District Highlights
Week of August 28, 2026
Week of October 16, 2026
Remembering and Honoring the Life of Veronica Medina💛🕊️
On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, our San Ysidro School District family, colleagues, friends, and community members came together at Vista Del Mar Middle School for a heartfelt Celebration of Life honoring our beloved colleague and friend, Mrs. Veronica Medina. We were especially honored to have Veronica’s son, Nathaniel Medina, and her mother, Nancy Garcia, join us for this meaningful tribute. The ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on Veronica’s remarkable legacy of service, kindness, compassion, and dedication to our students, families, and community. District leadership, colleagues, friends, and loved ones shared touching memories and personal stories, celebrating the joy, laughter, and lasting impact Veronica brought to so many lives: Board President Irene Lopez, Board Vice President Zenaida Rosario, Board Clerk Martin Arias, Superintendent Dr. Gina Potter, Assistant Superintendent Manuel Bojorquez, Family Friend Raquel Maden, San Ysidro Women’s Club Vice President Alice De La Torre, Pupil Services Representative Lupita Barrera, Outreach Consultants Representative Nirvana Gonzalez, SYEA President Katina De Leon, and San Ysidro Education Collaborative Chair Cynthia Nagura. Veronica’s son Nathaniel Medina shared words of love for his mother and gratitude to her SYSD family.
The gathering was a beautiful reminder of the relationships she built and the countless lives she touched throughout her nearly three decades of service to our District.
A special thank you to our Educational Services Department for thoughtfully coordinating and planning this beautiful tribute to Veronica’s life and legacy. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to Nathaniel, Nancy, and everyone who attended, shared memories, and helped make this celebration so meaningful. Veronica will forever hold a special place in the hearts of our San Ysidro School District family. Her kindness, dedication, and beautiful spirit will continue to inspire us, and her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched. 💙🕊️
🌟💙 Sunset Elementary School Shines During District Leadership Visit! 💛📚
On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Superintendent Dr. Gina Potter, Board Vice President Zenaida Rosario, Assistant Superintendent Manuel Bojorquez, and Director of Human Resources Efrain Burciaga visited Sunset Elementary School to observe classroom instruction and celebrate student success. The leadership team was impressed by the school's positive, peaceful, and joyful learning environment, where dedicated educators promote critical thinking, collaboration, and academic excellence. Classroom visits highlighted engaging instruction, teamwork, welcoming classrooms, and Sunset's three personal standards: Make Good Decisions, Solve Problems, and Show Respect.
The visit also showcased Sunset's commitment to student achievement, social-emotional learning, strong attendance, and family engagement through multi-tiered instructional practices, targeted interventions, and student support services. School leadership shared academic strategies to strengthen literacy, foundational reading skills, and English Language Development instruction. A special thank you to Principal Laura English for hosting the visit and to Sunset's outstanding teachers, classified staff, and support teams for creating a welcoming school community where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
💐Celebrating Día de los Muertos Through Storytelling, Music, and Community! 🌼
The San Ysidro School District, in partnership with the City of San Diego Public Library – Otay Mesa/Nestor Branch, is celebrating the rich cultural traditions of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) through special bilingual storytelling experiences at our schools. On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Willow Elementary School, and Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Sunset Elementary School, students have the opportunity to learn about this meaningful Mexican tradition that honors and remembers loved ones who have passed away.
Jackie Macias, Youth Services Librarian, is sharing engaging bilingual stories, interactive songs, and traditional Mexican music played on the jarana, a traditional string instrument. These special presentations promote literacy, cultural appreciation, and meaningful connections between our schools and community partners. The District sincerely appreciates Ms. Macias and the Otay Mesa/Nestor City of San Diego Public Library for bringing this enriching cultural experience to our students. Together, we continue to celebrate diversity, strengthen community partnerships, and empower students through learning!
Creating a Welcoming and Caring Space at Sunset Elementary School!
A special thank you to Sunset Elementary School Health Clerk Mary Tucker for creating a warm, welcoming, and caring environment for our students! In celebration of Día de los Muertos, Ms. Tucker beautifully decorated the school’s Health Office with colorful decorations honoring this meaningful cultural tradition. Her creativity and thoughtful efforts help make the Health Office a comforting and inviting space where students feel safe, supported, and valued.
