Three candidates are running to fill seats on the Saugus Union School Board (SUSD), after feeling a lack of leadership over the last few years. 

On Wednesday, Sharlene Duzick-Johnson, Jesus Henao and Anna Griese drove to Norwalk and registered as a slate in hopes to fill the positions open on the SUSD board. 

The SUSD candidates came together to form a Family First ticket, which would get parents back onto the Saugus Union School Board — due to none of the current SUSD Board of Trustee members having elementary school aged children. 

Duzick-Johnson, a mother of a 7 and 10 year old, is running to fill seat number 5. 

“Right now our board lacks a voice from the parental side,” Duzick-Johnson said. “Over the last few years, we have endured a lack of inclusive leadership from the executive team in our district who have demonstrated on multiple occasions the unwillingness to function as a collaborator with parents and listen to their grievances with the true desire to support. As a parent, I saw first

hand the impact that was created from how the pandemic was handled. The struggles my child had from being disconnected and trying to absorb information through only one mode of delivery that did not necessarily support his learning style and other friends with children that had special needs. My attention is drawn to mentoring the future of my children, and those whom I can impact with my efforts in our community.” 

The schools in area number 5 are Plum Canyon Elementary, Skyblue Mesa and Cedarcreek Elementary. 

Griese, a mother, wife and longtime resident of Santa Clarita who grew up in the SUSD, is running to fill seat number 2 — and believes the SUSD community deserves transparent and effective leadership now and someone who believes that kids and parents come first. 

“I know that I can contribute successfully to a better family-first environment and provide our kids with the resources to be successful,” Griese said. “My daughter will be a 5th grader at Northpark Elementary and my motivation to run is because of her.  She and other kids deserve parent representation and a voice in the decision-making process. It is important to recognize that our current Board of Trustees no longer have school-aged kids within the Saugus Union School District and how imperative it is to have parent representation. After experiencing the lack of leadership, and implementation of policies during COVID, we must hold our superintendent and the current board accountable, empower parents in education and create greater educational opportunities for kids.” 

The Saugus Union Schools in area 2 include Mountainview, James Foster and Northpark Elementary. 

Henao, who is also a longtime resident and parent, is running for the number 1 seat. 

“My mission is to ensure parents have a voice, they are your kids, your school and your tax dollars,” Henao said. “I am committed to think outside of the box and be entrepreneurial.  We live in the greatest country in the world.  We have the best resources and technology, we should use them to ensure a brighter future for our children.” 

The SUSD election is scheduled for November.     

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