LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. — Laguna Beach Unified School District has named Director of Facilities and Sustainability Ryan Zajda the recipient of the 2026 Spirit of Laguna Award.

Laguna Beach Unified School District has selected longtime LBUSD educator and arts leader Alexis Karol to serve as the district’s coordinator of visual and performing arts, a new role focused on strengthening arts education, expanding student access, and deepening partnerships with Laguna Beach’s arts community.

El Morro Elementary School teacher Kathleen Margaretich has been named a 2026 Outstanding K–12 STEM Educator by the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE). Margaretich is among 11 Orange County educators and community leaders selected for the 2026 Outstanding STEM Educator Awards, which recognize individuals expanding opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.

The Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) has appointed Christian Esperanza as its District Athletics Administrator. Esperanza began serving in the role in July 2026 and will succeed Denise Selbe, Ed.D., upon her retirement in August 2026.

The Orange County Department of Education has engaged the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) to conduct an independent review of the Laguna Beach Unified School District's financial records through a process established in California law.