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 young adults who value education, empathy, and service.
Meet
Peggy Duncan
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 recently completed a three-year term on the Board of Trustees at Francis Parker School, following five years on the Parent Association Board, including a term as President. I have chosen to bring my experience, energy, and commitment home to serve the Coronado Unified School District.
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 strengthened my desire to serve on the CUSD Board of Trustees.
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 having attended 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.
CHALLENGES & PRIORITIES
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 prioritize time and resources to support student mental health and well-being, especially during the critical Middle School years.
Good Governance
The CUSD board of trustees should be a model of strong governance through prudent financial stewardship, common-sense decision-making, and forward-thinking 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.
Technology
We must develop thoughtful policies to address rapidly evolving technology, including cell phones and artificial intelligence. I am already deeply engaged in these issues. I was honored to serve on a CUSD task force addressing cell phone use in Coronado schools, and because AI is already transforming education, I am currently completing a certificate program in AI and Education through the University of San Diego. This training will equip me to bring current, practical knowledge to these important and increasingly urgent policy discussions.
Teaching Excellence
Our teachers are our strongest asset. We cannot have academic excellence without teaching excellence. We must think creatively about attracting and retaining exceptional teachers. This may include housing assistance, mentoring, opportunities for professional development, and more.
Endorsements & Support
I am proud to be supported by a broad coalition of educators, parents, and community leaders who believe that our schools deserve experienced and thoughtful leadership.
Dr. Scot Youngblood
CUSD Trustee
Fitzhugh Lee
CUSD Trustee
Coronado City Councilmember
Kelly Purvis
Coronado City Councilmember
Mark Fleming
John Duncan
Coronado Mayor
Former Coronado
City Councilmember
Susan Keith
Taylor & Anne Stockdale
Community Leaders
Former Coronado
City Councilmember
Whitney Benzian
Community Leader
Doug St. Denis
Martha Protzman
Retired CUSD Teacher
Nick & Rika Kato
Community leaders
Retired CUSD Teacher, Community Leader
Lisa & Alan Kinzel
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 excellent 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 during 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 schools are prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
As CUSD enters an important new era, we have an opportunity to build on what is working, thoughtfully address what can be improved, and make decisions today that will keep Coronado schools strong for generations to come.
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