Our Leadership Team

MARK BURROUGHS, SUPERINTENDENT/PRINCIPAL

Mr. Burroughs has faithfully served the San Pasqual Union School District for nearly 20 years.  Prior to assuming his current role of Superintendent/Principal, Mr. Burroughs was a classroom teacher, professional development coach, and assistant principal.  During his tenure with San Pasqual Union, Mr. Burroughs earned numerous honors and awards, including ACSA Superintendent/Principal of the Year (2021), California Teacher of the Year Finalist (2012), and San Diego County Teacher of the Year (2012).  Under Mr. Burroughs’ leadership, San Pasqual Union School was awarded the California School Board Association Golden Bell (2017) for outstanding achievement in the arts and named a 2022 Pivotal Practice Award winner by the California Department of Education.

Prior to his career in public education, Mr. Burroughs served as an officer of the court for the U.S. District Courts in both the Eastern District of Virginia and the Southern District of California.  In addition to his service to the Court, Mr. Burroughs was adjunct faculty at the Federal Judicial Center, training federal officers nationwide on risk management and correctional alternatives. He was recognized as U.S. Pretrial Services Officer of the Year for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Mr. Burroughs is an active member of the Escondido community.  He enjoys spending time with family, including his wife, Jennifer, and their 4 amazing children. Additionally, Mr. Burroughs serves on the Board of the San Pasqual Valley Planning Commission and New Vintage Church.     

Mr. Burroughs received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a minor in Communications and Theater Arts from Wake Forest University.  He later earned a Masters in Cross-Cultural Teaching from National University. 
 
Superintendent Contract

NICOLE ZDUNICH, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Mrs. Zdunich has been a part of the San Pasqual Union School community for many years. Prior to assuming her current role of Assistant Principal, Mrs. Z was a classroom teacher for public, charter, and private institutions, serving preschool, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students duing her teaching career.  During her tenure with San Pasqual Union, Mrs. Z. is active, serving as Variety Show director and Girls Scout Troop leader for many years. Mrs. Z has earned honors and awards, including Credit Union STEAM Award (2017-2018), Early Adopters Teachers of Stem Award- Schools First (2019), and Most Inspirational Employee (Nov. 2020). Under Mrs. Z.’s leadership, San Pasqual Union School was awarded PBIS Silver Recognition from the state of California. 

Mrs. Zdunich loves getting involved in the Escondido community and nearby areas. When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with family, including his husband, Matt, and their two wonderful children, Lincoln and Kennedy. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science with a minor in Law and Society from UCSD. Additionally, she earned her Masters Degree from SDSU and her teaching credential from California State, Fullerton. 

Mrs. Z. is committed to partnering with you and our amazing team of professionals to provide  students with high-quality educational opportunities in a safe and secure learning environment and  looks forward to an outstanding year of watching your children flourish. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact her  at nicole.zdunich@sanpasqualunion.net or 760-745-4931.