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 nearly five-hour board meeting left FUEL deeply concerned for students, staff, and the future of LBUSD. Staff surveys showed 87 to 97 percent of teachers and support staff do not feel supported by this board and have voted no confidence in its leadership. The board's response was a single dismissive comment. Two positive steps did emerge: Acting Superintendent Jeff Dixon's contract was approved, and next year's curriculum review timeline will start earlier.

FUEL Laguna Beach has outlined what the community is looking for in the next LBUSD superintendent. We are seeking a dynamic, experienced California-based leader committed to long-term service, community engagement, and putting the whole student first. We believe the right leader will embrace this district's extraordinary foundation and build on it.

FUEL Board Member Jeff Roedersheimer published a letter to the editor with a simple message for the Laguna Beach community: listen to the people who have shown up for our kids year after year. Not the ones who only got loud when a community facility renovation got close.

FUEL Board Member Newth Morris pushes back on claims that LBUSD has declined under Superintendent Jason Viloria, calling the U.S. News rankings argument misleading. The drop from 38th to 211th reflects changes in how rankings are calculated — not a failure of local leadership.

FUEL Board Member Newth Morris pushed back on the argument that declining enrollment is a reason to stop investing in Laguna Beach schools. Pulling back now would become a self-fulfilling prophecy — families will stop moving to Laguna Beach for our schools, and the community that makes this town extraordinary will quietly disappear.

FUEL President Shaheen Sheik-Sadhal published a letter to the editor following the recent election, calling on a broad coalition of Laguna Beach community members to stay vigilant and focused on the future. Our schools deserve better. Our children deserve better. And we are here to ensure they get it.

FUEL President Shaheen Sheik-Sadhal and the FUEL Board published a letter to the editor outlining what the Laguna Beach community is looking for in the next LBUSD superintendent. FUEL sees itself not as an adversary but as a partner in this work, ready to support the next superintendent in building on the district's strengths and ensuring our schools continue to thrive.

FUEL President Shaheen Sheik-Sadhal published a letter to the editor calling on Board Member Hills to step back from policy distractions and support the dedicated professionals serving Laguna Beach students. Laguna Beach students deserve a school board that fosters progress.

LBUSD is moving forward with the Laguna Beach High School pool reconstruction. Following an Initial Study, the district determined that all potential environmental impacts can be fully mitigated through a Mitigated Negative Declaration rather than a full Environmental Impact Report. The district is now holding a public hearing to decide whether to formally adopt the MND and advance the project.