Board of Trustees

Suzan Scruton is a native Californian. She studied agriculture in high school and was a member of Future Farmers of America.  She majored in animal science in college, learning to care for various livestock. During that time, she also worked as a horseback trail guide on a horse ranch.

She married Steve Scruton, and in 1977 they became group home parents for teenagers with emotional challenges. Suzan observed that promoting positive behavior contributed to a calmer environment. This role influenced her perspective and led her to assist others when opportunities arose.  

In 1979, Steve became a federal firefighter at Fort Hunter Liggett Army Base. Suzan joined the fire department wives club, helping support the fire department community by organizing events and activities to improve the quality of life for firefighters and their families. 

Suzan raised two children, Kimberly and Cynthia. While working as a ranch caretaker, she also guided her daughters in raising animals and led floral design for Bishop Peak 4-H. Suzan promoted inclusion by involving special needs children in her 4-H project and advocating for diversity in all activities. During that time, she volunteered with United Cerebral Palsy organizing classes to educate the community about disabilities. She aimed to show how embracing differences between people benefits both individuals and society.

In 2006, Suzan worked at the Kwajalein Police Department on the United States Army Kwajalein Military Base in the Marshall Islands, where she passed a background check and received a high-level security clearance.  While living on the atoll, she became a certified scuba diver. 

In 2012, Suzan welcomed her first grandson, Logan, followed by Ryland a few years later. She likes playing games, cooking, and hatching poultry eggs with them.  She has enjoyed watching them grow and flourish in school.  

Suzan is honored to serve on the San Miguel Unified School District Board. She is committed to collaborating with parents and school staff to build an effective partnership that supports students throughout their educational experience.

Christopher Monk is a devoted husband to his wife, Abby, and a proud father to their four children, comprising two boys and two girls, whose ages range from 17 years down to just 11 months. Currently, he is embarking on his inaugural term as a member of the San Miguel Joint School District's Board of Trustees for District 4. Although he has only recently taken on this role, Christopher has been an integral part of the community for the past five years.

With a strong dedication to service, Christopher has built a commendable career in the California Army National Guard, where he has devoted 16 years of his life, including three deployments that reflect his commitment to his country. Throughout the week, he serves as a federal technician at Camp Roberts, contributing to the operational readiness of the National Guard. Originally hailing from Sacramento, Christopher has made a seamless transition to his new community, expressing his happiness and fulfillment in this new chapter of his life.

The Monk family is actively engaged in community service, participating in various initiatives such as volunteering at local food banks, organizing river clean-up efforts, and taking on the role of assistant coach for the newly established cross-country team. As he steps into his official term on the board, Christopher approaches this opportunity with humility and a genuine desire to learn, fully committed to giving back to the community he holds dear.

In addition to his educational responsibilities, Christopher is a proud member of several organizations, including the Paso Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the American Legion, the Sergeants Major Association of California, and the California Enlisted Association of the National Guard. As a co-owner of Unstoppable Force Fitness, he is also passionate about holistic mental and fitness coaching, underscoring his dedication to promoting health and well-being within the community. Through these various roles, Christopher exemplifies a strong commitment to service, community involvement, and the betterment of those around him.