District Highlights
Week of August 28, 2026
Week of September 11, 2026
🏐🏆 Champions! VDM 7th Grade Girls Volleyball Team Recognized 👏💙💛
On Thursday, September 10, 2026, during the San Ysidro School District Governing Board Meeting, the Governing Board and Superintendent Dr. Gina Potter proudly recognized the Vista Del Mar Middle School 7th Grade Girls Volleyball Team for earning the title of Sweetwater Middle School Athletic League Champions. 🏐🏆
Congratulations to student-athletes Emma Gilliand, Genesis Torres, Giselle Navarro, Naomi Figueroa, Sofia Lopez, Nitzia Rodriguez, Ximena Gomez, Anna Velazquez, Valentina Inzunza, Venisse Gonzalez, and Ariana Sandoval, along with Coach Jaime Abarca, for this outstanding accomplishment. Their championship reflects the hard work, teamwork, perseverance, and dedication demonstrated throughout the season.
The District congratulates these talented student-athletes and Coach Abarca on this well-deserved achievement and thanks them for representing Vista Del Mar Middle School and the San Ysidro School District with pride. Their success shows what commitment, collaboration, determination, and teamwork can achieve. 🏐🏆👏
⚾🌟 VDM Student Isabella Fuentes Recognized for Outstanding Baseball Achievement
💙 Honoring the Legacy of Veronica Medina 💙
On Thursday, September 10, 2026, during the San Ysidro School District Governing Board Meeting, a special County of San Diego Proclamation from County Supervisor and Chair Pro Tem Paloma Aguirre was presented in honor of the extraordinary life, legacy, and public service of Veronica Medina. A special thank you to Board Clerk Martin Arias for helping secure this meaningful recognition, which was presented to Veronica’s wonderful son, Nathaniel Medina, in remembrance of his mother and the lasting impact she made on San Ysidro’s students, families, employees, and community.
The proclamation recognized Veronica’s dedication to serving the whole child, strengthening community partnerships, and connecting vulnerable students and families with critical resources and support. In recognition of her remarkable service, leadership, compassion, and enduring contributions, September 10, 2026, was officially proclaimed “Veronica Medina Day” throughout San Diego County. Her legacy will continue through the countless students and families she served, the colleagues she inspired, and the systems of care she helped build. Veronica Medina Day will forever honor a life devoted to serving others and strengthening the San Ysidro community. 💙🕊️
🌟👏 Student Leadership in Action: Ryan Maden Recognized by Governing Board
During the September 10, 2026 Governing Board Meeting, the Governing Board and Superintendent Dr. Gina Potter proudly recognized Ryan Maden, a 7th-grade student at Vista Del Mar Middle School, for demonstrating outstanding student leadership. Ryan was recognized for his active participation and leadership on the School Site Council, as well as for having the courage and confidence to speak before the Governing Board and share his voice as a student leader. His willingness to become involved, represent his fellow students, and participate in the decision-making process demonstrates the importance of student voice, leadership, and civic engagement. Congratulations, Ryan, for setting a positive example for your peers and showing that students can make a meaningful difference in their schools and community! 👏💙💛
🌟 Learning, Connecting, and EMPOWERing Our Schools! 💙💛
On September 10–11, 2026, members of the San Ysidro School District team participated in the 2026 California Community Schools EMPOWER Summit, hosted by the State Transformational Assistance Center (S-TAC). The Summit brought together educators, district and school leaders, students, families, community organizations, and California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP) grantees from across the state to collaborate, exchange ideas, and strengthen community schools. Centered on helping the whole child thrive, the conference explored how schools can connect teaching and learning with the needs and strengths of students, families, and their communities while creating cultures of engagement where everyone feels heard, valued, included, and empowered to participate. 🤝📚
Throughout the two-day conference, the SYSD team explored strategies related to family and community engagement, student wellness, shared and community-driven leadership, expanded learning opportunities, participatory data practices, sustainable funding, and powerful teaching and learning. Sessions led or co-led by WestEd highlighted evidence-based strategies, implementation lessons, and successful practices from education partners throughout California. One important message resonated throughout the Summit: schools are more than classrooms—they are communities. SYSD’s participation reflects our continued commitment to building meaningful partnerships, elevating student and family voice, and strengthening welcoming, supportive, and student-centered schools where every student feels connected, included, supported, and empowered to succeed. 🌟✨💙💛
Positive District Budget News
Dear Families and Colleagues,
We are pleased to share a positive update regarding the District’s financial position. The 2025–2026 Unaudited Actuals (closing of the financial books) presented at the Governing Board Meeting on September 10, 2026, demonstrates that, despite the significant fiscal challenges faced during the past year, the San Ysidro School District met all of its financial obligations for the 2025–2026 school year with the support of reserves. Thus, the year-end financial results were stronger than projected.
We are also pleased to reiterate the good news previously shared with our District community: the Governing Board adopted the 45-Day Revised Budget for 2026–2027, which stabilized the District’s budget and fully restored its reserves. The revised budget projects a positive fiscal position and provides a stronger financial foundation for this school year. The District’s financial history also reflects five consecutive years of positive budget certifications from 2020–2021 through 2024–2025, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to responsible financial management.
