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

July 14, 2026

OCDE engages FCMAT to conduct independent review of Laguna Beach Unified

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. – The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) has engaged the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) to conduct an independent review of the Laguna Beach Unified School District's financial records through a process established in California law.

OCDE emphasized that the review is not a finding or indication of fraud, misappropriation of funds, or other illegal fiscal practices. The review is intended to provide an independent, objective assessment and determine whether any findings should be reported under the procedures established by Assembly Bill 139.

OCDE said the review follows requests from members of the Laguna Beach community and reflects the county office's statutory responsibility to consider those requests under California law.

The review will focus on specific financial and administrative matters that have been the subject of public discussion, including employee health benefit contributions, associated contracting decisions, and the use of district resources.

Laguna Beach Unified School District will provide FCMAT with the requested records and information throughout the review and will share additional information, as appropriate, following completion of the process.

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