Laguna Beach Unified School District has had an array of impressive and innovative superintendents in its long history, but Dr. Jason E. Glass is currently projected to be one of the most exceptional thus far! However, with all the excitement surrounding Dr. Glass’s arrival, some essential questions are being left unanswered: who is the superintendent, and what do they do for our school?
The superintendent of a school district is the chief administrator responsible for overseeing all district operations, including academic programs, budgets, and staff, to ensure compliance with regulations and support student achievement. Furthermore, the superintendent is the primary link between the school board and district staff, manages financial resources, hires and evaluates senior personnel like principals, and communicates with various stakeholders to promote the district’s vision. The position’s overarching goal is to improve student performance, fostering an innovative, inclusive, and sustainable educational environment.
Dr. Jason E. Glass, the newly appointed superintendent of Laguna Beach Unified School District, brings over 25 years of experience in education. Having served at every level, from classroom teaching to state leadership, Dr. Glass brings with him tried and true methods applicable in every tier of our district. Before joining LBUSD, Dr. Glass worked in Kentucky, where he previously served as the state Commissioner of Education before stepping down due to a moral conflict with discriminatory LGBTQ+ policies. He then moved on to working as a superintendent within Colorado’s Jeffco and Eagle County school districts, most recently acting as the Associate Vice President of Teaching and Learning at Western Michigan University. He and his family are currently settling into Laguna Beach, where his children, Norah and Chase, are attending Thurston Middle School.
Dr. Glass describes himself as deeply invested in the communities he serves and is eager to become an active part of the Laguna Beach community. During a student interview with Dr. Glass, those in the room attested to how he, as Audrey Calef (11) phrased it, “seemed like he genuinely cared” about student concerns and dilemmas. One program Dr. Glass is currently working on is the Stop, Start, Keep initiative, where he asks students of LBUSD what they think should stop and start within the district, along with what they love and think should continue. The common consensus among those gathered for the student interview was that Dr. Glass is experienced, but not in any way arrogant or condescending, and determined to improve every aspect of the Laguna Beach Unified School District.
Looking ahead, Dr. Glass plans to focus on four major commitments: unifying the district and community, elevating and supporting LBUSD’s talented staff, listening to and engaging with students and families, and strengthening the district’s small-school advantage. In the coming months, he will meet with community members to build trust and create a shared roadmap for the future, culminating in a public report this fall. His long-term vision is centered on the LBUSD Learner Profile, aiming to empower students to become creative problem solvers, empathetic citizens, and effective communicators ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Under Dr. Jason Glass’s leadership, Laguna Beach Unified School District stands on the verge of a bright new chapter, one defined by collaboration, innovation, and a renewed sense of unity. His dedication to listening, supporting, and inspiring both staff and students reflects a genuine commitment to the heart of education, helping every learner reach their fullest potential. By building trust, celebrating the district’s strengths, and fostering a shared vision for the future, Dr. Glass is setting the stage for lasting results. With his guidance, LBUSD is not only preserving its proud traditions but also shaping a future where every student can thrive.
