Candidate for
Board Member; Encinitas Union Elementary School District

Gregg Sonken is a 34 year resident of the Encinitas Union School District, both in the City of Encinitas and now in South Carlsbad. Gregg attended UCLA, graduating Cum Laude while earning his Bachelor of Arts in History. He received a Master's Degree in Institutional Administration from United States International University. Gregg's four children were all students of the Encinitas Union School District. His oldest daughter, following his footsteps, is an elementary special education teacher. Gregg and his wife are owner/operators of 2 successful family run cafés, one in downtown Del Mar, and the other at the Oceanside Harbor. Gregg devotes most of his time at both cafes, and is very active in community events and activities. Gregg serves on the board of Global Church Partners, supporting service and training programs both in California and in Chacala, Mexico. Gregg is passionate and dedicated to public education in the Encinitas Union school District. He started teaching 5th and 6th grade in the Encinitas Union School District in 1979. He taught at Pacific View School and Park Dale Lane. He was a Master Teacher and later served as a Mentor Teacher for beginning teachers. He than served as a Principal at Capri, Paul Ecke Central and Mission Estancia. Under his leadership, Paul Ecke Central earned the national Title I Distinguished School Award, and at Mission Estancia under his direction, the school earned California Distinguished School recognition. In 2007, Mission Estancia earned the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School Award. Gregg was recognized as the Encinitas Union School District's' Administrator of the Year in 2009. He retired that year to devote full time attention to the family's business and was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2010. Gregg is a proven leader who takes his role as an EUSD school board member very seriously. He is very proud of the students and staff of the Encinitas Union School District. They represent the finest in public education, and he is committed to serving them by making sure that he is a good steward of district assets, and that all programs and decisions are made around the lens of serving children first.