NEWS RELEASE: San Diego Unified Board of Education Officially Welcomes Two New Trustees to District
December 5, 2022
San Diego - The two newest members of the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education were sworn into office today during a special meeting in the Eugene Brucker Education Center.
In November, Shana Hazan was elected by voters to represent sub-district B, while Dr. Cody Petterson was elected from sub-district C. Members of the Board of Education are elected to a term of four years.
Trustee Hazan was sworn into office by former Congresswoman Susan Davis. Dr. Petterson was sworn into office by former teachers who have made an impact on his life.
Members of the Patrick Henry High School Navy JROTC assisted with the flag ceremony and Pledge of Allegiance.
Hazan will replace Kevin Beiser, who fulfilled three terms and chose not to run for reelection. Dr. Petterson will fill the spot of Dr. Michael McQuary, who also opted not to seek reelection. Dr. McQuary served two terms.
“I’d like to officially welcome Trustees Shana Hazan and Dr. Cody Petterson to the San Diego Unified Board of Education,” Superintendent Dr. Lamont Jackson said. “I look forward to working with both of them as we continue our commitment to achieve equity, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to thrive for every student in the district.”
“The work of a Board member is demanding, but also incredibly rewarding,” Board President Dr. Sharon Whitehurst-Payne said. “We welcome the expertise, insight and perspective both trustees bring to the district.”
Hazan is president of Hazan Strategies, a social impact consulting firm. She is a graduate of San Diego Unified and a former public school teacher. Hazan holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University.
“I know that with clear goals and thoughtful plans, centered around kids and families, we can build a school district where every student in every neighborhood can reach their full potential,” said Hazan. “I look forward to working with students, parents, and community partners to realize this vision.”
Dr. Petterson is Senior Advisor for Land Use, Education and Environment and manages Intergovernmental Affairs for San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer. He’s also a lecturer in the UC San Diego Anthropology Department. A San Diego Unified alum, Dr. Petterson earned his undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley, and his Ph.D. in Anthropology at UCSD.
“I have a deep sense of gratitude and an abiding belief that public education is essential for our children, for our communities, and for our democracy,” said Dr. Petterson. “I am extraordinarily grateful to help strengthen and improve our schools and give our students the tools they need to navigate the daunting future they face.”
At a reception following the morning ceremony, the Point Loma High School Orchestra entertained guests with a number of musical selections.
Contact: Communications Director Maureen Magee, [email protected].
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