Meet Peter.

I grew up in the Kansas City area, with a family dedicated to public service — first on a small farm that had been in my family for generations, and later in a suburb known for its strong public schools. That move to a new school district shaped my life in more ways than one. The change in schools from a rural district to a suburban one was dramatic. My mother taught English in that district, and I immediately saw firsthand how a quality public education can be transformative for those who have access to it.

My path has been winding, but purposeful. I’ve worked a variety of jobs, ranging from cooking in restaurants or working in the labor movement. I am particularly proud of my work as a union organizer where I fought for quality public services and the employees that provide them. My experience taught me a lot of things, but most importantly. it taught me how to listen to others and to work to find creative solutions to shared problems. My time in the labor movement inspired me to return to school to become a lawyer, and my experiences as an organizer continues to inform how I look at the world and engage with my community.

I’m running because I believe our schools — and our communities — are in a moment of crisis, but every crisis presents and opportunity for people to get involved and emerge stronger than before. Although budget cuts threaten to increase inequality, they also give us a chance to refocus on what matters most: the students, teachers and staff working in classroom classrooms, and ensuring that our system serves all of us, not just a privileged few. My campaign is grounded in transparency, accountability, and the belief that public education is the cornerstone of a just society.

When I’m not working, I enjoy cooking for my family and friends, staying active in the gym or on my bike, and playing music. I believe in staying curious, staying grounded, and never losing sight of the people we’re here to serve.