A class of 2020 Laguna Beach High School graduate has been invited as a finalist to compete for $5,000 at a live virtual event called the Dragon Challenge this Thursday, September 24. Nathan Solomon and his program partner have spent the last seven months completing the Dragon Kim Fellowship Program to launch their project called “The Hip Hop Workshop.”

Thurston Middle School and Laguna Beach High School theatre students have garnered two awards and nine nominations in the 15th Annual National Youth Arts Awards for the 2019-2020 season.

At the August 27 special meeting of the Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) Board of Education, the board took action to approve the appointment of Joseph Vidal as Principal of Thurston Middle School (TMS), start date yet to be determined. Mr. Vidal replaces Jennifer Salberg, who resigned in July 2020. He was selected from a candidate pool in a competitive process that included input and participation from the TMS staff and community. 

Mr. Vidal has more than 20 years of experience in school and district administration, currently serving as Senior Director for Cupertino Union School District. He holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and a Master of Science in Special Education from the California State University system.  He also served as an Assistant Principal at Thurston from 2013 to 2015.

“Mr. Vidal distinguished himself as the best candidate for this position, demonstrating his instructional leadership and innovation throughout the interview and screening process,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jason Viloria. “I am excited to welcome him back to the Laguna Beach Unified School District at Thurston Middle School where I am confident he will help the students, teachers, staff, and community thrive,” he concluded. 

Mr. Vidal was one of 10 candidates selected from the pool of applicants to participate in the initial interview process. Six candidates were selected to move forward to the next round and were interviewed separately by two stakeholder panels consisting of parents, teachers, support staff, and administrators. From that group of candidates, three were selected to move on to the final interview panel with the Superintendent and other District administrators. 

“It is with great honor and excitement that I rejoin Thurston Middle School and the Laguna Beach community. As I begin my transition, I am deeply committed to maintaining Thurston's history of excellence and ensuring a rigorous learning environment that fosters a sense of belonging, promotes intellectual growth, and inspires collaboration,” said Mr. Vidal. “I look forward to listening, learning, and partnering with all stakeholders to enhance the educational opportunities for students and staff alike,” he concluded.  

The District will host a meet and greet event for the TMS community to meet Mr. Vidal once his start date is determined. The nature of the event, whether virtual or in-person, will be determined by state guidelines for large gatherings related to COVID-19.  

Laguna Beach Unified School District has named Director of Special Education Irene White the recipient of the 2020 Spirit of Laguna award. 

On June 23, the Laguna Beach Unified School District will hold a virtual orientation for those considering running for a position on the board of education in the Laguna Beach Unified School District. Superintendent Jason Viloria, Ed.D. will provide a general overview of the responsibilities and work of the Board for those considering becoming a candidate.