James J. Kelly

LBUSD trustee since 2018; current term expires December 2026. Career in higher education and social work: former President of Menlo College, Interim Provost at CSU East Bay, and Dean of Health and Human Services at Cal State Los Angeles; earlier a social work professor and department director at CSU Long Beach. Has lived in Laguna Beach for nearly four decades. Frequently the dissenting vote in 3-2 splits during 2025-26.

Related people

• Joan Malczewski

Appears in 9 timeline events

1. Dec 16, 2024 New board sworn in; interim superintendent announced
2. Oct 23, 2025 Board retains DWK as outside counsel 4–1
3. Dec 11, 2025 Board reorganization: Morgan elected President 3–2, Perry Clerk 3–2
4. Jan 22, 2026 Board approves Bylaw 9322 first reading on agenda authority 3–2
5. Feb 12, 2026 Board adopts Bylaw 9322 on second reading 3–2; CSEA and LaBUFA file grievance
6. Feb 26, 2026 Board votes 3–2 to move 2026 LBHS graduation to Irvine Bowl
7. Mar 26, 2026 Trustee Kelly says he suggested Glass find another job
8. Apr 23, 2026 Board votes 5–0 to approve TBWB/CivicX bond consultant
9. May 12, 2026 Board votes 3–2 in closed session on Glass separation; joint statement issued