Laguna Beach board approves bond communications contract, trustees debate timing and scope

The Laguna Beach Unified School District board voted to approve an agreement with a bond communications firm to prepare potential ballot language and community outreach work related to a possible facilities bond.

Consultants from the proposed firm explained their role as limited to fact-based communications and planning. "We will say both the pros and the cons," the consultant said, adding the firm would work with bond counsel and follow Fair Political Practices Commission rules and Education Code constraints on district advocacy.

Trustees pushed for clarity on what the district itself may communicate once a measure is on the ballot. Board member Hills asked whether the consultant could include the district's overall financial condition in materials voters would see. The consultant said they provide factual materials and that bond counsel will ensure compliance: "They will tell us just the facts and not an opinion," the consultant said.

Cost and process were discussed. The consultant estimated a typical price for a district of Laguna Beach's size at "between $30,000 to $40,000." Trustees also asked how employee advocacy would be managed if a bond is placed on the ballot; the consultant and legal counsel said the district must limit official communications during the formal period and that employees may advocate only outside official hours.

The board approved the contract after discussion and public comment from residents who urged clear articulation of needs and a facilities master plan. The motion was moved and seconded on the floor and, after a voting sequence that included a provisional student vote, the board approved the agreement.

Next steps include the consultant working with district staff, the fiscal adviser and bond counsel to draft resolution language and a public vetting and community engagement process; any final ballot language will return to the board for formal approval.