Who Is FUEL? Meet the Families and community Behind the Movement

If you are new here, welcome. This post is for you.

FUEL, Families Unified for Education in Laguna, was born out of a simple but urgent question. In early 2025, a shift in LBUSD school board leadership raised real concerns for families across Laguna Beach. A small group of parents looked around and asked: who is holding our board accountable? When the answer was unclear, we decided to be the answer.

Why We Formed

It started with a packed room at Thurston Middle School Library and a group of parents who were not willing to look away. What we witnessed at the December 2024 board meeting raised serious concerns about governance, tone, and accountability. We did not form out of anger. We formed out of love for this community and a belief that our schools deserve better.

Who We Are

FUEL is a coalition of over 500 families, educators, grandparents, and community members united around one thing: Laguna Beach schools. We are parents who have been in these classrooms, on these PTAs, and at these board meetings for years. We know this community because we are this community.

FUEL is led by a board of nine: Shaheen Sheik-Sadhal, Emily Rolfing, Danielle Roedersheimer, Jeff Roedersheimer, Iva Pawling, Newth Morris, Claudia Morris, Julie Gersten, and Matthew Gummow. Full bios are at fuellaguna.org/our-team.

What We Do

We show up. We share. We listen.

We attend every board meeting. We publish clear, fact-based recaps. We track board actions, explain decisions in plain language, and make it easier for families to stay informed and engaged. We also maintain a growing library of resources on topics like the Pool and Facilities Master Plan, the superintendent search process, the role of the school board, curriculum and grade weighting, and how LBUSD is funded.

In one year, FUEL grew to 500+ supporters and became one of the most trusted community voices for families in Laguna Beach. That did not happen by accident. It happened because people showed up, shared our work, and stayed engaged.

Join Us

This community is your community. You do not have to do anything dramatic to be part of this. Follow along. Share our updates. Come to a board meeting. Host a coffee with a neighbor. Ask questions. And if you are ready to do more, we would love to have you.

The next LBUSD Regular Board Meeting is Thursday, March 26 at 6:00 p.m. at Thurston Middle School Library, 2100 Park Avenue. Come see what we are all about.

Reach out at Board@FUELLaguna.org or visit FUELLaguna.org to learn more and join our community.

FUEL | Families Unified for Education in Laguna | 501(c)(4) community advocacy | FUELLaguna.org