Candidate for
Trustee; Escondido Union High School District; Trustee Area 5

About School Board Member Jon Petersen

Jon is an Escondido native with deep roots in the community. As a current school board member, he is committed to improving the community by improving its schools.

A second-generation Escondidan, Jon graduated from San Pasqual High School. His mother, Connie (Bain) Petersen graduated from Escondido High School. His family has extensive connections to Escondido schools, as students, teachers, classified employees, and administrators. His brother is an Escondido police sergeant.

Jon and his wife, Cristina, are raising two sons, and they are involved in Cub Scouts, music lessons, and youth activities at Resurrection Church. The family enjoys traveling, as Jon met his wife while studying Spanish in Mexico. The boys enjoy living in a bi-cultural and bilingual family.

Jon is a former English teacher who now serves as the principal of Valley Center Middle School. Having worn many different hats in public education (including that of his most important role--a parent) has provided Jon with multiple perspectives and wide-ranging experiences in school reform efforts.

Jon earned his bachelor's degree from San Diego State University and his masters degree through Penn State. He is a member of Kiwanis International, a community service organization dedicated to serving children.

In those rare moments that he has free time, Jon enjoys spending time with his family, reading, traveling, and hiking in Daley Ranch.