ESCONDIDO — The Escondido Union High School District has hired former school board president Jon Petersen as its superintendent.
The district began its search for a new superintendent after it was announced in May that Anne Staffieri would leave to take over the San Dieguito Union High School District. That same month, Petersen resigned after serving almost 23 years on the board to apply for the open position.
“I am both honored and humbled to be selected as superintendent,” Petersen said.
The district interviewed several highly qualified candidates from across Southern California before Petersen was chosen. His contracted annual salary is $256,438.
Petersen’s education career began in 1992 when he joined San Pasqual High School as an English teacher. He later became the school’s assistant principal and principal and was most recently the chief business officer of the Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District.
“At this juncture in our school district’s history, I feel that I am ready to lead the district because I understand the challenges our students face, and I appreciate the culture of our schools and the community of Escondido, where I have lived all my life,” Petersen said.
Petersen speaks Spanish fluently and is the father of a bicultural, bi-literate family.
“I am comfortable working with students and staff from ethnically and culturally diverse communities,” he said. “I am committed to providing the resources to ensure all students succeed.”
The school board is pleased to welcome its former colleague back in his new role.
“We are confident that under Jon’s leadership as superintendent, EUHSD will continue to expand our strong college and career technical education pathways, provide innovative educational opportunities for all students, and improve student achievement across the district,” said Bill Durney, acting board president.
The district is still searching for Petersen’s replacement on the board.
