School Board Meeting Wrap-Up

The following is from the Dec.14 meeting of the Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education.

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Environmental hero inspires film student

El Morro Elementary student Luc La Montagne was honored for his recent win in the elementary division of the 2010 MY HERO Film Project’s Short Film Festival, where his film, “Zero Trash Hero,” took third place.

Through El Morro’s after-school GATE Program, La Montagne interviewed ZeroTrash founder, Chip McDermott, about his organization and cause, which he turned into a short film entry for the contest.

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Students report on cultural exchange

Laguna Beach High School Principal Don Austin and his four cultural exchange students reported on the second half of the school’s Cultural Exchange with Mississippi’s Winona High School, in which they shared a short video, illustrating the wide variety of cultural and educational opportunities they experienced during their six-day stay.

Each student shared their most profound memories of the week, including the warmth and kindness of the people they met, southern hospitality and new friendships, and thanked the board for supporting the program and making the opportunity possible.

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New board members take oath

Supt. Sherine Smith officially swore in Ketta Brown, Theresa O’Hare and Betsy Jenkins, who were unopposed in the November election. The board members elected O’Hare to serve as president and Jenkins as clerk for 2011. In preparation, board members were appointed to serve as representatives on a variety of committees.

O’Hare read the LBUSD Resolution No. 10-20 honoring Brown, president of the Governing Board 2010. The resolution illustrated the depth and width of Brown’s commitment and dedication. Brown received a standing ovation and gift from the board.

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Financial reports presented

The 2009-10 district audit was presented by Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co. The October 2010 monthly budget, quarterly investment report, and the first interim report were reported by Asst. Supt. of Business Services Norma Shelton.

The board thanked Shelton and Director of Fiscal Services Dean West for their commitment to sound financial practices and careful oversight.