Our kids only get one childhood, and we only get one chance to get their education right. That’s why I’m running for the Saugus Union School District board in Trustee Area 1.
If elected, my priorities are straightforward: safe, orderly classrooms where teachers can teach; academic excellence measured by results; responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars; and a clear policy on the appropriate use of artificial intelligence. Just as important, board members need to get out of the boardroom and listen to the people they represent.
Safety and student behavior come first. Every child should feel safe at school, and I will push for regular board review of campus safety plans and incident data. Saugus has invested significantly in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and other behavioral supports, and those efforts matter. But the district’s own 2025 survey found that fewer than half of students responded favorably when asked whether students in their class behave so teachers can teach, even after a 10-percentage-point improvement. I want clear districtwide expectations for behavior, consistent interventions and consequences, and regular reporting to the board on whether they’re working. Teachers should be able to teach, and students who arrive ready to learn shouldn’t have to do so amid persistent disruption.
Academic excellence means measuring results. Saugus is a strong district, but that is no excuse for complacency. I’ll push for measurable academic goals, regular board review of student-growth data, early intervention for students who fall behind, and focused attention on achievement gaps. As Saugus rolls out its new enVision Mathematics curriculum, we should set a baseline and judge its effectiveness using i-Ready growth, common assessments and California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress results. We should also do a better job identifying and supporting gifted and twice-exceptional students.
Fiscal stewardship means asking what we get for every dollar. Programs should have defined objectives and measurable outcomes, and the board should regularly review whether they deliver. Multiyear budgeting would let us anticipate enrollment and funding changes rather than simply react to them.
Artificial intelligence needs thoughtful rules now, not after problems develop. Used well, AI can be a powerful educational tool, but it should enhance education, not replace teachers, student thinking or original work. Saugus should adopt age-appropriate standards covering classroom use, academic integrity, student privacy, teacher oversight and AI literacy.
Finally, I want to change how a board member engages with the community. I will hold regular town-hall-style meetings throughout Trustee Area 1, going to parents, teachers and staff to hear their concerns and ideas instead of waiting for them to find their way to a board meeting.
I’m a parent, attorney and small-business owner. Those roles have taught me to ask questions, examine the evidence, listen before deciding and remain accountable for the result.
Good schools don’t happen by accident. We must do the work.
Larry Grable
Stevenson Ranch
