SCHOOL BOARD WRAP-UP

The following is from the Nov. 13 meeting of the Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education.

Alcohol ban on school field trips reviewed

The board reviewed a revision to its field trip policy that would forbid staff members from consuming alcohol while on field trips and excursions. Parents and guardians who attend field trips as chaperons would also be strongly encouraged to comply with the revision.

In addition, the board reviewed a draft of a new policy prohibiting alcohol at all district-sponsored student activities, both on and off district property.

The policy will be reworded to account for situations in which alcohol is available in other parts of a facility, such as a hotel banquet room.

It will then be brought back to the board for approval.

Fire department, kids’ club honored

The district honored the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach and the Laguna Beach Fire Department with their Spotlight on Excellence Awards.

The Boys & Girls Club was lauded for opening its Main Branch as soon as word went out that district schools would be closed during the wildfires. Assistant Superintendent Nancy Hubbell commented that they opened before she even had the opportunity to develop a plan for the closures.

The district honored the fire department for its commitment since last summer to developing a comprehensive fire safety plan.

IB option discussed for high school

The board heard a report on the possibility of introducing an International Baccalaureate program at Laguna Beach High School.

If approved, the program would not be implemented until the 2009-10 school year.

It offers an alternative to the Advanced Placement program, focusing on breadth and writing rather than depth and memorization.

International Baccalaureate is considered to be a worldwide standard of excellence.

The board expects to reach a decision on implementation by the middle of the spring semester.

El Morro classrooms greenlighted

The board authorized district staff to request proposals from architectural, geotechnical and surveying firms and the Department of the State Architect inspectors for the construction of two new classrooms at El Morro Elementary School.

“” Candice Baker