Joan
Malczewski
LBUSD School Board 2026
Meet Joan
Tenured history professor at University of California, Irvine
Three decades of experience in education, leadership, and public service
Faculty and administrative roles at UC Irvine, New York University and Columbia University
PhD in History, MA in History and Education from Columbia University; BA in Economics and Accounting from the University of Michigan
Mentored future educators in partnership with New York City public school teachers
Degree in economics from University of Michigan
Brings a unique combination of classroom experience, teacher mentorship, education policy expertise, and financial background as a former CPA
Parent of five children, one in LBUSD, four attended New York City public schools
Daughter of a State Police Officer and detective
First-generation college graduate who believes strong public schools create opportunity, civic engagement, and community connection
Serving on LBUSD School Board since 2022
Served on key district committees including the Endowment Committee, Joint Fiscal Management, PTA Council, and School Power; supports community youth sports and cultural programs
Believes that good schools are the result of recognizing and supporting the professional expertise of the district's excellent teachers and staff
Focuses on strong academics, responsible fiscal stewardship, and student-centered decision-making
Advocates for education policy that promotes the skills and knowledge that students need for the 21st century, including stronger literacy programs, smart instructional technology policies, collaboration with district staff for K-12 curriculum integration and innovation, and special education
Nationally recognized scholar whose historical research focuses on the relationship between education and democracy, civic engagement, and education policy
Dedicated to preserving and strengthening LBUSD’s reputation for educational excellence for all students and families
Joan is a tenured member of the history department at UC Irvine and brings to LBUSD schools a distinctive blend of academic expertise as a historian of American education, and experience as a teacher-mentor from her previous work at the NYU Steinhardt School of Education.
PROFESSOR
Joan is an active parent volunteer and current LBUSD school board incumbent. As a board member she has served on key district committees focused on education, collaboration, and fiscal planning. Her involvement and collaborative leadership style reflect her strong commitment to supporting students, families, and the Laguna Beach community.
VOLUNTEER
Joan and her husband have raised five children — one currently attending LBUSD schools and four older children who graduated from New York City public schools and are currently pursuing graduate studies. Joan understands firsthand the importance of strong public schools and is committed to ensuring that LBUSD remains exceptional for current and future generations.
PARENT
Joan brings thoughtful, experienced leadership to the LBUSD Board of Education through her work supporting strong academics, responsible financial stewardship, and collaboration with teachers, staff, and families to strengthen outcomes and achieve excellence for all students.
LEADER
For the past nine years, Joan and her husband Richard Arum, professor of sociology at UC Irvine and Dean Emeritus of the UCI School of Education (2016-21), proudly call Laguna Beach home. Their experience in education and public service reflects their life-long commitment to strengthening and preserving public schooling.
LAGUNA RESIDENT
Known as a thoughtful neighbor, engaged parent, and trusted community member, Joan values collaboration, respect, and bringing people together.