Letters to the Editor (May 19, 2026): Transparency at SchoolPower; Community Dysregulation
Stu News Laguna · Elizabeth Bates, Meghan Sickner
Authors
- Published:
- 2026-05-19
- Retrieved:
- 2026-05-20
Two letters to the editor: (1) Elizabeth Bates raising concerns about SchoolPower's trustee-nomination process and a 1-per-year licensed-use agreement on district property; (2) Meghan Sickner (Crystal Bridge Foundation; describes herself as a 'nervous system awareness coach') on the impact of community-temperature dynamics at board meetings. Bates references board member Dee Perry being 'overwhelmed by the protesting crowd' at the April 16 board meeting.
Key points
- Bates (Letter 1): SchoolPower's trustee-nomination process favors parents who are 'well-connected and active in the community' and able to meet $250 annual dues, $100 gala contribution, and a suggested $2,000+ donation.
- Bates (Letter 1): SchoolPower operates from district property under a $1-per-year licensed-use agreement; in 1994 SchoolPower itself paid $625 per month for its previous space.
- Bates (Letter 1): References overlap between SchoolPower trustees and FUEL leaders and an April 16 board-meeting protest where '70-year-old board member Dee Perry was overwhelmed by the protesting crowd and required assistance.'
- Sickner (Letter 2): Frames LBUSD board-meeting dynamics through a 'nervous system awareness' lens, arguing chronic adult dysregulation teaches children to associate it with influence.
- Sickner (Letter 2): Distinguishes 'healthy discourse' from 'the normalization of dysregulation as a form of communication.'