Several candidates have declared interest in a run for a Santa Clarita Valley elementary school district governing board.

The seats of Rose Koscielny, David Powell and Chris Trunkey will all be up for re-election on the Saugus Union School District, on a ballot with districts for the first time.

Chris Trunkey

Koscielny, former board president, is not seeking re-election for her seat. Two candidates, Bruce Fox and Julie Olsen, have announced their intentions to run for her spot in the 3rd District.

Koscielny is stepping down after more than two decades of service to SUSD, having served since 1995. She has been a volunteer around the district’s schools since her children started attending about 10 years before that.

She plans to spend more time with family, and perhaps take college courses.

Fox, a retired Glendale Police Lieutenant and former Castaic Union School District board member, has lived in the area for nearly 30 years, and has a daughter currently in elementary school.

Julie Olsen

“I feel the time is right for me to step up and help lead our district,” Fox said. “I understand the system and have the ability to bring people together.”

Olsen is also an SUSD parents, as well as a learning and development leader for an accounting firm. She’s also a member of several SUSD oversight committees, as well as being PTA vice president.

“There are many great things happening in our Saugus schools, including California Gold Ribbon recognition for most school sites, thanks to the tremendous talent and dedication of our educators, staff and parent volunteers,” Olsen said. “However, I also see opportunity for improvement and I’m eager to bring my expertise and knowledge of the district to help us achieve the world-class 21st century education that all Saugus students and taxpayers deserve.”

Bruce Fox

Trunkey is a film executive who was narrowly defeated by former board member Doug Bryce in the November 2013 school board election, and then appointed to Bryce’s seat on the board in November 2014.

Trunkey is the board’s second appointment. David Powell was chosen by the board to replace Stephen Winkler in July 2014.

The filing deadline for the November election is Aug. 12.

The Saugus Union School District is responsible for the oversight of approximately 11,000 elementary school students who live primarily on the west side of the Santa Clarita Valley. The following schools are in the

SUSD:

• Bridgeport School
• Cedarcreek School
• Charles Helmers School
• Emblem Academy
• James Foster School
• Highlands School
• Mountainview School
• North Park School
• Plum Canyon School
• Rio Vista School
• Rosedell School
• Santa Clarita School
• Skyblue Mesa School
• Tesoro del Valle School
• West Creek Academy
• Independent Home Study (IHS)