Dear Neighbor,
After serving two terms on the Escondido Union School Board, I am asking for your support to continue serving our students, families, teachers, and community.
Over the past two terms, I have worked to keep Escondido students at the center of our district’s decision-making. Together, we have invested in campus safety and security, strengthened accountability for academic achievement, expanded parent and family choice, and worked to ensure our district remains fiscally responsible and focused on delivering the best possible education for our students.
Serving on the Board has given me the opportunity to listen to families, work alongside educators and administrators, and help make decisions that directly impact our schools. I am proud of the progress we have made, but I also know there is more work to do.
I am seeking re-election because I believe my experience, tested leadership, and commitment to Escondido students can continue to make a difference. Our schools have tremendous potential, and I believe we can continue working together to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.
I am a mother, an educator, and a longtime advocate for students and families. After two terms of service, I am once again asking for the opportunity to be your voice on the Escondido Union School Board.
I would be honored to earn your vote and continue serving our community.
-Zesty Harper
About Zesty
Born and raised in Escondido, Zesty Harper is a product of Escondido public schools. After graduating from Escondido Charter, Zesty earned her bachelor's degree in education from Cal State University San Marcos. She began her career as a middle school teacher.
Zesty is married and the proud mother of three girls, all products of Escondido schools. After taking a break in her career to raise her kids, Zesty returned to work as a small businesswoman and realtor.
Zesty was elected to the Escondido Union School Board in 2014 and 2022
Under her leadership, EUSD secured all campuses with fencing and additional safety measures, added an additional resource officer, remained financially stable without any layoffs, implemented a one-to-one iPad initiative, reestablished a GATE program, revitalized campuses with bond revenue, adopted new curriculum to improve achievement, and expanded enrichment programs in robotics, arts and. coding, and more.
Zesty previously served as a member of the Escondido Union School District Personnel Commission, ensuring our dedicated district staff are supported and protected from retribution or unfair labor practices.
When not working and advocating for Escondido students, Zesty can likely be found at the softball fields, watching and supporting her three student athletes.
Zesty's Priorities
When Zesty served on the school board, she spearheaded efforts to improve campus safety by investing in fencing and additional resource officers. She will continue that work and make student safety and security the #1 priority. Students can’t learn if they are not in safe and secure classrooms and campuses. As a school board trustee, Zesty will make sure bond revenue is spent on campus improvements that guarantee the safety and security of our students.
Zesty is a strong believer in setting high standards for academic achievement that push students and teachers to excel. There is no reason that Escondido schools should not be performing at the same level as the schools located on the coast. Zesty will make sure the district is rewarding teachers who deliver positive academic results. With accountability and collaboration, Zesty will make sure we are improving academic performance in Escondido.
Zesty has overseen millions of dollars in campus reinvestments and many years of balanced budgets. She has the experience needed to make fiscally responsible decisions and utilize precious educational dollars effectively. Zesty will make sure that the district is living within it’s means and the long-term fiscal sustainability of Escondido schools is protected.
Student mental health and wellbeing needs to be a top priority. We can not repeat the mistakes of the pandemic. Zesty is committed to supporting student mental health and making sure our campuses have the resources needed to provide supportive services to students. Zesty is a proponent of anti-bullying programs that make sure students are respectful and compassionate towards their peers.
Zesty strongly believes in school choice and has supported local charter schools to increase innovation, competition, and choice in Escondido public schools. As a graduate of local charter schools, Zesty knows that there is not one single formula that works for all students and local charters serve as laboratories of innovation from which best practices can be developed and adopted . Zesty understands charters are not right for every student, and many Escondido students will thrive in a traditional educational environments, but believes that choice is key. Zesty will always advocate for providing parents and families with options.