson's contemporaneous column captured pre-announcement community awareness ahead of the joint statement.
- Laguna Beach Unified School District
Agenda for the May 12, 2026 special meeting (closed session and budget study session) is accessible through the LBUSD BoardDocs portal.
- Laguna Beach Unified School District
LBUSD recording of the meeting; see /meetings/2026-05-12-study for a transcript-derived summary.
- What's Going On in LBUSD? Start Here op-ed A Public Record for Laguna Schools (publicrecordlaguna.com)A Public Record for Laguna Schools (publicrecordlaguna.com) · Erika Hennon Rule · 2026-05-07
Erika Hennon Rule op-ed published 2026-05-07 at publicrecordlaguna.com. What's Going On in LBUSD? Start Here.
- A Public Record for Laguna Schools (publicrecordlaguna.com) · Erika Hennon Rule · 2026-05-12
Erika Hennon Rule op-ed published 2026-05-12 at publicrecordlaguna.com. How Dare They.
- Laguna Beach Unified School District
Upon the motion of Trustee Howard Hills and seconded by Trustee Dee Perry and a vote of three to two, with Member Malczewski and Member Kelly opposing. The board took action in closed session to approve a mutual separation agreement and general release between the governing board and Dr. Jason Glass. The agreement was executed on May 12, 2026, and the date of resignation will be May 31, 2026. Until the date of resignation, Dr. Glass will be on paid administrative leave, effective May 13, 2026.
Verbatim closed-session report-out at the opening of the May 12 budget study session. Documents that the motion was made by Hills and seconded by Perry, that Glass was placed on paid administrative leave effective the day after the agreement, and that the action was structured as a 'mutual separation agreement and general release.'
- Laguna Beach Unified School District
The budget problems don't have to do with money, we have money. The budget problems that we've had to deal with… have involved the budget execution, how you spend money, and not spending public money the way you spend private money.
Trustee Howard Hills during the public portion of the May 12 budget study session, immediately following the closed-session separation-agreement report-out.
- Laguna Beach Unified School District
Legal costs have doubled. The board attorney and payments for investigations of staff.
Trustee Joan Malczewski's response to Hills during the May 12 budget study session, citing rising legal expenditures and 'payments for investigations of staff' as part of the trajectory.