Trustee, Trustee Area 3 — Escondido Union School District

My story begins in North County. I grew up in this community and decided to stay here to start my career and family. My career path  began with a summer job I had during high school, as a lifeguard for the City of Poway. I was always active in water sports and I figured, why not get a job at the place I spent my time at anyway? What started as a way to make some summer money turned into an entire career. After graduating from BYU with a degree in Business Administration, I returned to Poway for a full-time position with their Aquatics program.​

For the past 20 years, my career has been in public service; providing educational and social opportunities for families as an executive in various city Parks and Recreation departments. I have held leadership positions across North County; working for the cities of Poway, Carlsbad, and currently Oceanside.In my capacity as Oceanside’s Parks and Recreation Division Manager, I lead a team of 19 full-time and 75 part-time/seasonal staff providing residents with regular access to city recreational and educational programs. I oversee our division's budget and capital improvement programs and ensure the public is always heard in the decision making process. To get a better idea of my day job, check out “Parks and Recreation” starring Amy Poehler (or at least that’s how the public sees my job!).

Perhaps the most important part of my story, is that I am the husband to my incredible wife Joanne, and the parent of four children. Joanne works for the American Heart Association, coordinating their Youth Heart Challenge, working with local schools to promote health and wellness, raising money for heart research. Three of my kids are still students at EUSD and my oldest just recently graduated.

I consider myself to be an educator in many aspects of my life—whether it be overseeing educational programming for the City, or my work in extracurricular activities. I have coached in Escondido Youth Sports for 16 years, been a youth mentor for programs ranging from surfing, to backpacking, to job skills. I have been a Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor and a Certified Shelter Manager for the American Red Cross. Teaching, mentoring, and educating are core elements of who I am.

When Joanne and I aren’t juggling our busy professional and family lives, we are actively involved in our local church. Escondido is our home. We love this community and wouldn’t trade it for any other place. I am so excited to run for school board and share my experience as a public servant, educator, and father to help our schools reach new heights.

As an elected school board member, I will always put students at the center of all decisions.

Unfortunately, the EUSD board has a checkered history when it comes to collaboration and focus. In the past, the board has engaged in a number of issues that distracted from the district’s mission of providing quality educational services to Escondido families.

The school board should not be a stepping stone to run for higher office. The job of our school district is too important to play host to political ambition. The only thing that motivates me as a candidate in this election is the wellbeing of our students.

I have served my entire adult life in public service. I understand the importance of listening to stakeholders, engaging with the community, and being collaborative with my colleagues.

As an elected board member, I will put politics aside, avoid unnecessary drama, and do what is needed to support our students.

I am asking that you once again elect me to represent you on the Escondido Union School District Board of Education. I have a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and a master's degree in public administration. My wife, Terri Price has been a teacher in our school district for 21 years which has allowed me to witness the changes the district has gone through over the last two decades. My daughter is a senior at Del Lago Academy in the Escondido Union High School District having previously attended LR Green Elementary School and Bear Valley Middle School from kindergarten through eighth grade. My past four years on the school board along with Doug Paulson and Georgine Tomasi has brought stability back to the board after a very tumultuous time for the board. The board healed and has come back stronger. The board has followed through wisely and responsibly with Escondido taxpayers investment in the Prop E school construction bond as well as the nearly completed solar initiative. Our district stands out as one of San Diego County's most fiscally sound school districts. Our district also stands out as a leader in educational technology not just nationally but internationally.

Our students and our schools have been traumatized over the last several months due to the physical closing of our schools. Our students may be in for a rough ride in the next several months as well. I am a highly trained healthcare professional with expertise in the emotional and physical well-being of adults and children. I am also a highly trained and experienced professional in the administration of public organizations. I am asking for your vote once again to represent you in the continued healing of our students and schools. We must ensure the health and safety of our students, as well as our teachers and staff who are dedicated to providing Escondido students the highest quality education so that they are able to fulfill their potential and go on to serve their community in the future. When it comes to school board governance, experience matters. I appreciate your support and hope you and your families stay safe and healthy.