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

November 22, 2024

Laguna Beach Unified School District Superintendent and Board of Education reach separation agreement

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. – On November 21, 2024, the Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) Board of Education voted 5-0 to enter into a separation agreement with Superintendent Jason Viloria, Ed.D., terminating his contract effective December 31, 2024.  

Dr. Viloria, who has overseen the district since 2016, has focused on advancing college and career readiness and establishing social and emotional support systems that equip students with the skills and competencies necessary for success in the real world, leading the district to its current ranking as number one in Orange County and among the highest in California.

"The Board’s decision to enter into this agreement was not based on Dr. Viloria’s performance as his evaluations have consistently demonstrated exemplary results throughout his tenure. We have taken action to release him without cause as we believe it is in the best interests of the district, given anticipated changes in the governing board that may influence the direction and priorities of the district moving forward. This decision was made with deep gratitude for his nearly decade-long dedication to our students, staff, and families. With this action, we aim to minimize disruption to classrooms and students while preserving district resources and staff focus, creating space for the incoming board to select leadership that aligns with its vision for the district's future," said LBUSD Board President Jan Vickers. "His leadership has been instrumental in advancing our district to its current position as the best in Orange County and has set the stage for continued growth and progress. As the district transitions to a new chapter, we are proud of the foundation he has helped create that will ensure LBUSD continues to serve our community with excellence and care."  

In his letter to the school community, Dr. Viloria shared, “I am profoundly grateful to the LBUSD community for the privilege of serving as your superintendent over the past eight and a half years. Together, we have created what can rightfully be called the best public education system in the county—one that ensures our students excel academically and prioritizes their social and emotional well-being as an essential measure of success. Having reached this pinnacle makes my decision to step aside at this time incredibly difficult, though I do so knowing that LBUSD is in an excellent position to embrace a new chapter.”

Under his leadership, LBUSD doubled student participation in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, significantly expanded early-college credit opportunities through dual-enrollment partnerships and Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways, introduced district librarians to promote equitable access to resources, literacy development, and digital citizenship, and pioneered a comprehensive system of school-based mental health support. 

He also advanced enrichment programs with the introduction of middle school sports, the launch of the Summer LEAD (Learn, Enrich, Advance, and Discover) program with over 100 interest-based courses, expanding opportunities for young families with extended-day transitional kindergarten and a new full-day preschool, and strengthening campus safety through the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, and opened the Family Resource Center to provide vital support and resources for students and families. Recognized by the California Department of Education in 2024 and the United States Department of Education in 2018, during his tenure LBUSD has emerged as a leader in sustainability and environmental literacy, with a defined path toward carbon neutrality by 2030.

The Board will likely appoint an interim superintendent in the coming weeks to ensure continuity of leadership as the newly seated Board, taking office on December 16, determines the next steps in the search for a permanent successor.

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