Laguna Beach USD presents midyear LCAP update showing gains in diagnostics, reduced suspensions and strong AP participation

District leaders presented a midyear Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) update highlighting measurable progress in academics and student supports.

Superintendent Dr. Glass and cabinet members framed the LCAP around three district goals: college and career readiness; social‑emotional development; and safe, equitable schools. New midyear I‑Ready diagnostic data showed significant exit rates from intensive intervention tiers across grade spans, and administrators reported encouraging early‑college credit participation and AP exam pass rates.

Betsy Kenneberg and instructional leaders described K–8 reading and math gains: midyear progress monitoring showed declines in students requiring intensive (tier 3) supports and increases in those at grade level. At the high school, 21% of students had already earned college credits by midyear, and the district is offering 27 AP courses with high pass rates reported in prior cohorts.

On student well‑being, the district reported chronic absenteeism identified for about 11–12% of students at midyear and said attendance interventions and tiered behavior systems are producing reductions in suspension rates (down to 0.8% midyear from 2.9% the prior year). Counseling teams logged more than 7,000 contacts through January, the cabinet said.

Officials emphasized that the midyear report is part of a continuous improvement cycle: the district will launch a community LCAP survey and convenings in March–April and bring the draft LCAP to the board for a public hearing in May before seeking final approval in June 2026 and submission to the county and state.

Why it matters: The LCAP is the district’s principal accountability document for state priorities and targeted supports for English learners, students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students. The midyear gains indicate progress against targeted interventions, but administrators flagged continued focus needed in high‑school math and for historically underserved groups.

What’s next: Community convenings and a public hearing in May, then board approval in June and submission to Orange County Department of Education and the California Department of Education.