The Laguna Beach Unified School District currently owns and maintains four schools, district offices, and a warehouse facility encompassing approximately 312,400 square feet of building space. Established in 2015, the district's Ten Year Facilities Master Plan (FMP) undergoes annual updates to guide long-term planning for the maintenance, renovation, and modernization of school and district facilities. This long-range planning document addresses the ongoing need to repair, replace, and upgrade existing facilities, including capital improvements to tackle aging infrastructure.
The District converted the natural grass field to a multi-sport synthetic turf field. Included in the project scope was the removal of two leased portable classroom buildings and extensive repairs to the rear slope of the school The improved synthetic turf field space increases safety, playability, and significantly lowers the site's landscape irrigation water consumption. The field construction took approximately 7 months to complete and the facility was opened for use on February 4, 2022.
(*Click the photo on the left to link to a larger gallery of photos)
Existing building space was modernized to create two new 21st century learning environments that are used for mathematics instruction. Construction of the classrooms was completed during the 2020-21 school year and utilized starting in August of 2021.
The Laguna Beach High School athletic stadium building designed by Ruhnau Clarke Architects is located between the track and baseball field near St. Ann's Drive. The building includes space for athletic team storage, restrooms, coach's office, locker room, and concessions to meet the various athletic, school, and community needs. Construction was completed and the building opened for use in January 2019.
LBHS Artists Theater Upgrades
The Artists Theater located at Laguna Beach High School was upgraded to provide code compliant accessibility to and within the Theater. Included within the upgrades was wheelchair access improvements, stair and ramp handrails, electrical lighting, and fire alarm upgrades. Construction was completed in December 2018.
LBUSD Energy Efficiency / Prop 39
The lighting at all District facilities was audited and converted from various lighting technologies to LED. Mechanical systems requiring replacement were upgraded with high-efficiency air conditioners, furnaces, and equipment. The project included the provision of air conditioning at the LBHS Dugger Gym and also a complete HVAC replacement at the LBHS Artists Theater. Construction was completed in December 2018.
TOW Classroom Replacement
At Top of the World Elementary School, three (3) portable classroom buildings were removed and replaced with permanent modular classroom buildings. The three (3) new energy efficient and sustainable buildings include high ceilings, natural light, and designs that actively engage young students. The project was completed December 2017.
LBHS Stadium Track & Turf Replacement with Drainage Improvements
The Laguna Beach High School stadium track rubber and synthetic turf was replaced with new durable high-performing systems. The polyethylene and nylon blended turf fibers provide a soft, but durable playing surface complete with shock absorbent padding. The project was completed August 2016.
LBUSD hosted four community open houses throughout April and May to gather community feedback that informs updates to the district’s Ten-Year Facilities Master Plan. The facilities master plan will be discussed on the following dates at publicly notified meetings:
December 12, 2023 | Regular Board Meeting, Thurston Middle School