SCHOOL BOARD WRAP-UP

The following is from the May 22 meeting of the Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education.

Board reduces science requirement to 2 years

Board member Theresa O’Hare pulled a consent item on graduation requirements for discussion before the item’s unanimous approval.

The revision to board policy will reduce the number of years of high school science required for graduation from three years to two.

The third year of science is required for admission to most four-year colleges and universities.

The change is geared toward students who are on a vocational or community college track and would prefer to take a different class.

O’Hare was concerned that four-year-college-geared students and their parents would not know that the graduation requirement differs from the college admission requirement and asked for measures to be put in place to educate them about the option.

Board president Betsy Jenkins also voiced concern over whether the graduation requirement change would adversely affect the school’s “profile,” which colleges look at when accepting students.

High school Principal Don Austin said that the effect would be minimal, especially in comparison with rural schools that don’t offer Advanced Placement classes.

Five district employees honored for innovations

Five district employees were recognized for implementing cutting-edge strategies and technology tools in their work.

The board honored technology director Victor Guthrie; Laguna Beach High School teacher and activities director Pam MacKay; Thurston Middle School teacher Andy Crisp; El Morro Elementary School teacher Mary Blanton; and Top of the World Elementary School teacher Carol Mignosa.

Architects recognized for renovation

The board recognized LPA Architects for winning a design award for their renovation of the Laguna Beach High School campus.

The Leroy F. Green Design Award was given by the Coalition for Adequate School Housing and the American Institute of Architects, California Council.

Computers being upgraded on campuses

Victor Guthrie and Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Norma Shelton presented a report on technology repair and replacement plans for the district.

The technology department is in the process of upgrading or replacing all computers on school campuses, beginning with the elementary schools and moving to the middle and high school this summer. It is also conducting an extensive inventory of the district’s assets in order to choose purchasing priorities for the future.

Guthrie noted that nearly 50% of the computers currently being purchased are portable.

He also said that he is investigating leasing computers, which could dramatically cut down the cost of keeping the computers current.

The department worked on the district’s infrastructure last year.