By Peggy Duncan
As Election Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on the past several months with an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
When I decided to run for the Coronado Unified School Board, I hoped to bring my experience and passion for children and education to our local schools. What I didn’t anticipate was how much this experience would remind me of everything I love about Coronado.
To everyone who has supported my campaign, thank you. Whether you donated, displayed a yard sign, hosted a gathering, volunteered, offered encouragement, or simply read one of my weekly articles, please know how much it has meant to me.
Running for office is humbling. You put yourself out there, share your ideas, and ask your neighbors to trust you. The kindness, encouragement, and thoughtful conversations I’ve experienced have been extraordinary.
John and I have called Coronado home for about 20 years. We raised our four children here, and those years remain among the most precious of our lives.
Like so many Coronado parents, we spent countless hours watching our kids play sports. So many baseball games at Tidelands and Bradley Field, T-ball at Sunset Park, and soccer at Cays Park. John managed and coached countless teams, and together we spent almost every weekend on Coronado’s playing fields.
Halloween in Coronado is another family favorite. From trick-or-treating on Orange Avenue to bravely exploring Margarita Avenue, our kids experienced the magic of this community firsthand. We also love Coronado’s holiday traditions, including the parades and Christmas Eve visits from Rotary Santa. So many birthday parties, carpools, and the wonderful chaos of raising four kids in a small town.
Those years went by far too quickly.
Our children are now grown and pursuing their own adventures. But I remain profoundly grateful that Coronado is the place they get to call home.
And that’s a big part of what inspired me to run for School Board.
I want today’s children to have the same wonderful opportunities our children enjoyed, and even more. I want our schools to challenge students academically, support them emotionally, and encourage their unique talents. I want teachers to feel valued, parents to feel heard, and our public schools to remain a source of tremendous pride. And I want families who choose Coronado for its schools to stay here, giving their children, and perhaps someday their grandchildren, the opportunity to experience this special community.
Throughout this campaign, I’ve been reminded that Coronado is filled with people who care deeply about children and education, even when we disagree. I’ve appreciated the opportunity to listen, learn, and exchange ideas with so many of you.
Whatever the election’s outcome, I will be grateful for this experience and the people who made it meaningful. I wish everyone elected to serve our community great success in the important work ahead. Coronado has given my family so much. My hope is simply to give something meaningful back.
 Peggy Duncan
