Mobilizing to Oppose AB 84: Tactics and Lessons

In 2025, Assembly Bill 84 emerged as one of the most consequential and damaging proposals for California’s charter public schools. In response, a diverse group of school leaders, educators, and families mobilized to oppose the bill—and to protect school choice, innovation, and student-centered learning. In this candid, practical session, leaders from American Heritage Charter Schools, Sage Oak Charter Schools, and Pacific Coast Academy will share how they made advocacy a top priority during this critical legislative moment.

Executive Director Shawn Roner, Superintendent Krista Woodgrift, and Executive Director Krystin Demofonte will walk participants through their real-world experiences: how they engaged governing boards, educated parents and community partners, activated their networks, and connected directly with legislators. They’ll reflect on lessons learned, tradeoffs made, and what they would do differently in the future.

Whether new to advocacy or already deeply engaged, this session will offer actionable insights for making all charter voices heard—while making a difference—when the future of a school community is on the line.

Presented by

Krista Woodgrift

Superintendent
Sage Oak Charter School

Krista Woodgrift is the Superintendent and CEO of Sage Oak Charter Schools, a personalized learning charter school network. With a background in leadership, policy, and instructional innovation, Krista is passionate about creating systems that empower students, support educators, and align with the school’s core values of excellence, accountability, growth mindset, and service to the community. She is committed to fostering a collaborative culture where every student can thrive and every team member is supported in their growth.

Krystin Demofonte

Executive Director
Pacific Coast Academy

Krystin Demofonte brings extensive educational leadership experience to her role as Executive Director of Pacific Coast Academy. With a diverse background spanning both public and private education sectors, she has dedicated over 13 years to advancing innovative educational opportunities through charter school leadership. Throughout her career, Krystin has demonstrated a deep commitment to student-centered education, having taught in various classroom settings before transitioning into educational administration.

Laura Kerr

Legislative and Outreach Specialist
Charter Schools Development Center

Laura Kerr has served as a facilitator, consultant, and advocate for California charter schools since 2007. She's secured policy wins working with charter school leaders at the state and local level. Laura has also helped to get charter-friendly trustees elected to school boards, and secured equitable access to local bond dollars for charter school students. She was recently appointed to serve on the California Montessori Project Board of Directors.

Shawn Roner

Executive Director
American Heritage Charter Schools

Shawn Roner is the executive director of the American Heritage Charter Schools in San Diego. He has spent the last thirty years of his career serving in the charter movement as both a teacher and school administrator.