Longtime Stanislaus County schools chief Petersen remembered for his commitment to youth

Martin Petersen, Stanislaus County’s superintendent of schools for 16 years, has died at 88.

Surrounded by his children Martin, Michele, and Matt, Mr. Petersen died of natural causes in Modesto on July 26.

During his four terms, he created many youth programs, including STANREAD to increase literacy, the Youth Entertainment Stage Company to help at-risk youth through performing arts, and the Before and After School Learning Program. In addition, he formed two vocational education schools, including the Petersen Alternative Center for Education, and founded the Education Foundation of Stanislaus County.

“He always did the most to help kids regardless of where they came from and the challenges they faced,” his children said in a statement.

Graduated from, and first taught at, Turlock schools

Born in Sydney, Montana, on Feb. 6, 1935, Mr. Peterson spent his early life with his nine siblings in Billings, Montana, before the family moved to California 10 years later. He attended Turlock High School, where he played football as a linebacker, earning the nickname “Spider.” After graduating, he enlisted in the Navy in 1953.

Three years later, he married his wife, Sharon Lee Volk, and had three children together.

His career in education began in 1961 when he decided to teach at Turlock Elementary School District. He taught at Cunningham Elementary, too, well before becoming the principal at Johnson Joint Elementary in Turlock.

Mr. Peterson became one of the youngest superintendents in California, first at Big Oak Flat Groveland Unified School District and then at the Jamestown School District. After fulfilling his roles here, he traveled to Modesto to become principal at Sylvan Elementary and then Sherwood. He worked as the Waterford Unified School District superintendent, as well.

In November 1990, Mr. Petersen was elected Stanislaus County superintendent of schools and served in the position for four terms before retiring in January 2007.

His children said Mr. Peterson was most proud of the Youth Entertainment Stage Company, or YES Company, which is an audition-based theater company that produces a full-length Broadway musical each summer featuring students in grades seven through 12.

“We are so proud of our dad,” his children’s statement said. “He poured his heart and soul into helping kids and helping the education system.”

Donations can be made in his memory to the Modesto Red Shield Community Center/Salvation Army. A celebration of life will be held Aug. 5 at 1 p.m. at the Martin G. Petersen Event Center, 720 12th St., Modesto.

“Martin Petersen definitely left a mark on education in Stanislaus County,” said current County Superintendent of Schools Scott Kuykendall. “He strongly believed in providing vocational and career education opportunities for students, and his legacy continues today with many programs that he put into place years ago.”