Laguna Beach Unified Names Student Board Members

The following is a press release and does not reflect editorial work done by Spotlight Schools.

The Laguna Beach Unified School District has appointed Laguna Beach High School sophomores Ivy Dabbs and Logan Marshall, along with alternate senior Kiyan Arshadi, as the 2025–26 student board members. They attended their first meeting as members on Aug. 14, 2025.

This summer, Ivy studied international relations at Oxford University, minoring in public speaking and debate, while Logan attended a program at Duke University focused on Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation in Post-Conflict Societies, with a specific emphasis on the Rwandan Genocide and the Holocaust.

“I believe that the opportunity that I have to serve as a student board member is important because it places me in a unique position in which I can advocate and represent my peers and the school as a whole,” said Ivy. “I want the students, faculty, and community to feel heard and embodied through Logan and me. In all, this opportunity means a lot to me, and I could not be more excited for this year.”

Student board members serve as a link between the district’s governing board and the student body. The role is intended to increase communication, encourage student involvement in district affairs, and provide a student perspective in discussions. Members attend public board meetings, participate in deliberations, cast preferential votes, and may serve on subcommittees.

“I think it is crucial that student board members exist because they give a voice to the students beyond public comment,” said Logan. “I am very excited to learn more about the procedural aspects of the board and deepen my understanding of local governance and positives.”

The selection process followed Board Bylaw 9150, which outlines the application, interview, and appointment procedure. For 2025, eligibility was expanded to include rising sophomores, in addition to current sophomores and juniors, to increase the number of applicants. The process began in late spring, when eligible students submitted an application, two letters of reference, and a personal statement. All applicants were invited to first-round interviews with a panel of students, teachers, and administrators, followed by final interviews with a panel of at least three students, three administrators, and the Board President.

“It was an honor to take part in the final round of interviews and meet such outstanding students who are eager to serve our community,” said LBUSD Board President Dee Perry. “When I was a teacher, I often asked my students for feedback, and even our youngest learners helped me become a better educator. Now, as a board member, I see our student board members shaping our decisions in the same way. They bring the perspectives and experiences of all our students into the boardroom, helping us make decisions that meet the needs of every learner. I’m excited to work with them and value the impact they will make.”

LBUSD serves about 2,500 students in grades TK–12 at four school sites: El Morro Elementary, Top of the World Elementary, Thurston Middle School, and Laguna Beach High School.

To learn more about the Laguna Beach Unified School District, visit www.lbusd.org. Stay connected by following @LagunaBeachUSD on Instagram and subscribing to the district newsletter (www.lbusd.org/itsawrap) for the latest news and updates.

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