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includes the state-mandated expansion of the transitional kindergarten program , upgrades to outdated athletics facilities , the creation of outdoor learning environments and ways to support the increased demand for social-emotional support programs . The board is also exploring how to expand recreational and mixed-use facilities for the Laguna Beach community . The proposed projects include the possibility of an Olympic-sized pool ( 50 meters ), a parking structure and a shared administrative building for district and high school staff that maximizes land use and creates mixeduse spaces for school business and student activities .

District officials said the aquatic facility and parking structure would be open to the community , hopefully addressing citywide parking shortages and growing recreational opportunities in Laguna .

“ The idea of a new , Olympic-sized swimming pool in my beloved town of Laguna Beach is amazing . Better yet , the idea of providing the students of LBUSD with

access to a 50-meter facility is game-changing ,” Laguna Beach resident Janet Evans said during the study session . “ With the tradition of excellence in aquatics here in Laguna Beach , continuing this legacy for future generations is imperative for our town . This is a great opportunity to nurture youth sports in our city .”

The proposed projects for the Laguna Beach High School administrative offices would integrate student social-emotional , college and career readiness services into one physical space to make them more easily accessible to students and their families , according to the district .

“ It is extremely rare that a community project checks so many boxes for so many groups . As I see it , the proposed aquatic , parking and tennis facilities projects benefit the city , our schools and neighbors ,” said Laguna Beach resident Steve Samuelian . “ Shared recreational facilities promote a culture of health and wellness , foster human development , and strengthen communities through shared experiences . These projects meet our current needs and are an important step toward long-term community development .”

But not everyone is as gung-ho about the

district ’ s tentative plans . Some residents who lived close to the high school voiced their concerns about the proposal and asked the board for better transparency and consideration of how it would affect quality of life as LBUSD continues to move forward .

Steve McIntosh , who has lived across from the high school on Short Street and Legion for more than 20 years , said this is the first time he ’ s seen the school district , which is exempt from taking its plans through the city ’ s design review board , take on a project this large in scope .

“ When you talk about this project with the neighbors , they ’ re like , ‘ you know what ? That ’ s not right ,’” McIntosh said . “ We ’ re good neighbors here . We would always watch out for the school and the kids to keep them safe . It ’ s interesting how people rally around the school that live here . It ’ s sad . It is basically just a slap in our face . It ’ s like the district is saying , ‘ by the way , we ’ re going to do this , we can do this , and you can ’ t stop us .’”

After listening to public input , the school board directed staff to conduct site-based and community engagement meetings to gather additional feedback and contact the city parking committee to determine city

joint-use interest in proposed facilities , including the two school board members participating in the ad hoc facilities committee . They will also explore financing options and give background information to the board , reduce the square footage suggested for administrative offices , and explore opportunities for mixed-use shared spaces . Staff will also continue to review all projects to fine-tune the school sites ’ exact needs and adjust accordingly , as well as give more detailed information on how athletic facility lighting could affect the surrounding neighbors .

“ Tonight ’ s study session marks the first time that our board as a collective has had an opportunity to review and discuss the proposed updates to the master plan , and I want to reiterate that this is the beginning of a process that would be carried out over a number of years , with significant community input , should the board majority decide to explore any of the proposed projects further ,” LBUSD Board of Education President Jan Vickers said .

District officials will give updates at the next board meeting in May . Further details on the project can be found at bit . ly / LBUSDFacilitiesProposal .

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Laguna Beach Chamber ambassadors and board members stand with No Square supporters and board members at the pre-show gala on March 26 . Middle , Charlie Francisus and Herb Rogove travelled from Ojai to attend the event . Far right , Laguna locals Heather Chalmers and Ivan Calderon show their support . Clara Beard / LB Indy