FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACT: ANAKAREN URENO
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT
949-497-7700 EXT. 5232

February 26, 2026

Laguna Beach USD’s Elisabeth Kannenberg named OC Central Office Administrator of the Year 

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. – The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 17, representing all school districts in Orange County, has recognized Laguna Beach Unified School District Director of Accountability and Assessment Elisabeth Kannenberg, Ed.D., as the 2026 Central Office Administrator of the Year. 

ACSA is the largest umbrella organization for school leaders in the nation. Region 17 focuses on serving educational leaders in the pursuit of equity and excellence to meet the diverse needs of all students in Orange County. One of ACSA’s priorities is to ensure that school leaders are recognized for their excellence and dedication to public education. Candidates for the award are nominated by their peers and are selected for their outstanding performance and achievement in their respective categories.

Dr. Kannenberg’s career in education spans nearly 25 years and includes service as a special education teacher, assistant principal, principal, and district leader. Throughout her work in multiple districts and higher education, she has focused on strengthening instructional systems, expanding inclusive practices, and supporting educator development.

“The work of assessment and accountability is foundational to everything we do as a district,” said LBUSD Superintendent Jason Glass, Ed.D. “Dr. Kannenberg ensures that we are not simply collecting data, but using it thoughtfully to understand each student’s experience, identify where support is needed, and respond with intention. She strengthens the systems that support teaching and learning across our schools, and this recognition reflects the meaningful impact of her leadership.”

Since joining LBUSD in 2021, Dr. Kannenberg has led districtwide efforts in assessment, intervention, literacy, expanded learning, and student services. She works alongside school leaders and teachers to ensure student progress data is used intentionally, strengthening instruction, targeting interventions, and broadening learning opportunities to support continued growth for every learner.

“Throughout these years, we have witnessed firsthand Elisabeth’s genuine care and commitment to education, both in theory and in practice,” wrote Randi Beckley, French and ELA Intervention teacher, and Michelle Martinez, Social Studies teacher, both at Thurston Middle School, in a joint letter of recommendation submitted with the nomination. “She is a results-driven administrator with a steadfast dedication to creating an equitable education system.”

In her role, Dr. Kannenberg has helped bring coherence to the district’s academic systems by aligning assessment practices with instruction and student support structures. She co-designed the K–8 Summer Academy to provide targeted academic support, collaborates on high school summer and credit recovery programs, and has strengthened processes that integrate academic, attendance, and social-emotional information to better understand and respond to student needs.

ACSA Region 17 will recognize all award recipients at the Administrator of the Year Celebration of Excellence Dinner at the Irvine Marriott on May 11, 2026.

# # #