Peggy Duncan aims to address mental health and artificial intelligence (AI) challenges in her campaign for a trustee position in the Coronado Unified School District (CUSD). Having experienced the difficulties of being a new student as a military child, Duncan recognizes the pressures today’s adolescents face, which differ from her own school days.
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Duncan highlights that one in five adolescents is diagnosed with a mental or behavioral health condition, a situation worsened by factors such as bullying and social isolation. She emphasizes the importance of a supportive school culture where students feel connected and know where to seek help. In her work as a judge in Juvenile Court, Duncan observed patterns revealing that young people often struggled with a lack of family support, negative peer influences, and mental health issues.
As president of FOCUS, a nonprofit organization in Coronado, Duncan directly supports children in need through practical measures like providing food and school supplies. She believes addressing fundamental needs helps students succeed academically and beyond.
While Duncan and her husband, Coronado Mayor John Duncan, have raised their four children who attended private school, she believes this experience gives her a relevant perspective for the trustee role. Her tenure as a trustee at Francis Parker School provided her with governance experience, where she focused on improving teacher retention and implementing a successful cell phone policy.
Duncan stresses the need for continual evaluation of AI's role in education, advocating for policies that protect academic integrity and student privacy. She is currently enrolled in a certificate program at the University of San Diego focusing on AI in education.
Addressing challenges in CUSD, Duncan highlights the potential transition to Basic Aid funding and the importance of strategic investments, such as improving teacher recruitment and classroom climate with air conditioning.
Although some have expressed concern over her candidacy due to her marriage to the current mayor, Duncan maintains that her decision-making will prioritize the needs of CUSD’s students and families. Political experts have indicated that there is no inherent conflict of interest for a couple holding elected positions in the same city. Duncan is committed to ensuring her decisions as a trustee align with the educational best interests of the district.