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op-ed A Public Record for Laguna Schools (publicrecordlaguna.com)

Finding Dr. Right: The LBUSD Superintendent Search

A Public Record for Laguna Schools (publicrecordlaguna.com)

Author Erika Hennon Rule
Published:
2026-05-19
Retrieved:
2026-05-20
URL:
https://www.publicrecordlaguna.com/p/finding-dr-right-the-lbusd-superintendent

Erika Hennon Rule's synthesis of the LBUSD superintendent arc covering Viloria, Culverhouse, Dixon, Glass, and Austin. Frames the May 14 Austin appointment against the unanswered question of why a fresh nationwide search produced Glass last year and Austin this year.

Key points

  • Reviews the full Viloria → Culverhouse → Dixon → Glass → Austin superintendent arc as a single instability sequence rather than five separate decisions.
  • Notes Viloria was released in November 2024 despite 'regularly demonstrated exemplary' evaluations, with the stated reason being 'anticipated changes to the governing board.'
  • Documents the December 2024 leadership gap: Culverhouse's interim offer declined and Board President Perry working from the superintendent's office without a public vote.
  • Frames Glass as hired through a real four-month nationwide search with about 40 candidates, then separated less than a school year later after six consecutive closed-session 'discipline/dismissal/release' agenda items.
  • Reframes the May 14 Austin appointment: if Austin was vetted in last year's search and the board chose Glass, why is Austin the immediate answer now?

Cited by 2 events

  1. Board appoints Dr. Don Austin as next superintendent

    If Austin was vetted last year and the board chose Glass, why is Austin the immediate answer now? If Glass was the right choice after a full search, what changed so quickly? If Austin was the better fit, why was he not selected the first time? These are not conspiracy questions. They are obvious questions created by the district's own timeline.

    Erika Hennon Rule's May 19 synthesis essay framing the procedural questions raised by the May 14 Austin appointment relative to the prior Glass search.

  2. Board votes 3–2 in closed session on Glass separation; joint statement issued

    When someone moves across the country for a four-year contract and is gone in ten months, the characterization of it as "mutual" does not feel reassuring. Instead, it reads more like a difficult resolution reached under pressure.

    Erika Hennon Rule's May 19 essay characterizing the May 12 mutual-separation framing in the context of Glass's earlier relocation under a multi-year contract.