Our Governing Board

Matthew Watson was elected to the SUSD Board of Trustees in 2020. Having been an educator for over 25 years, Mr. Watson has worked as a teacher, school principal, curriculum coach, and professional development advisor. His experience includes teaching at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Mr. Watson received his bachelor’s degree in history as well as his master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies from CSUN. He holds a California teaching credential with a bilingual, cross-cultural certificate. While in college, Mr. Watson developed his fluency and literacy in Spanish. As an educator, he has developed and delivered professional development initiatives for teachers and principals since 2001.

A resident of the Saugus area for over 40 years, Mr. Watson attended Santa Clarita Elementary, Arroyo Seco, and Saugus High School. He has been volunteering for local non-profits as long as he can remember and has a great love for the City of Santa Clarita. 

Mr. Watson lives in Saugus and has two children, both of whom attended SUSD schools before graduating from local high schools. He is proud that both of his children grew up bilingual as well. In his spare time, he enjoys sports, travel, and playing games with his family.

Mr. Trunkey was appointed to the SUSD Board of Trustees in November 2014 and reelected in 2016, 2018, and 2022. Outside of his service on the governing board, Mr. Trunkey has 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. Mr. Trunkey was recognized by the California State PTA with its Honorary Service Award in 2013. He believes in increasing academic achievement and opportunities for all students throughout the district. 

Mr. Trunkey completed the California School Board Association’s Master’s in Governance program in November 2017. 

As a finance professional in the entertainment industry for over 25 years, Mr. Trunkey has a strong background and experience in fiscal operations and information technology. He currently serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer for Phoenix Pictures, a film production company based in Los Angeles. 

In the Santa Clarita community, Mr. Trunkey has served as treasurer for the Stephen Friedman Multiple Myeloma Fund, board member of William S. Hart Baseball, and on the William S. Hart School District Measure v. Citizens Oversight Committee.

Mr. Trunkey is a graduate of Drake University. A longtime resident of Saugus, he and his wife, Kelly, have two children who both are Saugus Union School District alumni.

Katherine Cooper was elected to the board of trustees in 2020. Ms. Cooper has lived in Santa Clarita since 1993. She graduated from CSUN in 1995. She has been a CPA for 15 years and launched her own practice in 2016.

Ms. Cooper has two children. They both graduated from Saugus High School. Her son attended Old Orchard Elementary and is now a police officer in northern California. Her daughter attended Highlands Elementary and is currently attending College of the Canyons. She is the proud grandmother of 18 month old Zelda.

Ms. Cooper worked with the parent-teacher organizations at both of her children’s schools. She chaired the Highlands Elementary School’s spring carnival fundraiser and the Women’s History Week at Old Orchard Elementary. She coached soccer for two years and was a Girl Scout leader for many years. In 2014, she served as a national delegate to the Girl Scout’s tri-annual convention representing the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles. She is currently serving as the treasurer on the board of the recently founded SCV LGBTQ Center.

Patti Garibay was appointed to the Saugus Union School District Board of Trustees in 2023. Prior to joining the board Ms. Garibay was actively involved in the Bridgeport Elementary Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and served in various capacities, most recently as President. Ms. Garibay led the PTA post covid and helped reinstate the school programs beloved by the Bridgeport school community. Ms. Garibay’s efforts were recognized in 2023 when she was awarded the 34th District PTA Honorary Service Award.

Ms. Garibay holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from San Diego State University as well as a master’s degree in public administration from California State University Northridge. Ms. Garibay has worked in local government for 18 years and has experience in policy development, budgeting, program implementation, and community outreach.

Ms. Garibay lives in Valencia with her husband Luis and their two children who both currently attend SUSD schools. Ms. Garibay enjoys volunteering at her children’s school in her spare time and traveling with her family.