SMUHSD Welcomes New Board Members

SMUHSD Says Goodbye to Two Board Members; Welcomes Two New Board Members

January 9, 2023 -- On December 15, 2022 the San Mateo Union High School District said goodbye to two longtime Board Members - Peter Hanley (2001-2022) and Linda Lees Dwyer (2005-2022). During his 20+ years on the SMUHSD Board, Peter focused his attention on expanding student access to advanced placement and college classes, increased choice for families among District schools, modernizing the District’s schools and infrastructure and improved academic outcomes for struggling students.  Linda was known for her passionate advocacy and seeing education as an equalizer and an opportunity for all students to pursue their interests and achieve their goals. She was and continues to be an avid supporter of District sports and the fine and performing arts. See remarks about both of these dedicated public servants during the December board meeting.

Joining the Board in December 2022 are new trustees Teri Chavez and Jennifer Jacobson. Robert Griffin, a board member since 1996, will also start a new term. Greg Land, who joined the board in 2015 will serve as President and Ligia Andrade Zúñiga, who joined the Board in 2020, will serve as Vice President. 

Prior to joining the SMUHSD Board, Jennifer volunteered for the PTA at her children's schools in San Mateo. She currently serves on the board of the Peninsula Multifaith Coalition and has held leadership positions in both her church and the interfaith community for many years. She earned her MS in Nutritional Science from Brigham Young University and worked as a registered dietitian specializing in eating disorders. Since 2008 she has owned and operated a portrait photography business. She has five children, and her oldest two are currently students at Hillsdale High School. She and her family reside in San Mateo.

Prior to joining the SMUHSD Board of Trustees, Teri served on the San Bruno Park School District Board (SBPSD) of Trustees from 2018-2022. Teri has worked at Pacific Gas and Electric Company as an Expert Business Analyst for almost 30 years.  She graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Economics. She served as PTA Treasurer; school site councils at Rollingwood Elementary School, Parkside Middle School and Capuchino High School; LCAP & DELAC SBPSD District committees; 7-11 Advisory Committee for surplus property; and SMUHSD Equity Advisory Committee. She has completed all of the Masters in Governance courses facilitated by the California School Board Association. In 2017, she received the PTA Founders’ Day Award which is awarded to outstanding parent volunteers.  Teri and her family reside in San Bruno. One of her daughters attends Capuchino, and the other is a recent graduate of the school. 

Robert H. Griffin has been on the Board since January 1996.  He believes that education is the key to equality and has focused his attention on meeting the needs of all students. Prior to joining the school board he volunteered in the classroom through Junior Achievement and has been active in local volunteer organizations all his life. Robert is managing partner of Williams, Adley & Company, LLP. He has practiced public accounting for over 30 years. He graduated from the University of San Francisco with a BS in Accounting and obtained his CPA license in 1981. He completed the CSBA Master of Boardsmanship Program in 1997. He is a proud graduate of San Mateo High School and was born, raised and educated in San Mateo. He and his family reside in San Mateo. 

Pictured from left to right are: Trustee Jennifer Jacobson, Trustee Robert Griffin, outgoing Trustee Peter Hanley, Superintendent Randall Booker, outgoing Trustee Linda Lees Dwyer, Board President Greg Land, Board Vice President Ligia Andrade Zúñiga and Trustee Teri Chavez