Christopher Trunkey, a trustee of the Saugus Union School District, has demonstrated exceptional commitment to professional development in the service of students through his recent completion of the California School Boards Association Masters in Governance program.

This accomplishment signifies mastery of the roles and responsibilities of school boards and a strong understanding of the knowledge and skills needed to build and support an effective governance structure that helps produce better outcomes for students. He joins fellow board member Judy Umeck, who has also earned this certification.

Mr. Trunkey, who was first appointed in November 2013 to complete the term of retiring Board Member Douglas Bryce, was elected to complete that term in 2016. He serves as Trustee for Area 5.

His experiences in the district include having served in a variety of volunteer positions at both West Creek Academy and Bouquet Canyon Elementary including Site Council, PTA Executive Board member and longtime PTA volunteer. Trunkey was recognized by the California State PTA with their Honorary Service Award in 2013.

“This achievement is emblematic of Chris’s values as a member of our Governing Board,” said David Powell, president of the Saugus Union School District Governing Board. “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.”

“This certificate symbolizes a profound commitment to learning, leadership and sound governance,” said CSBA president and MIG graduate Susan Henry. “The Masters in Governance program provides board members and superintendents with the tools, the skills, and the perspective to govern in a way that can better serve California’s students and position them for success in college, career and civic life.”

Since its inception in 1998, more than 3,000 board members and superintendents have participated in the highly acclaimed certification program.

To receive the Masters in Governance certificate, candidates must complete 35 hours of intensive training on the role of the governance team in setting the direction of the district, student learning and achievement, school finance, human resources, policy and judicial review, collective bargaining, and community relations and advocacy.

About SUSD
The Saugus Union School District serves the Santa Clarita communities of Saugus, Valencia and Canyon Country with 15 elementary schools for 10,000 students. The district was recently awarded Gold Ribbon Awards for 14 of 15 schools with two Exemplary Arts Awards, and these awards continue a tradition of excellence for the district, which includes five National Blue Ribbon Awards, 14 California Gold Ribbons, 35 California Distinguished School Awards
(for 15 schools) and six California Business for Educational Excellence Awards (one Star School and five Scholar Schools).

About CSBA
CSBA is a non-profit education association representing nearly 1,000 K-12 school districts and county offices of education throughout California. For more information about CSBA’s Masters in Governance program, please contact Troy Flint at 916-371-4691 or tflint@csba.org.