By: Karan Carville

The special meeting on Nov. 25 was intended to give input on Dr. Colleen Hawkins’ mid-year review, however, three speakers from the democrat party made it political.

After stating he did not have children, Andrew Taban brought up Moms for Liberty as a hate group and alluded that “a board member is an extremist like Joe Messina.”

Carol Lutness (former SCV democrat leader) and Alisa Gentry (set medic for the studios) were also off-topic and echoed the sentiments that likened the parent conservative group to Nazi Jews and that they shouldn’t be allowed in schools.

Six principals and district office staff praised Dr. Hawkins and her efforts in raising test scores and carrying the district successfully through COVID-19.

However, many were in attendance who spoke of not having enough staff in special ed, subs not trained properly and low morale.  A survey went out to all teachers recently and it stated that 80% do not feel supported by the district.

In a speech by Cassandra Riviera and Sue O’Brien, they stated that Dr. Hawkins doesn’t greet the staff when she tours the schools, she has an authoritarian style of leadership, staff experience retribution if they speak up, and new programs are implemented last minute without training.

Timben Boydston expressed his disgust that people brought up politics and the meeting was intended to be about children and give input on the superintendent.

Mr. Boydston later questioned Mrs. Lutness why they were in attendance and she stated, “Someone on the board called the Democrat party and asked them to speak against Moms for Liberty because that is the group that is against the superintendent”.

The next SUSD meeting will be on Wednesday, Dec. 11 for the Asset Management Committee to determine what happens to the Santa Clarita Elementary Property.  The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 17.

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