Matt Pennon announces candidacy for Atascadero school board
Matt Pennon.
– Matt Pennon has announced his candidacy for the Atascadero Unified School District (AUSD) School Board, seeking to bring positive change and innovative solutions to the district.
Pennon’s campaign has received endorsements from Assembly Member Dawn Addis, Equality California, IBEW Local 639, and the San Luis Obispo County Democratic Party.
Addis, a former special education teacher and current member of the Assembly Education Committee, said, “I am proud to endorse incumbent Matt Pennon for the Atascadero Unified School District School Board. Matt has consistently demonstrated his dedication to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and high-quality educational environment for all students. His proven leadership, commitment to community, and deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our schools make him the ideal candidate to advocate for our students, educators, and families. I am confident that Matt will work tirelessly to ensure that every student in Atascadero has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.”
Equality California, the largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, endorsed Pennon for his commitment to inclusivity and equity in education. IBEW Local 639 and the San Luis Obispo County Democratic Party also support Pennon, acknowledging his dedication to creating a strong and supportive educational environment.
A resident of Atascadero and parent of three children currently attending AUSD schools, Pennon has been involved in the district. He served as PTSA president and as an AUSD School Board Trustee. Pennon has also supported the Committee for Atascadero Public Schools (CAPS), a nonprofit that funds grants for AUSD teachers.
During his tenure as an AUSD Trustee, Pennon conducted frequent school site visits to engage with students, teachers, administrators, and families. This engagement has provided him with a clear understanding of the district’s needs for growth and improvement.
“Educating Atascadero’s youth is not just my campaign; it’s my commitment as a parent, neighbor, and advocate for our future,” Pennon said. “I believe in fostering a culture of academic excellence, empowering student voices, engaging families, supporting our educators, and ensuring responsible financial stewardship. Together, we can create an inclusive, empowering environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
Pennon’s campaign priorities include:
- Academic excellence: Supporting programs that challenge and inspire students, catering to their individual strengths and interests.
- Student voice: Empowering students by incorporating their perspectives into decision-making processes.
- Family engagement: Strengthening partnerships between schools and families to support students’ holistic development.
- Teacher collaboration: Promoting collaboration among educators to enhance the quality of education.
- Financial stewardship: Using resources effectively to improve education while maintaining transparency and accountability.
Pennon’s campaign is built on integrity, transparency, and community involvement. For more information, to volunteer, or to donate, visit www.MattPennon.com.
About Matt Pennon
Matt Pennon, an Atascadero resident, is a dedicated husband and father of three children attending AUSD schools. He has served as President of the Atascadero Fine Arts Academy PTSA, where he led initiatives to support arts education and foster a vibrant school community. Pennon has also been active with CAPS, helping to build stronger connections between the community and schools. He is currently serving his two-year term as an appointed Trustee for AUSD, advocating for academic excellence, financial stewardship, and inclusive policies.
