Dear Employees and Community Members,
We are pleased to announce the conclusion of our search for our next superintendent. We have selected Bruce Peters as our final candidate. At the next regularly scheduled board meeting on Thursday, March 3rd, the Board will review a contract and then take action to approve an employment agreement.
Using all the input we received from so many people, the Board spent many long and thoughtful hours considering all the input so many provided, reading applications, matching qualifications for the position, developing interview questions based on the search criteria, and finally interviewing qualified applicants twice. Mr. Peters was chosen following a very rigorous selection process. Several members of our board then virtually traveled to Rescue Union School District in Rescue, California and met with classified and certificated employees, and the superintendent, and a board member who expressed how much they appreciated Bruce’s leadership and wished him ongoing success in Laytonville. In addition, fourteen people representing all constituent groups in Rescue were contacted about Bruce’s twenty-two-year tenure in Rescue Union School District. All expressed how fortunate Laytonville is to have such a remarkable educational leader join us in our pursuit of excellence for all.
Mr. Peters joins us with over seventeen years of school leadership experience in both elementary and middle schools. He began his career in Sacramento as a first grade teacher. He then moved to El Dorado Hills and started his long tenure at Lake Forest Elementary School. Bruce taught third grade for five years before moving to the office as Vice Principal. After a one-year Vice Principal position at Marina Village Middle School he returned to Lake Forest School and was hired as principal in 2007. Mr. Peters has been an administrator at the highly successful school ever since, which has received recognition as both a California Distinguished School and a National Blue Ribbon School during his time there.
Mr. Peters’ focus has primarily been on student achievement, but he also acknowledges the importance of exceptional student programs that promote learning of all types and community service. He values art and drama programs, gardening, student leadership and school sports. He created a 5th grade basketball league that has continued growing for 20 years and is one of the few of its kind in the region. Other areas of school pride are the annual Veterans Day Assembly, Reading Intervention Program, and the integration of the district’s Special Day program which was moved to Lake Forest three years ago.
Mr. Peters values strong relationships with students, families, and staff for the good of all student growth. He sees the importance of collaboration and communication, and is excited to work in an environment where he can know every student by name and have a close connection to all stakeholders he serves.
Bruce Peters was born and raised in Lakeport, CA, and was a graduate of Clear Lake High School in 1989. He was drawn to education at an early age and started working as an elementary classroom aide while still in high school. He followed his love of teaching into college, where he pursued a Liberal Studies degree at Humboldt State and Louisiana State University before completing his undergraduate and teaching credential requirements at CSU Chico. Currently, Bruce resides in Shingle Springs with his son, Miles, who will graduate from Ponderosa High School in May.
Bruce is a lover of sports, art, music and the outdoors. He is a life-long Giants fan, collects classic rock concert posters and has a sizable vinyl album collection. A son of a mechanic, Bruce also has developed a love of hot rods and owns a 1967 Camaro convertible that has been in a continuous state of restoration for over 35 years!
Mr. Peters was drawn to Laytonville for its rural environment and natural beauty. He is also looking forward to contributing to our tight knit community, which is something he has valued since childhood. He is honored by the opportunity to serve in LUSD, and eager to fully integrate into this community.
Although the official start date for Bruce’s work with us will be July 1, he will be able to transition in for a few days in advance and is eagerly wanting to meet everyone.
The Board would also like to again thank Joanie Potter for her dedication and service to our school during this past thirty-eight years – very big shoes to fill. The Board wishes Joanie a long, happy, and healthy retirement and is grateful for her years spent striving to make a difference for children and adults here in Laytonville.
We look forward to a smooth transition and are excited for Bruce Peters to meet our outstanding students, staff, teachers, parents and the entire Laytonville community.
Sincerely,
Calvin Harwood
Calvin Harwood, Board President