How We Actually Honor Laguna Beach Taxpayers
FUEL President Shaheen Sheik-Sadhal addresses the board majority's pattern of framing decisions around taxpayer contributions. The way we honor taxpayers is not by repeatedly invoking how much money they contribute. The way we honor them is by delivering what they are actually paying for — an exceptional public education system.
March 26 Board Meeting: What's on the Agenda and What We Are Watching
March 12 Board Meeting Recap: FUEL's Perspective and What You Need to Know
The March 12 board meeting brought student voices, a union president in tears, a financial health update, and serious questions about how district communications are being directed. FUEL breaks it all down and shares what it means for our community.
The Math Behind the Outrage
The numbers do not lie. FUEL breaks down the financial figures at the center of recent community frustration and explains what they actually mean for LBUSD students and families.
SchoolPower and FUEL are not the same
SchoolPower has supported Laguna Beach schools for 45 years. FUEL formed in early 2025 in response to governance concerns. They are entirely separate organizations with different missions. FUEL board member and SchoolPower trustee Iva Pawling sets the record straight.
Who Is FUEL? Meet the Families and community Behind the Movement
FUEL formed in early 2025 when a group of Laguna Beach parents asked a simple question: who is holding our school board accountable? Meet the 500+ families behind the movement and learn how you can be part of it.
February 26 Recap and March 12 Meeting Agenda
The February 26 board meeting raised serious questions about transparency, including an unscheduled closed-session superintendent evaluation with no report out to the community. Here is what happened, what is on the agenda for March 12, and why your presence matters.
Empathetic Citizens Are Built by Staff and Teachers
A powerful reminder that the educators in our schools are shaping more than academics. They are building the next generation of empathetic, engaged community members. This letter deserves to be read widely.
February 12th Recap + THIS Thursday’s 2/26 Meeting: What's at Stake
The February 12 board meeting ran seven hours and ended at 1:00 a.m. Board Bylaw 9322 passed 3-2, despite opposition from the superintendent, both unions, and all written public comment. Before the recap, FUEL flags something urgent about what is on the agenda this Thursday.
Board Overreach on the february 12 agenda
The board majority is scheduled to take a final vote on Bylaw 9322. The superintendent did not recommend this change. Here is what the proposed revision would do, why it matters, and what FUEL believes is at stake for shared governance in our district.
Dr. Malczewski’s January 8 LBUSD Trustee Statement
Strong words. Necessary words. Board Minority Member Dr. Malczewski outlines serious concerns about governance, transparency, and the erosion of democratic norms. Her message is about protecting students, educators, and the integrity of our public institutions.
Think Twice. No, think three times.
Before accepting the narrative being offered, consider the full picture. FUEL takes a closer look at what is being said, what is being left out, and why it matters for our community.
One Year of fuel, built together
One year ago, a small group of parents came together after a shift in leadership on our LBUSD school board. What began as a response to that moment has grown into a trusted, parent-led organization of over 500 supporters. Here is what this first year meant and where we go from here.
If You Want Facts About Our Schools, Start With the Families in Them
In January 2026, FUEL ran its first public advertisement in the Laguna Beach Independent and Stu News Laguna. The ad introduced FUEL to the broader community, explained why parents organized after the December 2024 school board meeting, and outlined what a 501(c)(4) structure allows FUEL to do on behalf of students and families. We are sharing it here as part of our permanent record.
FUEL Newsletter – January 22 LBUSD Board Meeting Recap
A detailed recap of the January 22 board meeting, including governance concerns, proposed changes to Board Bylaw 9322, treatment of professional staff, and key moments that highlight why transparency and shared leadership matter for our schools.
January 8th LBUSD Board Meeting Recap
This past Thursday’s Board meeting reflected both the progress our district can make and the level of engagement our community continues to bring to our schools. The agenda covered curriculum, facilities, innovation, and long-term planning, and it was clear throughout the evening how much work students, families, educators, and community members have invested to move these efforts forward.
December 16 Special Board Meeting Recap
In Brief:
The Board voted 5-0 to approve Option 1 under item 3B. Consideration and Approval of the District’s Corrective Action to Resolve the Health Care Insurance Overpayment, with the district absorbing the health care insurance overpayment.
The board received an updated presentation and discussion on the Facilities Master Plan and long-term funding options tied to a needed future bond measure.
Watch the meeting here.
FUEL Recap: Nov. 13 LBUSD Board Meeting and Upcoming Events
FUEL Meeting Recap - November 13 LBUSD Board Meeting
Thank you to everyone who showed up, watched online, sent comments, or stayed with us throughout the night. It was a long meeting with moments of real substance, a few bright spots, and several areas that deserve continued attention. Both Dr. Glass and Trustee Hills were unable to attend. We wish them and their families well.
Trustee Howard Hills “FUTURE” Ad and district communications
FUEL is committed to open, honest governance. Newly released district emails and Trustee Howard Hills’s recent “FUTURE” advertisement raise serious questions about transparency, professionalism, and the appropriate use of public office.
FUEL Update: What We Learned from the October 9 Board Meeting
Highlights from the October 9, 2025 Board Meeting
Dr. Glass’s 100-Day Report: Building a Legacy for the Next Generation, Insurance: Complex Issues, Steady Solutions, Board Decorum: Our Community Deserves Better, and Communication and Transparency: A Crucial Reset