By Nick Wyman
Those of us fortunate enough to raise children in our idyllic beach town are especially grateful, knowing how rare the opportunity is. Laguna Beach holds a special charm that preserves a childhood sense of carefree wonder—something we all wish we could give our kids forever. Beyond the natural beauty and coastal lifestyle, what truly sets Laguna Beach apart is the strong sense of community and shared values that make it feel like home. One of the reasons we’ve chosen to raise our families here is the strength of the schools and the close-knit community that surrounds us when we’re part of them.
Our schools are more than just places we send our kids to learn—they are the heart of where families with young children build community, and one of the primary reasons it is such a wonderful place to raise children.
While property owners in Laguna Beach are undoubtedly pleased with the significant capital growth we’ve experienced, this prosperity comes with a double-edged sword. The rising property values that have benefited homeowners have also made housing less affordable, limiting the ability of young families to settle in our community. This has become a factor in our district’s declining school enrollments—a trend that is vital for us to consider as we plan for the future of our schools.
As parents who have been involved in our schools over the past several years, we’ve been privileged to witness the progress our school district has made. Through participation and support of various groups like PTA and SchoolPower, my family has actively contributed to the efforts and conversations. We’ve seen firsthand how important it is to have leadership that models the values we want to instill in our children—respect, collaboration, and integrity.
When selecting someone to represent our voices as parents and make significant decisions for our schools, it’s crucial to raise our voices. As you cast your vote in the upcoming election, it’s important to consider all the information thoughtfully. Make sure to base your decisions on verified facts, and avoid getting caught up in information that may be confusing or misleading. Understanding the true issues facing our district is key to making an informed choice.
Data consistently shows that families with children in Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) are experiencing positive learning environments, with high levels of student connectedness, safety, and engaging teaching methods.
As the school board election approaches, voters are presented with two distinct platforms. Candidates like Sheri Morgan and Howard Hills are advocating for significant reform and change within the district, though the specifics of those reforms are still emerging. On the other hand, candidates like Jan Vickers and Lauren Boeck emphasize continuity and incremental improvements, favoring a more steady approach within the current system.
In my opinion, voters need to carefully consider whether broad reforms are necessary or if a more gradual, steady approach is the best path forward. While reform can be appealing, it sometimes brings risks that could lead to instability—particularly in schools, where consistent leadership is critical to maintaining a stable learning environment. I have seen other districts across California face challenges after significant reform, leading to management changes, including leadership turnover or reputational issues that follow such change.
Ultimately, voters must decide whether they are comfortable with the risks that come with reform or if they feel the district’s current direction—focusing on improving outcomes for students and teachers—is preferable. It’s important to understand what these potential changes would involve before casting your vote.
I encourage everyone who can vote in this election to make their voice heard. This decision will directly impact our children and the quality of their education for years to come. If you care about their future, November is the time to show up and vote.
I wish all candidates the best of luck in the upcoming election, and I ask every one of them to keep one thing in mind: It’s all about the kids.
Nick is an international expert in education and workforce development, with over 25 years of experience working with governments and organizations in the U.S. and abroad. He has written extensively on education and training for outlets such as Forbes and CNBC, focusing on the intersection of education and employment. His companies have directly employed more than 20,000 apprentices, helping young people transition from school into meaningful careers. Though Nick is a U.S. resident, he is not a citizen and is therefore ineligible to vote in the upcoming election.
