My commitment to children’s issues began early in my legal career as an attorney specializing in health care law at a large law firm. I worked extensively with Children’s Hospital in San Diego, gaining a deep understanding of the complex laws that govern the care and treatment of children.
After our first son was born, I served as a specially appointed judge in Juvenile Court, overseeing delinquency matters. There, I saw firsthand how easily young people can fall through the cracks without the support of an engaged family and school community. It was heartbreaking to see kids pulled toward crime and gang life, and from the bench, I did everything I could to bring them a sense of hope and direction.
My experience as an attorney, Trustee, judge, nonprofit leader, and community volunteer has prepared me well for service on the CUSD Board. But just as important is my experience as a mom to four incredible children who grew up in Coronado and have developed into thoughtful, successful young university students, who value education with empathy and a commitment to service.
Meet
Peggy Duncan
Since then, I have served on six nonprofit boards that support children in various ways, including as President of four of them. I am currently the President of Friends of Children United Society (FOCUS), based here in Coronado. In that role, I had the privilege of co-founding an internship program for Coronado High School students. Through hands-on community service, we teach students compassion while also giving them practical experience in leadership, nonprofit governance, and board operations. Working with these talented young leaders has been incredibly inspiring and further drove my desire to serve CUSD as a Trustee.
I am a graduate of the California public school system, having attended middle school and high school in San Diego. I have the additional important perspective of attending five schools in three different states, growing up as the child of an active duty military officer.
I would be honored to serve the students, parents, teachers, and community of Coronado
My husband, John, and I have lived in Coronado for 20 years and raised our four children here. Now that they are successfully launched to college, I am excited to devote more of my time and energy to serving our remarkable community.
For more than 30 years, I have dedicated my personal and professional life to supporting children and their success. I currently serve on the Board of Trustees at Francis Parker School, following five years on the Parent Association Board, including a term as President. As my three-year trustee term concludes this June, I have chosen to bring my experience, energy, and commitment home to serve the Coronado Unified School District.
Technology
We must develop thoughtful policies to address rapidly evolving technology, including cell phones and artificial intelligence. I am already involved and invested in those issues. I was honored to be asked to serve on a CUSD task force tackling cell phones in Coronado schools. And, since artificial intelligence is already transforming education, I am currently obtaining a specialized certificate in Artificial Intelligence in Education at the University of San Diego. This training will further allow me to bring current, practical knowledge to the important and urgent conversations our School Board must have about how emerging technologies will shape teaching and learning in our schools.
Our Coronado schools face important challenges in the years ahead. My priority will always be to ensure the strongest possible academic experience, while also supporting the health and well-being of our students.
Student Mental Health
We must make it a priority to invest time and resources to strengthen student mental health, especially during the critical middle school years.
CHALLENGES
Maintaining Excellence in Teaching
Our teachers are our strongest asset. We must think creatively about attracting and retaining exceptional teachers. This may include housing assistance, mentoring, opportunities for professional development, and more.
Good Governance
The CUSD Board of Trustees should be a model of strong governance through prudent financial stewardship, common-sense decision-making, and forward-looking leadership. This is particularly important as the District completes the transition to Basic Aid. With my experience as a trustee and attorney, I am already prepared to make rational, analytical decisions for the betterment of our students and community.
VISION
With decades of experience serving children—as a school trustee, attorney, judge, nonprofit leader, and parent of four Coronado kids who have successfully launched to top universities —I am committed to ensuring our schools continue to deliver academic excellence while supporting the whole child. I will prioritize strengthening student mental health, particularly in the critical middle school years, and advancing thoughtful, balanced policies around technology, including cell phones and artificial intelligence.
I believe strong schools require strong governance. I will focus on responsible financial stewardship, transparent decision-making, and attracting and retaining exceptional teachers. At the same time, I will bring forward-looking leadership to ensure our students are prepared for a rapidly changing world while staying grounded in the values that define our community.