One Year of fuel, built together
Dear FUEL Community,
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.
We are grounded in facts, guided by shared values, and focused on supporting all LBUSD students. That growth happened because you showed up, engaged, and believed that thoughtful advocacy can make a difference.
This past year taught us something important: when a community takes the time to learn, listen, and organize with care, real progress is possible.
The Work We Did
Over the past year, the FUEL board worked quietly and consistently to build a durable foundation for the organization. Together we:
Researched education policy, district governance, and nonprofit compliance while meeting weekly throughout the year, including a summer retreat focused on long-term planning
Volunteered thousands of hours and self-funded FUEL’s early stages to build the organization from the ground up
Established FUEL as a formal 501(c)(4) with compliant governance, financial systems, reporting, and Directors and Officers insurance
Built a clear and consistent public presence through a website, communications channels, regular board meeting summaries, and ongoing written and in-person engagement
Published a LEARN page that provides clear, fact-based context to counter misinformation about our schools, student population, and district performance compared to county and state averages
Maintained an active, visible presence through attendance at every regular and special school board meeting, consistent public comments, direct meetings, and participation in community events
Built strong relationships with families, educators, district staff, board members, consultants, city leaders, and community organizations
Earned trust as a credible, fact-based resource that families, educators, and community leaders rely on to stay informed, engaged, and involved
The Work You Did
While we are proud of what we established as an organization this year, the most powerful outcome has been the depth of community engagement in support of our students, teachers, and staff. Through thousands of written comments, public remarks at meetings, emails to the board, letters to the editor, and conversations with neighbors, this community:
Advocated for and secured leadership continuity by supporting an internal interim superintendent, helping stabilize the district for teachers and staff after a sudden superintendent departure and new board turmoil
Helped drive a unanimous 5–0 board vote to appoint a new superintendent, elevating an issue that was not initially a board priority until community voices were heard
Mobilized broad community support for a new pool, a highly contentious issue that only moved forward to contract because of strong, visible engagement
Actively pushed back against proposed bylaw and governance changes that would have reduced transparency
Consistently advocated for teachers and staff when their actions, expertise, and integrity were being questioned
Pressed the board to refocus on student-centered priorities, including facilities planning and long-term district strategy
What’s Next
As we move into the next phase, our focus is on turning community engagement into real change at the ballot box. Three school board seats are up for election this November, creating a clear opportunity to shift the current majority and move beyond the dysfunction that has held our district back. We intend to do everything we can to help make that change possible. This community deserves better than what we have today.
To support that effort, FUEL is establishing an affiliated PAC to back candidates who align with student-centered values and to provide clear, factual information to voters. We have identified aligned candidates, plan to endorse a full slate, and will continue advocating for the resources our schools need to thrive.
One year ago, FUEL was an idea shared among concerned parents. Today, it is a steady, credible voice for families and students.
That is because of you.
Thank you for your trust, your engagement, and your belief in this work.
To those who contributed financially to FUEL, thank you. Your financial support made it possible to cover essential legal and compliance needs, secure insurance and governance structures, build our communications and digital infrastructure, and invest in community outreach, education, and events that brought people together. We will send a full 2025 yearly financial report for all donors in the coming month.
