A popular school official who was jilted by Sweetwater Union High School District may vie for a spot on its board — a move that could put her in charge of the superintendent who demoted her.

Karen Janney, formerly an assistant superintendent in Sweetwater, was demoted to a lower position which she declined, costing her job at Sweetwater last year. Her exit brought an outpouring of anger from longtime employees who praised her as a smart and caring leader and criticized Superintendent Jesus Gandara for the move.

Now she is exploring a run for the school board this fall. Janney filed an official statement of her intent to run at the end of January. She was reluctant to talk about her potential run.

“It’s just so early,” Janney said. “But I’m very strongly considering it. I feel like I could make a difference.”

Sweetwater trustees are elected at large and can choose which seat to run for; Janney said she has not decided which school board member she wants to run against. Board members Jim Cartmill, Arlie Ricasa and Greg Sandoval are up for re-election this fall.

— EMILY ALPERT

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