Natalie Johnson Appointed BOUSD Board of Education Area 4 Trustee

Dara Aung-Pfingsten, Staff Writer • April 27, 2026

A BOUSD board meeting attendee congratulates Natalie Johnson. Johnson was appointed to represent BOUSD Board of Education Trustee Area 4 on April 20.

At a special Brea Olinda Unified School District (BOUSD) Board of Education meeting, Natalie Johnson was appointed to replace Christopher Becerra as Area 4 Trustee on April 20.

Becerra was removed from the position March 5 due to a three-month absence following his arrest on Dec. 18, 2025. Johnson will serve the remainder of Becerra’s term as the board’s fifth member until November when the position is re-opened for election.

Four candidates were interviewed by current board members President Carrie Flanders, Vice President Deana Miller, and Trustees Paul Ruiz and Joseph Covey. Each candidate was asked about their past leadership experiences, board policies, and ideas on current and upcoming district challenges and projects.

As the meeting moved into the voting stage, Ruiz nominated Johnson to fill the position, and following a second nomination from Miller, the motion passed 4-0.

Board members noted Johnson’s experience in education (she holds a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Biola University and currently serves as an assistant director at iLEAD Online Charter School in Los Angeles), her involvement in the BOUSD community, and her “calming presence” in their discussion.

“She will visit our schools, get to see you, get to know you, and you’ll see right away why [Johnson] was chosen,” Flanders said at an April 23 board meeting.

Before the special meeting adjourned, Johnson was sworn in by Superintendent Brinda Leon.

“[Johnson’s] engagement, insight, and commitment to student success will be a valuable addition as we continue our work to support all learners and address the evolving needs of our District,” Leon said in an April 21 press release.

From left to right: BOUSD Board of Education members Paul Ruiz, Deana Miller, Carrie Flanders, Natalie Johnson, and Joseph Covey at the April 20 special meeting. (Issabella Garcia)

A Brea resident since 2019, Johnson has two children at Laurel Elementary Magnet School, where she participated as a Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) Special Education representative in 2021. Johnson has also advocated for campus fencing at previous board meetings, and has served as a School Site Council representative for Laurel Elementary since 2022.

Miller expressed optimism about Johnson’s appointment and the opportunity to collaborate with her.

“I’m very excited to work with her, especially because she has [children] in the district right now,” Miller said.

Johnson’s immediate focus is familiarizing herself with the district’s work and its priorities, such as BOUSD’s declining enrollment and the Measure H bond.

Johnson began work immediately after her appointment, attending her first regular board meeting on April 23. As she steps into the role with a “parent and community member perspective,” Johnson is excited to “support and serve” BOUSD for the remainder of her term.

“I love this district,” Johnson said. “I love where it’s headed and I love how much the board is invested in all areas of student growth.”

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About the Contributors

Dara Aung-Pfingsten, Staff Writer

Dara Aung-Pfingsten (’29) is thrilled to begin her first year at the Wildcat as a staff writer. Previously focused on short stories and poetry, this year she looks forward expanding to journalism and honing her writing abilities. Outside of the classroom, Dara plays for the volleyball team and fuels her interest in law through Mock Trial. This year, she intends to explore as many clubs as her busy schedule will allow. In her free time, she enjoys evening walks with her husky, watching the sunset, and traveling (She would revisit London a thousand times if she could). In the next few years, she looks forward to growing as a journalist and exploring the many opportunities that BOHS offers.

Issabella Garcia, Photo Editor

Issabella Garcia (’27) is thrilled for her third year being on the Wildcat staff. As Co-Photo Editor, she is passionate about visual storytelling and committed to leading the photography team with creativity, collaboration, and a focus on developing their skills. Beyond her passion for photography, Issabella is deeply involved in her community and school. She’s a proud member of the National Honor Society (NHS), serves as a board member for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), and holds the position of secretary on the Teen Advisory Board (T.A.B.) at her local library. She competes in both cross country and softball at the varsity level, showcasing her dedication and athleticism across multiple sports. Additionally, during the summer, Issabella volunteers as a Counselor in Training (C.I.T.) at a summer camp for children in elementary school. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, taking walks, and discovering new TV shows. Looking ahead, Issabella plans to remain engaged in athletics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. After graduation, Issabella plans to pursue studies in psychology with the goal of becoming a developmental psychologist, helping young people navigate emotional and developmental challenges.