Paid political endorsement letter from Dr. Scot Youngblood
As my four-year term as CUSD Trustee comes to an end, I would like to make a few reflections and offer an endorsement for your consideration. I never really planned to serve more than one term, with my departure coinciding with the graduation of our youngest child from CHS this past June. I remain a steadfast proponent of public education, and the ability of the citizenry to oversee the education of our youth. During my term, I have tried to directly advocate for the interests of the people, and specifically parents.
As I depart, I would like to offer my strongest endorsement for Peggy Duncan to replace me on the Board. She is an accomplished attorney, served as a Juvenile Court judge for four years, and most recently worked as a Trustee for Francis Parker School. It is hard to imagine a more qualified candidate. She has done extensive volunteer work, and rose to the senior leadership of every organization with whom she worked. I see her personal and family’s experience with private schooling as a positive, not as a detraction. She would bring valuable insight from her experience at arguably the best private school in San Diego county, and would also help address the issues that lead families to leave CUSD in the first place. Some have argued that a CUSD Trustee being married to the current mayor would somehow be inappropriate. Knowing Peggy, I can tell you she is no shrinking violet. She is her own woman. I can only imagine John has his hands full from time to time. All kidding aside, I don’t see this as an issue at all.
In my time on the Board, I have endeavored to avoid national political issues and reach across the aisle for the betterment of our students and community. This nonpartisan approach, as exemplified by Alexia Palacios-Peters, has helped the current Board achieve a welcome return of harmony of purpose. The vast majority of our votes have been unanimous. While there have been some policy disagreements, I have endeavored to work with those across the political spectrum with comity. For example, during my time on the four-by-four bell schedule committee in 2023, I am not sure I completely won over Brian Trotier, but I definitely made him laugh a few times. We were all better off when we approach issues of our community and youth with a little grace. I think Peggy would continue in that spirit.
In closing, I would be thrilled if the people of Coronado would choose Peggy Duncan to replace me on the School Board for the next term. I have no doubt she possesses the qualifications and temperament to continue the work I started and meet our future challenges. She has my strongest possible endorsement. It has been a privilege and honor to serve the students and people over the last four years as Trustee.
Thank you for trusting me with that opportunity.
 – Scot Youngblood
