At the February 12 Board of Education meeting, the board majority is scheduled to take a second reading and final vote on Bylaw 9322.

The superintendent did not recommend this change. During the January 22 meeting, he provided a detailed memo explaining that the existing policy aligns with best practices in high-performing districts and with California School Boards Association model language. He warned that the proposed revision would weaken shared governance and introduce operational and transparency risks.

Strong words. Necessary words.

In this clip, Board Minority Member Dr. Malczewski outlines serious concerns about governance, transparency, and the erosion of democratic norms on our school board. Her message is not about politics or personalities. It is about protecting students, educators, and the integrity of our public institutions.

When power is consolidated quietly, professional expertise is sidelined, and misinformation is amplified, the real cost is borne by our schools and our community. Public education depends on trust, openness, and accountability, not secrecy or intimidation.

These are issues worth paying attention to. Our schools, our educators, and our students deserve better.

One year ago, a small group of parents came together out of concern after a shift in leadership and control of our LBUSD school board. What began as a response to that moment has grown into something enduring.

In just twelve months, FUEL has become a trusted, parent-led organization of over 500 supporters made up of parents, concerned community members, grandparents, former school board members and LBUSD teacher and staff. 

A detailed recap of the January 22 LBUSD Board Meeting, including governance concerns, proposed changes to Board Bylaw 9322, treatment of professional staff, public comment, and key moments that highlight why transparency and shared leadership matter for our schools.

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 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.

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.

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

This week’s FUEL newsletter highlights key discussions from the October 9 Board Meeting, including updates on district health benefit funding, board conduct, communication practices, and Dr. Glass’s 100-Day Report. We share community reactions, public comments, and our call for professionalism, transparency, and unity in serving Laguna Beach students and families.

We are sharing important clips linked in our newsletter here.

During the October 9 Board Meeting, more than two dozen teachers, staff, and community members submitted written comments addressing recent events and communication from Trustee Howard Hills. The comments reflect a deep sense of concern, frustration, and sadness about the tone of board discourse and its impact on the school community…

During the October 9 Board Meeting, more than two dozen teachers, staff, and community members submitted written comments addressing recent events and communication from Trustee Howard Hills. The comments reflect a deep sense of concern, frustration, and sadness about the tone of board discourse and its impact on the school community.

Many employees described a work environment that feels divided and unsafe, expressing fear of retaliation and disappointment in the lack of professionalism from certain trustees. Others emphasized their continued commitment to students and colleagues but urged the Board to restore stability, mutual respect, and trust.

A consistent theme throughout the 27 pages of comments is the desire for leadership that models respect, collaboration, and accountability. Staff and community members called on the Board to reaffirm its shared norms and to create a culture where educators and families feel valued, supported, and safe.

We encourage parents and community members to attend the September meeting, submit public comment, or email the Board. This is a key opportunity to affirm that policies must serve students first and uphold transparency.

See our detailed thoughts in the documents below.

At the August 14 Board Meeting, the Board reviewed proposed changes to Board Policy 9310, which outlines how our district adopts and enforces its policies. The current version follows the California School Boards Association (CSBA) recommendation, which centers on student learning, equity, and collaborative governance.

Two versions of the policy were presented. One removed key student-focused language and expanded the Board majority's ability to change or suspend policies without clear limits. Superintendent Dr. Glass offered a revised version aimed at softening that language, but concerns remain. The current draft still shifts the focus away from students and blurs the line between board oversight and district administration.

FUEL is open to meaningful revisions, but we believe moving away from CSBA’s proven framework risks unintended consequences. Our core message is clear: students must remain the top priority.

This summer has been a season of reflection, reconnection, and renewed momentum for FUEL. While we took a pause in some of our communications, we aimed to give our new superintendent the space to settle in, as well as regroup as a board to reflect on what we have accomplished and where we plan to go. As we prepare for a busy Fall, we want to share highlights from a few important events, along with a preview of what lies ahead.

Initial Meeting with Dr. Jason Glass

On July 16, FUEL board members gathered in person with Dr. Jason Glass, LBUSD’s new superintendent. This was a warm and encouraging first conversation, and we are feeling hopeful about the working partnership ahead with Dr. Glass and district leadership.

A New Chapter for Laguna Beach Schools -

We are thrilled to share that the Laguna Beach Unified School District Board has unanimously selected Dr. Jason E. Glass of Kentucky as our next Superintendent. This marks a pivotal turning point for our schools, bringing fresh energy, optimism, and the opportunity to align around a shared vision for the future of public education in Laguna Beach.

On April 21st, 2025, FUEL hosted a District Finance Webinar to help community members better understand how funds are allocated and spent within Laguna Beach Unified School District. The event featured a clear breakdown of the district’s budget, revenue sources, and spending priorities, as well as an open Q&A session with attendees. With a focus on transparency and community engagement, the webinar offered valuable insights for parents, educators, and stakeholders invested in the future of our schools.

A board meeting that dragged on for nearly five hours left us deeply concerned for our students, staff, and the future of LBUSD.

FUEL Updates - Where we are at in the search for Laguna Beach Unified School Districts next superintendent.

A published Letter to the Editor by Jeff Roedersheimer, Laguna Beach resident, father, public school supporter and FUEL board member “You want to know who to listen to? Ask the people who’ve shown up—year after year—for Laguna’s kids. Not the ones who just got loud when a community facility renovation got close.”