We appreciate Ms. Tucker for going above and beyond to bring joy, cultural appreciation, and a sense of belonging to our school community. Her dedication reflects the important role our classified employees play in making our schools special places for students every day!
Willow Roadrunners: Lifelong Learners, Dedicated Educators! 💙📚
🌟Literacy Coaches and Reading Specialists Grant: Planning Meeting📚
On Monday, October 12, 2026, LCRSET teams from Willow, Sunset, Smythe, and La Mirada Elementary Schools came together for a productive and collaborative planning meeting in the District's Educational Conference Room. Joined by Maria Rodriguez, Coordinator of State and Federal Programs and Language Acquisition, and Maricela Buenrostro from Imperial County, the teams worked together to develop literacy plans tailored to the unique needs of each school. This meaningful collaboration reflects our District's ongoing commitment to strengthening literacy instruction, improving student achievement, and empowering every student to become a confident and successful reader.
Way to go, team! 👏 A special thank you to everyone for your dedication, collaboration, and shared commitment to student literacy and success. Together, we continue to make a positive difference in the lives of our students while embracing our District's theme, Empower/Empoderar! 🌟
District Participates in Great California ShakeOut Earthquake Preparedness Drill
On Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 10:15 a.m., all schools and the district office joined schools and organizations across California for the annual Great California ShakeOut Earthquake Preparedness Drill to promote earthquake safety and emergency preparedness. Students, teachers, administrators, and classified staff practiced essential safety procedures, including Drop, Cover, and Hold On, while reinforcing emergency response protocols and the importance of remaining calm and responding appropriately during an earthquake.
The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain a top priority. Through regular emergency drills, ongoing safety planning, and collaboration across our schools, the San Ysidro School District continues to strengthen its emergency preparedness and commitment to maintaining safe, secure, and supportive learning and working environments for all. Together, we stay prepared, informed, and ready to respond!
For additional information about earthquake safety, emergency preparedness, and helpful resources for students, families, and staff, please visit:
Great California ShakeOut: www.shakeout.org/california
California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES): www.caloes.ca.gov
Ready.gov – Earthquakes: www.ready.gov/earthquakes
Earthquake Country Alliance: www.earthquakecountry.org
San Ysidro School District Recognized for Excellence in School Bond Transparency
Dear SYSD Families and Colleagues,
The San Ysidro School District is proud to be recognized among San Diego County's top-performing school districts for transparency and accountability in the management of voter-approved school bond funds. According to the 2026 School Bond Transparency Report Card, released by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association on October 7, 2026, our District earned an “A” grade, reflecting its commitment to responsible financial oversight, transparency, and accountability to the community.
The District has established a strong record of excellence in school bond transparency over the past six years. San Ysidro School District earned an A- in both 2021 and 2022, followed by three consecutive A+ ratings in 2023, 2024, and 2025. These achievements placed the District among an exceptional group of school districts throughout San Diego County, ranking as one of only six districts to receive an A+ in 2023, one of five in 2024, and one of six in 2025. This consistent recognition demonstrates the District's longstanding dedication to financial transparency, responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds, and maintaining the public's trust.
The annual report evaluates school districts throughout San Diego County on 25 criteria, including financial management, bond program oversight, independent audits, annual reporting, and the effectiveness of Citizens' Bond Oversight Committees. This year, 16 of the 24 school districts evaluated earned grades in the “A” range, including San Ysidro School District. The recognition highlights the importance of maintaining accessible financial information, responsible oversight practices, and public accountability in managing taxpayer-supported school improvement investments.
This recognition reinforces the District's ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility and responsible stewardship of public resources. Through continued collaboration among the Governing Board, District leadership, Business Services Department, Facilities Department, and Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee, the District remains focused on supporting transparency while advancing school facility improvements that benefit students, staff, and families.
Congratulations to our Governing Board Members (Board President Irene Lopez, Board Vice President Zenaida Rosario, Board Clerk Martin Arias, Board Member Antonio Martinez, and Board Member Kenia Peraza), Superintendent Dr. Gina Potter, District team, and Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (Chair Ricardo Macedo, Vice Chair Gloria McKearney, and Members Hilario Rodriguez, Kenneth Johnson, Juan Morales, Daniela Armstrong, and Nancy Kerwin), and our outstanding Business, MOTF/CNS Accounting Teams (Chief Business Official Marilyn Adrianzen, Executive Secretary II Pat Caro, Business Services Technician Amber Sances, Accounts Payable Specialist Blanca Vega, MOTF Accounting & Procurement Specialist Laura Soria, Accounting Technician III Sadeer Sahib, and Buyer Araceli Felix) for their continued dedication to transparency, accountability, and responsible financial stewardship!
