Glendale, CA (July 15, 2026) – During its annual organizational meeting on Tuesday, July 14, newly re-elected Board member Kathleen Cross (Trustee Area C) and newly elected Board members Dr. Aileen Dinkjian (Trustee Area D) and Greg Krikorian (Trustee Area B) were sworn into office, with Assemblymember Jessica Caloza administering the Oath of Office. Following the ceremony, the Glendale Unified Board of Education elected Kathleen Cross to serve as Board President, Telly Tse (Trustee Area A) to serve as Board Vice President, and Neda Farid (Trustee Area E) to serve as Clerk. 

Members Dinkjian and Krikorian succeed Shant Sahakian and immediate past President Ingrid Gunnell, whose years of dedicated service helped shape the District’s continued commitment to academic excellence, student success, and community engagement. Glendale Unified extends its sincere appreciation to both outgoing members for their leadership and lasting contributions to the District. 

 "Serving as Board President is more than an honor, it's a responsibility I carry with deep purpose. Every decision we make represents the trust our families place in us each day, and I remain committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and discover their potential in schools where they feel supported, challenged, and inspired," said Board President Kathleen Cross.

"I believe that our strongest decisions come from listening, asking thoughtful questions, and bringing together different perspectives in service of our students. I am excited to welcome Dr. Aileen Dinkjian and Greg Krikorian to the Board and look forward to the ideas, experience, and perspectives they will bring as we continue this important work together. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Shant Sahakian and Ingrid Gunnell for their years of thoughtful leadership and service to Glendale Unified. We have the privilege of building upon the foundation they helped strengthen, and I look forward to working alongside my fellow Board members, Superintendent Watson, and our entire Glendale Unified community as we continue creating even brighter futures for every student." 

About the New Board Members: 

Dr. Aileen Dinkjian

Dr. Aileen Dinkjian holds a master's degree in public health from George Washington University and a doctorate in education from the University of Southern California. She is a public health educator and healthcare leader with extensive experience developing community health and education initiatives. As the mother of three Glendale Unified students and a dedicated advocate for children and families, she brings a collaborative approach and a strong commitment to student achievement, wellness, and community engagement. 

Greg Krikorian

Greg Krikorian is a longtime Glendale business owner and community leader who previously served on the Glendale Unified Board of Education from 2001 to 2022. He earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Central Connecticut State University and a master's degree in Organizational Leadership from Woodbury University. A proud parent of five Glendale Unified graduates, he brings decades of experience in business, community relations, and public service, along with a deep commitment to supporting students, families, and public education. 

The Glendale Unified Board of Education is composed of five elected members who work collaboratively with the Superintendent to establish the District's vision, adopt policies, and support the educational success of approximately 25,000 students across 31 schools.

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