Community Service

For over 28 years, Jay has been involved in numerous organizations that have contributed to the vitality and success of San Marcos:

• Appointed San Marcos City Councilmember (2018-2020)

• Elected Governing Board Member, San Marcos Unified School District (10 years)

• San Marcos General Plan Advisory Committee (currently serving)

• Chairman on San Marcos Unified School District (SMUSD) boundary committee to realign school site attendance areas 

• San Marcos Ridgeline Protection Ordinance Committee

• SMUSD Proposition K School Bond Campaign (2010)

• San Marcos High School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) president

• High School GradNight Committee Chairman and parent chaperone

• Founding member and president of the Discovery Elementary School PTO

• Parent volunteer on numerous SMUSD school district committees

(facilities, budget, curriculum, site boundaries)

• Cub scout and classroom helper

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Jay was awarded Parent Volunteer of the Year by the San Diego County School Boards Association for his service to the San Marcos Unified School District.

Jay was twice elected to the San Marcos Unified School District Board during a time of tremendous student growth and achievement. He played a key role in the oversight, planning, construction, and modernization of school facilities including the current District Office. Jay was actively involved in the Proposition K school bond campaign aimed at rebuilding San Marcos High School and modernizing and upgrading numerous schools.

During Jay’s tenure on the school board, twelve schools were recognized as California Distinguished Schools and two were awarded California Gold Ribbon Schools for exemplary and quality education programs provided by teachers.

Jay was unanimously appointed by the San Marcos City Council in 2018 to serve a two-year term, filling a seat that was vacated in the prior election. Jay worked collaboratively with his council colleagues on a variety of city-wide efforts including the adoption of balanced city budgets, initiation of the city’s general plan update, and approval of the $100+million San Marcos Creek Project. The Creek Project encompasses 214 acres that will enhance natural open space, expand the city’s park and trail system, and construct bridges on Bent Avenue and Via Vera Cruz to improve traffic circulation.

After Jay’s service on the city council, he was unanimously appointed to the city’s General Plan Advisory Committee. This committee currently works to identify key issues within the current General Plan, which is a “blueprint” for the future vision of San Marcos. The committee will also assist in developing solutions for these key issues. 

Jay’s involvement at the city level includes appointment by the San Marcos City Council to a citizen’s committee to work with staff in drafting the city’s Ridgeline Protection Ordinance. The ordinance was adopted by the city council and is designed to protect ridgelines in San Marcos from damaging development.

Jay’s proven leadership, local municipal experience, collaborative style, and thoughtful decision-making will effectively represent City Council District 2. In addition to those in his district, Jay understands the importance of addressing the needs and desires of all San Marcos residents.

On November 8, 2022, vote for a dynamic, thriving San Marcos!

Vote for Jay Petrek in District 2.