While we recognize that financial challenges remain—including continued declining enrollment and rising educational program costs—we are encouraged by these results and remain focused on protecting student programs, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and planning carefully for the future. We are grateful to our Governing Board, employees, families, and community for their continued support and partnership as we work together to ensure that every District dollar is used thoughtfully in support of student success.
Noticias positivas sobre el presupuesto del distrito
Estimadas familias y colegas:
Nos complace compartir con ustedes una actualización positiva sobre la situación financiera del distrito.
Las cifras reales no auditadas de 2025-2026 (cierre de los libros contables) presentadas en la reunión de la Mesa Directiva celebrada el 10 de septiembre de 2026 demuestran que, a pesar de los importantes retos fiscales a los que se ha enfrentado durante el último año, el Distrito Escolar de San Ysidro ha cumplido con todas sus obligaciones financieras correspondientes al ciclo escolar 2025-2026 gracias al apoyo de las reservas.
Por lo tanto, los resultados financieros de fin de ejercicio fueron mejores de lo previsto.
También nos complace reiterar la buena noticia que ya compartimos con la comunidad del distrito: la Mesa Directiva aprobó el presupuesto revisado de 45 días para 2026-2027, que estabilizó el presupuesto del distrito y restableció por completo sus reservas. El presupuesto revisado prevé una situación fiscal positiva y proporciona una base financiera más sólida para este ciclo escolar. El historial financiero del Distrito refleja, asimismo, cinco años consecutivos de certificaciones presupuestarias positivas, desde 2020-2021 hasta 2024-2025, lo que demuestra un compromiso duradero con una gestión financiera responsable.
Aunque somos conscientes de que persisten los retos financieros —entre ellos, el descenso continuo de la matrícula y el aumento de los costos de los programas educativos—, estos resultados nos animan y seguimos centrados en proteger los programas para los alumnos, mantener la responsabilidad fiscal y planificar cuidadosamente el futuro. Agradecemos a nuestra Mesa Directiva, a los empleados, a las familias y a la comunidad su continuo apoyo y colaboración mientras trabajamos juntos para garantizar que cada dólar del distrito se utilice de forma prudente en beneficio del éxito de los alumnos.
Pedestrian Safety Improvements on Otay Mesa Road
As part of our ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian safety along Otay Mesa Road, I have been working with the City of San Diego to implement additional safety measures near our District Office.
The City recently approved installing a new pedestrian crosswalk, including flashing lights and enhanced signage, just south of the District driveway. Construction is scheduled to begin on September 15, 2026, and continue through April 2027.
To help minimize disruptions, City-contracted crews will not perform work during morning student drop-off or afternoon pick-up times. Once completed, these improvements will provide enhanced safety for pedestrians, students, families, staff, and community members traveling through the area.
🎬 Beyond the Screen: Family Movie & Mental Wellness Day – September 26
The San Ysidro Education Collaborative (SYEC) invites families to Beyond the Screen: Family Movie & Mental Wellness Day on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Border View Family YMCA. Families are invited to enjoy a special screening of Toy Story 5 while exploring the importance of balancing technology with meaningful connections, mental wellness, healthy habits, and offline play. Doors open at 12:00 p.m., with the movie beginning at 12:30 p.m. The free community event will also feature complimentary snacks, and families are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair. This fun, engaging event gives families a chance to spend quality time together while promoting healthy connections and overall well-being.
🎓 HACU College and Career Fair – Free Community Event!
Students and families are invited to attend the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) College and Career Fair on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Chula Vista. This FREE event is open to students, families, community members, and career-ready professionals.
Middle school, high school, and college students will have the opportunity to meet representatives from local and national colleges and universities and learn about undergraduate and graduate admissions. Attendees can also connect with employers from across the country to explore student internships and employment opportunities.
We encourage our San Ysidro School District students and families to take advantage of this opportunity to begin exploring future college and career pathways! 🎓
📅 Sunday, November 1, 2026
⏰ 2:00–5:00 p.m.
📍 Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center
1000 H St., Chula Vista, CA 91910
My College Tours: Scholarships & Financial Aid Session
Students, families, counselors, and educators are invited to participate in a free virtual Scholarships & Financial Aid Session hosted by My College Tours on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST. The interactive session, “Navigating Scholarships & Financial Aid: Plan. Prepare. Pay for College,” will provide practical tips for finding, applying for, and maximizing scholarship and financial aid opportunities. Participants will also hear directly from current students and graduates of Morehouse College, Spelman College, the University of Michigan, and New York University, who will share their college experiences and answer questions. Families interested in participating may register using the information provided on the flyer.
Disclaimer: The San Ysidro School District is distributing this information as a community service. Distribution of this information does not constitute or imply endorsement by the District of the organization, program, services, or activities described.
💼 Join the San Ysidro School District Team!
Looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students? Click on the EdJoin link to explore current employment opportunities with the San Ysidro School District. We invite passionate, dedicated, and talented individuals to join our team and help empower every student to learn, grow, and succeed. Your next career opportunity could be just one click away! 💙💛
