Sabag Pushes Back Against Kruger Over Recall and Character Attacks

Less than three months after taking office, Sigalie Sabag faced an effort to remove her from the Beverly Hills school board. Now the board's vice president, Sabag is revisiting that dispute in a series of Instagram Stories, describing the personal toll of defending her character and naming recall organizer Jackie Kruger as a source of statements she says were false.

Across five posts, Sabag addressed the accusations, explained her decision to speak publicly and reaffirmed her commitment to students. Her statements come as Kruger campaigns for a seat on the same board.

"Jackie Kruger publicly participated in efforts against me and made public statements about my character that I found deeply personal and completely false."

Sabag said she joined the Board of Education to serve students and the community, but soon found herself defending her reputation. She described the allegations associated with the recall effort as "completely false and defamatory."

The dispute has roots in the district's leadership transition in early 2025. Sabag and fellow board member Russell Stuart were sworn into office on December 17, 2024. On March 11, 2025, Kruger presented notices of intention to circulate recall petitions against both members.

The effort followed Superintendent Michael Bregy's resignation and changes to district administrative positions. Recall supporters raised concerns about transparency, decision-making and the treatment of administrators. The initial notices were presented before the required period in office had elapsed, and the effort was subsequently dropped without a recall election.

In her Instagram posts, Sabag described entering public office with a desire to help, only to find herself confronting accusations about her character.

"I learned very quickly that public service can sometimes bring out the worst in people."

She said she had repeatedly chosen not to respond to statements she considered false.

"For a long time, I chose to stay silent. I don't need to respond to every false accusation."

Sabag described honesty, fairness, hard work and standing behind her decisions as principles that guided her conduct. She rejected the idea that repeating an accusation gives it credibility.

"A rumor does not become the truth simply because it is repeated!"

Her posts also addressed the limits of remaining silent, describing restraint as a choice while emphasizing that leadership requires trust and integrity.

Another post included a pointed reference to statements made under oath.

"I also learned something else: the truth does not change simply because someone creates a different story, including those made under oath!"

Sabag did not identify the person, proceeding or particular testimony referenced in that statement.

"I will always stand in my truth, even when it would be easier to remain silent."

The renewed criticism comes during an election campaign in which Kruger has made board accountability a central issue. On her campaign website, Kruger identifies transparency, academic performance and fiscal discipline as her principal priorities.

For Sabag, the posts centered on her contention that the recall dispute involved false attacks on her character, along with her determination to continue serving despite them. She emphasized that her commitment to students had not changed.

"As a school board member, my commitment is simple: UNWAVERING FOCUS ON OUR STUDENTS!"

Sabag closed by explaining why she sought office and how she intends to carry out her responsibilities.

"I did not enter public service to become popular. I entered public service to serve."

She described independent judgment as an essential part of the role voters elected her to fill.

"I was elected to listen, to learn, to ask questions, to exercise independent judgment, and ultimately to vote according to what I believe is right."