Together, we remain committed to building safe, modern, and welcoming learning environments while honoring the trust and investment of our San Ysidro community.
¡SYSD reconocida por su excelencia en transparencia en los bonos escolares!
Estimadas familias y colegas del SYSD:
El Distrito Escolar de San Ysidro se enorgullece de ser reconocido entre los distritos escolares con mejor desempeño del Condado de San Diego por su transparencia y rendición de cuentas en la administración de los fondos de bonos escolares aprobados por los votantes. Según el Informe de transparencia de bonos escolares 2026, publicado por la Asociación de Contribuyentes del Condado de San Diego el 7 de octubre de 2026, nuestro distrito obtuvo una calificación “A”, lo que refleja su compromiso con la supervisión financiera responsable, la transparencia y la rendición de cuentas ante la comunidad.
El distrito ha establecido un sólido historial de excelencia en materia de transparencia de los bonos escolares durante los últimos seis años. El Distrito Escolar de San Ysidro obtuvo una calificación de A- tanto en 2021 como en 2022, seguida de tres calificaciones consecutivas de A+ en 2023, 2024 y 2025. Estos logros situaron al Distrito entre un grupo excepcional de distritos escolares de todo el Condado de San Diego, clasificándose como uno de los únicos seis distritos en recibir una A+ en 2023, uno de los cinco en 2024 y uno de los seis en 2025. Este reconocimiento constante demuestra la dedicación de larga trayectoria del Distrito a la transparencia financiera, la administración responsable de los fondos de los contribuyentes y el mantenimiento de la confianza del público.
El informe anual evalúa a los distritos escolares de todo el Condado de San Diego según 25 criterios, entre los que se incluyen la gestión financiera, la supervisión de los programas de bonos, las auditorías independientes, la presentación de informes anuales y la eficacia de los Comités Ciudadanos de Supervisión de Bonos. Este año, 16 de los 24 distritos escolares evaluados obtuvieron calificaciones en el rango “A”, incluido el Distrito Escolar de San Ysidro. Este reconocimiento resalta la importancia de mantener información financiera accesible, prácticas de supervisión responsables y rendición de cuentas pública en la gestión de las inversiones para la mejora escolar financiadas por los contribuyentes.
Este reconocimiento refuerza el compromiso continuo del Distrito con la responsabilidad fiscal y la administración responsable de los recursos públicos. A través de la colaboración continua entre la Mesa Directiva, el liderazgo del Distrito, el Departamento de Servicios Financieros, el Departamento de Instalaciones y el Comité Ciudadano de Supervisión de Bonos, el Distrito sigue enfocado en promover la transparencia al tiempo que impulsa mejoras en las instalaciones escolares que benefician a los estudiantes, al personal y a las familias.
Felicidades a los miembros de nuestra Mesa Directiva (la presidenta de la Mesa, Irene Lopez; la vicepresidenta, Zenaida Rosario; el secretario, Martin Arias; el miembro Antonio Martinez y la miembro Kenia Peraza), a la superintendenta, la Dra. Gina Potter, al equipo del distrito y al Comité Ciudadano de Supervisión de Bonos (el presidente Ricardo Macedo, la vicepresidenta Gloria McKearney y los miembros Hilario Rodriguez, Kenneth Johnson, Juan Morales, Daniela Armstrong y Nancy Kerwin), y a nuestros destacados equipos de Administración y de Contabilidad de MOTF/CNS (la Directora de Servicios Financieros Marilyn Adrianzen; la secretaria ejecutiva II, Pat Caro; la técnica de servicios administrativos, Amber Sances; la especialista en cuentas por pagar, Blanca Vega; la especialista en contabilidad y adquisiciones de MOTF, Laura Soria; el técnico contable III, Sadeer Sahib, y la compradora, Araceli Felix) por su constante dedicación a la transparencia, la rendición de cuentas y la gestión financiera responsable.
Juntos, seguimos comprometidos a construir entornos de aprendizaje seguros, modernos y agradables, al tiempo que honramos la confianza y la inversión de nuestra comunidad de San Ysidro.
💼 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! 💙💛
