Superintendent

Dr. Don Austin serves as superintendent of schools for the Laguna Beach Unified School District. With more than 30 years of experience in public education, he has served as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent in California public schools.

Dr. Austin has longstanding ties to Laguna Beach Unified. He served as principal of Laguna Beach High School from 2006 to 2011, during which time the school earned recognition as a California Distinguished School and National Blue Ribbon School. His connection to the district is also personal; his three children attended Laguna Beach schools. He returns to LBUSD with a deep appreciation for the community and the opportunities it provides students.

Following his service in Laguna Beach, Dr. Austin served as assistant superintendent of educational services for the Huntington Beach Union High School District. In 2014, he was appointed superintendent of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District and later served as superintendent of the Palo Alto Unified School District from 2018 to 2026.

Dr. Austin earned a Doctor of Education and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Baker University. He is committed to supporting student success, fostering strong relationships, and working in partnership with staff, families, and the community.