Saugus Union School District Board President Christopher Trunkey announced that he will run for re-election in the November 2018 election.

Trunkey represents the district’s Trustee Area 5.

“I joined the Governing Board in 2014 out of a passion to see our district excel, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished for our students,” said Trunkey. “True to our commitment to excellence in education, 14 of our schools achieved Gold Ribbon status from the California Department of Education. We’ve successfully completed many facilities improvements, and standardized and enhanced instructional technology throughout the District. But there’s still more work to be done.”

In November 2017, Trunkey completed the California School Board Association’s Master’s in Governance Program.

“this achievement is emblematic of Chris’s values as a member of our Governing Board,” said David Powell, the board president at the time. “Chris is committed to increasing academic achievement and opportunities for all students throughout the district. This certification and the commitment to continuous learning it represents will help Chris and our entire board to govern more effectively.”

In a statement announcing his candidacy, Trunkey said he would fight for more funding in the district.

‘My highest priority is to continue to fight and lobby for more funding for our district,” he said.  “SUSD is the second lowest funded district in Los Angeles County on a per-pupil basis. We need additional funding to provide our teachers with better wages and for us to continue to provide high-quality special education services along with our commitment for academic and personal success for every child.”

Trunkey has been endorsed in his re-election bid by fellow board members Judy Umeck, David Powell and Julie Olsen.

“Chris leads with integrity and a focus on what’s best for all students,” Olsen said. “He led us through the critical process of selecting our next superintendent – a process that has been collaborative, inclusive, and thorough. It’s a privilege to serve with him and to support him for re-election.”

Trunkey said the endorsements show a commitment to finding the best way to serve the district.

“It is an honor to have the support of my colleagues. We work well together as a team because we focus on what’s best for the children in our community,” Trunkey said. “That’s our commitment and that’s what we do.”

Prior to joining the Governing Board, Trunkey’s service in the district included active volunteerism at West Creek Academy and Bouquet Canyon Elementary, including roles on the School Site Council, the PTA Executive Board, and being a longtime PTA volunteer. In 2013, Trunkey was recognized by the California State PTA with an Honorary Service Award.

He currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Phoenix Pictures, a film production company, based in Los Angeles, California. A longtime resident of Saugus, Trunkey and his wife, Kelly, have two children that attended the Saugus District and are now at the University of Hawaii and Saugus High School, respectively.

Ed. Note: This information was provided to KHTS By Chris Trunkey. 

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