George Saikali

Reported biographical details: over 41 years in community leadership and youth development; began his career at the Burbank YMCA in 1985; graduate of North Carolina University with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Business Administration; born in Lebanon and immigrated to the United States in 1981; a Burbank resident since 1997; married to Mary, with children Lara and Michael who are both BUSD graduates; helped open a Community Dental Clinic at the Burbank YMCA in 2001; and has served with the Burbank Noon Rotary Club, Burbank Youth Task Force, Kids' Community Dental Clinic Board, and Burbank Human Relations Council. myBurbank ↗ · 2026-08-17

In announcing his candidacy, Saikali stated he is running because 'our students deserve strong schools, our teachers and staff deserve steadfast support, and our community deserves transparent, responsible leadership.' The article lists priorities including protecting the district's financial health, ensuring student access to high-quality education, supporting teachers and staff, and transparent, responsible leadership. myBurbank ↗ · 2026-06-30

Saikali is quoted in the Burbank Leader: 'My priority will be to ask thoughtful questions, collaborate constructively and help ensure every decision keeps Burbank's students and schools at the heart of our work.' The coverage describes his stated focus on transparency and ethical governance in the district. Burbank Leader / Outlook Newspapers ↗ · 2026-08-21

Saikali is running unopposed for BUSD Board of Education, Trustee Area 4; no other candidates filed. Because the seat is uncontested, myBurbank reports he is set to receive the seat following the November 3, 2026 election (appointment in lieu of election). myBurbank ↗ · 2026-08-17

The Burbank Leader (Outlook Newspapers) reports Saikali is running unopposed for Trustee Area No. 4 and is guaranteed a seat on the board. Burbank Leader / Outlook Newspapers ↗ · 2026-08-21

Stated occupation: President & CEO of the YMCA of Glendale (in that role since 2010). Reported consistently across multiple local news sources. myBurbank ↗ · 2026-06-30

At his campaign launch event, the following individuals were reported as speaking in support of his candidacy: Burbank City Councilmember Konstantine Anthony; Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian; Victor Dominguez, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Metropolitan YMCA; Steve Harp, a youth boxing coach for the Burbank and Glendale YMCAs; Debbie Kukta, former BUSD Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services and Burbank City Treasurer; former Burbank Mayor Jef Vander Borght; and former Board of Education members Roberta Reynolds and Larry Applebaum. (The article describes them as speaking 'in support of' Saikali; it does not use the word 'endorsed.') myBurbank ↗ · 2026-06-30

Debbie Kukta, former BUSD Assistant Superintendent, is quoted stating that Saikali 'will bring much-needed business and financial expertise to the Burbank Unified School Board.' myBurbank ↗ · 2026-08-17