WHY I AM RUNNING FOR SCHOOL BOARD

• Return our schools to a standard of excellence in education – “private school education in a public school setting” - leaning into small class sizes and robust budgets

• Policy reform to empower Board leadership and Community voice

• Return of fiscal responsibility, accountability and oversight. Factor data and the human element to help drive  Administrative Board decisions.

• Rebuild community partnerships to strengthen our schools and better utilize community, district and tax payer resources.

We love Laguna Beach—this community, our schools, and the life we've built here for over 32 years. We celebrated our 20th “First day of school” in the district this year and appreciate the privilege of raising our four children in Laguna Beach, experiencing both the challenges and the triumphs of our school system and the path beyond high school.

When our family’s education journey began in 2001, Laguna Beach schools were known for offering a “private school education in a public-school setting.” Our schools thrived under strong leadership. One, had led three of the four schools with a genuine connection to students, parents, and the community. Ideas and collaborations welcome, a positive, approachable, “let's try” attitude. She was ahead of her time. Overlooked by Board leadership during a Superintendent search, she went on to achieve “Woman of the Year” and “Superintendent of the Year” for another District. Unfortunately, our District has fallen behind due to poor governance and a lack of accountability, but I intend to return our District to its former level of excellence.

Change will not be easy due to missteps over the last 10 years, but I am uniquely up to the task. I’m running for school board because I believe in the power of a growth mindset, the importance of strong policy, and the need for a school board that truly serves the community.

An underlying issue was Board members were guided to endorse policy changes creating a “weak board’ A “weak board” relinquishes oversight and accountability to the (hired) administration and is reduced to rubber stamping policy, programs and agreements; items that are funded by 87% of our property taxes. A school boards primary job is to establish District vision and provide oversight to the Administration leadership as it implements that vision. Current leadership has made decisions prioritizing short-term gains over long-term vision, alienating community partners and undermining the quality of education while eliminating opportunities that once served our students well. 

We need a board that is strong on policy, committed to governance, and open to new ideas. We need leaders who listen, understand, and a willingness to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to find solutions that benefit our students and community.

I’m running to restore accountability to the school board, ensure our tax dollars are spent wisely, and foster community partnerships that strengthen our schools. Let’s unite to make the change our students, our tax dollars, and our community deserve.

I would appreciate your vote.

Thank you, Sheri Morgan