LTE - There’s a new special Interest Group in Town

Some in our community dismiss us as a handful of disgruntled parents, a so-called “special interest group” with an ax to grind against the new school board majority. Fine. Consider us a special interest group—one singularly focused on the best interests of our children.

We are a powerful force of 300 and growing—parents, caregivers, grandparents, doctors, lawyers, business owners, homemakers and neighbors who refuse to stand idly by while school board dysfunction undermines our children’s futures. We are organizing with a strength and unity our community has never witnessed—mobilized, informed, and relentless in our demand for competent leadership, a school board that puts students above politics, and a staff empowered to deliver nothing less than exceptional education. We are FUEL—Families United for Education in Laguna, a 501(c)(4) non-profit advocacy group—and we are just getting started. The change we seek is inevitable.

While we were disappointed to lose a strong leader for the district, we embrace change and know that brighter days lie ahead. This transition presents an opportunity to push our district even further with new, innovative leadership —one that will build on past successes and drive us toward an even stronger future. We recognize that staying the best unified school district in the county—and among the best in the state—requires commitment, vision and investment. That means prioritizing not just academic excellence and continuing to invest in social-emotional wellness. It also means investing in facilities that support world-class education and the student-athletes and artists who represent our schools with pride.

For the past two months, we have done what the board majority should have: researching, engaging stakeholders, and identifying best practices to strengthen our schools. We are armed with facts, and we are prepared to hold leadership accountable.

Elections have consequences, and this one served as a wake-up call. Now, a broad coalition of passionate, capable and vigilant community members is paying attention and is ready to take necessary action. We refuse to dwell on the past—we are focused on the future for our children and the generations to come.

Our schools deserve better. Our children deserve better. And we are here to ensure they get it.

Shaheen Sheik-Sadhal, President, FUEL Laguna Beach