Staff Report

The Vista Del Mar Union School District Board of Trustees have appointed Dr. Lois Peterson as the district’s new superintendent/principal.  Peterson began her duties on July 1. 

The district consists of Vista de la Cruces School, a K-8 school located in Gaviota, next to junction of highways 1 and 101.

Photo contributed
The Vista Del Mar Union School District Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Lois Peterson as the new superintendent/principal.

Peterson was born and raised in a small farming community and is one of 15 children. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista University in Iowa, a master’s degree at Iowa State University and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. She is an emeritus member of the National Advisory Board at Harvard University Principals’ Center and is in the Athletic Hall of Fame at Buena Vista. 

Peterson began her 40-year career as a teacher and a coach and has since served in a number of roles. She is passionate about serving students and families and has a strong background in equity and student achievement. 

Her career includes four years as principal of Albert Einstein Middle School in Sacramento. Under her leadership there, the school was recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, as a California Distinguished School, and earned Title I Academic Achievement honors. She also served as the assistant superintendent for instruction and learning at the North Monterey County School District and in various central office roles in other school districts. 

“I am humbled and privileged to serve the Vista Del Mar Union School District community,” Peterson said. “I look forward to working with our teachers, staff, parents, community members and the board to ensure exceptional educational opportunities for all students and to lead our staff forward in making an already good school system even better.”

Peterson will be reaching out to parents and community members in July. The Vista Del Mar Union School District board invites parents and community members to connect with Peterson as she provides leadership and serves the district in achieving our mission to achieve the highest level of teaching and learning for all students. 

Vista Del Mar is a small one-school district with small class sizes and is open to enrollment for out-of-district students. The district currently plans to maintain on-site classes for students five days per week for the 2020-21 academic school year. Please contact Dr. Peterson at 805-686-1880 if you’re interested in learning more.