BREAKING: The Saugus Union School District is at a crucial turning point as Superintendent Colleen Hawkins announces her retirement effective next year. This leadership change has ignited discussions on urgent behavioral issues plaguing the district’s 15 schools and has raised concerns among parents, teachers, and community leaders about the district’s future direction.
The announcement comes amid growing frustration over the district’s failure to address persistent behavior problems among students. Parents and teachers have voiced their concerns at school board meetings, often emotionally recounting incidents of students misbehaving and exhibiting abusive behavior, with little to no consequences from the district. The community is demanding immediate action and solutions rather than further studies.
In a troubling development, the school board held a closed session meeting this week to discuss proposals from a residential developer regarding the former site of Santa Clarita Elementary School, which was closed in 2024 due to costly seismic upgrades. The district’s ongoing discussions with a developer have raised alarms, as community members have expressed a strong preference for the property to serve a public benefit rather than high-density residential development.
Local officials have indicated frustration, feeling sidelined in favor of private interests. The city of Santa Clarita has shown interest in acquiring the site for community use, yet the district appears to prioritize developers in its negotiations. This lack of transparency and communication has eroded trust between the district and the community it serves.
The board’s decision to quietly include the developer’s proposal in their agenda, with minimal notification to the press, has heightened suspicions of non-transparency—a hallmark of Hawkins’ tenure. This secrecy raises serious questions about the district’s commitment to community engagement.
Community members are urging the district to act swiftly in selecting a new leader who will prioritize transparency and accountability. They hope for a fresh start that will focus on real solutions to ongoing issues rather than merely adhering to procedural requirements.
As the Saugus Union School District prepares for this leadership transition, the stakes are high. Parents and teachers are watching closely, hoping for a leader who will listen and act decisively to restore trust and improve conditions across the district.
The situation is developing, and community members are encouraged to stay informed as more details emerge. Change is desperately needed, and the future of the Saugus district hangs in the balance.
