The Saugus Union School District’s governing board named Matthew Watson as the 2026 board president during Tuesday’s organizational meeting following numerous public comments supporting a different board member to take the position.
Watson was chosen in a 4-1 vote with governing board member Anna Griese dissenting after nominating herself. Griese served as clerk this year and would have appeared to be next in line for a year as president if the board chose to adhere to the non-binding practice of rotating the gavel.
Governing board member Katherine Cooper was named as the board clerk in a unanimous decision.
But before the governing board could begin the process of electing its new officers, many public comments given were in support of Griese, while some opposed.
Members of the community shared words of support toward Griese, saying she is one of the few board members who takes the time to listen to them when a new challenge arises, and constantly checks in with them, and makes the time for classroom visits.
“My hope is Anna Griese will be elected as board president,” said Linda Valdes, president of the Saugus Teachers Association, who specified that she was speaking “on a personal note.”
“She is bold, transparent, action-orientated and extremely accessible,” Valdes said of Griese. “She is willing to listen, ask hard questions, and most importantly she is open to different perspectives than her own, in an effort to collaborate and problem solve.”
Other speakers gave similar remarks.
Local resident Tammy Messina said during her public comment that she connected with teachers and staff and learned that many are afraid to speak out due to fear of retaliation.
“Teachers and staff are looking for real solutions and relief that need to come quicker. They believe there are things that can be done to provide relief, but they aren’t happening,” Messina said. “Teachers and staff trust Ms. Griese. She gets them, she’s accessible, and she advocates for them … Ms. Griese may not fit into your mold of what you perceive a board member to be, but maybe that’s exactly what this district needs at the time like this.”
A parent of two students in the Saugus district who identified herself as Emily, and did not provide her last name, opposed Griese’s nomination and said that she is not inclusive with her support and is hostile toward LGBTQ students and families. She added that Griese is dismissive of the professional roles of educators.
“This approach prioritizes ideology and confrontation over student dignity, educator trust, and your responsibility to serve all children,” she said. “SUSD needs leadership that centers dignity, reduces division, and remains focused on educating and supporting every child.
With Superintendent Colleen Hawkins’ retirement set for July 1 after a 33-year career in education and eight as leader of the Saugus district, many noted that the one selected as president for this upcoming year will be crucial in terms of steering the district forward in the process of choosing the next superintendent.
Another public comment by TimBen Boydston, husband of Saugus district teacher Ingrid Boydston, noted that politics should not come into play when governing board members are in their roles as they are supposed to be nonpartisan.
“Y’all are in nonpartisan positions. I will appreciate you all remembering that, that every person has the ability to perhaps lead in a good way and if they are not given that chance, then they’re not going to be able to show you. A person can’t do anything by themselves. They have to have a team,” he said, and supported Griese for the nomination.
Board member Patti Garibay — who served as president of the board for 2025 — introduced a motion to nominate Watson, and Cooper seconded. That motion passed, 4-1, with Griese dissenting.
Board member Christopher Trunkey made a motion to name Cooper as clerk and Garibay seconded. The motion was approved 5-0.
Following board reports, Griese was the only one to acknowledge the change in officers.
“We were all naive to think that I would be elected president and it’s OK. I’m not going to stop advocating for parents, not going to stop advocating for teachers … and anybody else that comes forward with what’s happening in this district,” Griese said.
“Mr. Watson, I hope you actually do something in that seat. There’s a lot that has not been done over the course of a year and we need to address it. Teachers, they want it addressed,” she continued. “It’s just a title. It doesn’t mean anything.”
Griese said she hopes that the coming year will lead to change among many challenges the district has faced.
“I will continue to visit classrooms. Please invite me. I’d love to see what’s going on, good and bad. I’ll keep advocating from the dais. I’ll be the one voice out of the five.”
