Newly appointed trustee Natalie Johnson sworn in at Brea Olinda school board meeting

The Brea Olinda Unified School District board formally swore in Natalie Johnson during its April 23 meeting after trustees amended the agenda to add an oath of office and voted to approve the change.

Superintendent Brenda Leon administered the oath and praised the board’s interview process, calling the discussion that led to Johnson’s selection “respectful” and noting that the panel reviewed five applicants and interviewed four. “The board did an outstanding job with the interview process,” Leon said. Johnson repeated the oath and introduced her family before telling the board she was “really honored by the opportunity.”

The appointment followed a motion and voice vote to amend the published agenda at the meeting’s start. Trustees also approved the rest of the meeting’s consent items and reports, which included student presentations, staff recognitions and routine contract approvals.

Board members and the superintendent said they planned to support Johnson with onboarding activities, including briefings with district staff and opportunities to visit schools and programs. Leon said the district had already arranged meetings to bring Johnson “up to speed” so she could participate fully in closed‑session and committee work.

The board did not take any other action tied to the appointment during the meeting. The swearing‑in concluded with applause from the assembled families and community members.