FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACT: ANAKAREN UREÑO
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT
949-497-7700 EXT. 5232 | AURENO@LBUSD.ORG

August 21, 2026

Laguna Beach Unified School District selects Alexis Karol as Coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. — Laguna Beach Unified School District has selected longtime LBUSD educator and arts leader Alexis Karol to serve as the district’s coordinator of visual and performing arts, a new role focused on strengthening arts education, expanding student access, and deepening partnerships with Laguna Beach’s arts community.

Karol brings more than 25 years of professional experience in the arts and more than a decade of experience within LBUSD. Her background spans classroom instruction, theatre direction, instructional leadership, program development, and professional arts organizations. She has taught and directed theatre at both Thurston Middle School and Laguna Beach High School and has served in leadership roles, including teacher on special assignment, performing arts lead, and VAPA department chair.

“Alexis brings a rare combination of institutional knowledge, instructional leadership, and professional arts experience to this position,” said LBUSD Superintendent Don Austin, Ed.D. “She understands our students, our educators, and the extraordinary arts community that surrounds our schools. Her leadership will strengthen the connections between our elementary, middle, and high school arts programs so students can continue building their skills and exploring their creativity throughout their time in LBUSD,” he concluded. 

As coordinator, Karol will provide system-level leadership and collaborative support for LBUSD’s PK-12 visual and performing arts programs. The position is responsible for coordinating and evaluating arts education throughout the district, cultivating partnerships with community arts organizations, expanding access to arts opportunities, and leading arts communications and outreach. The role will also support efforts to reduce barriers to student participation, strengthen awareness of arts pathways and career technical education certifications, and use participation and enrollment data to inform continuous improvement.

“There is already extraordinary work happening in the arts across our district, and it will be an honor to support that work while increasing awareness of our programs,” said Karol. “I look forward to connecting people and resources, helping our educators bring their visions to life, and expanding collaboration with Laguna Beach’s vibrant arts community so more students can benefit from meaningful arts experiences,” she concluded.

Beyond her work in education, Karol has extensive professional experience in theatre, production, arts administration, and community engagement. Her local credits include work with Pageant of the Masters, Laguna Playhouse, No Square Theatre, and The Rose Center Theater. Earlier in her career, she worked with the Academy for the Performing Arts in Huntington Beach, where her responsibilities included community outreach, public relations, special events, and arts award programs.

Karol holds a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Fordham University, a master’s degree in education from National University, and a master’s degree in leadership from City University of Seattle. She is pursuing a doctorate in leadership with a focus on instructional leadership through the American College of Education. She holds a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in English with an authorization in theatre, a Career Technical Education Credential in arts, media, and entertainment, and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

In the new position, Karol will also serve as a district liaison to arts organizations and cultural institutions, support district arts events and student showcases, pursue grants and supplemental funding opportunities, and work closely with VAPA teachers across the district and with district instructional leadership on strategic planning. Karol will transition to the coordinator role on Friday, Aug. 28, and will continue supporting instruction in her current classes as LBUSD works to fill her teaching position at Thurston Middle School.

To learn more about the Laguna Beach Unified School District, visit www.lbusd.org. Stay connected by following @LagunaBeachUSD on Instagram and subscribing to the district newsletter (www.lbusd.org/itsawrap) for the latest news and updates.

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