Profile
San Ysidro
The coastal community of San Ysidro is located 15 miles south of San Diego and lies adjacent to the United States-Mexico International Border. Often described as “The Gateway to Mexico,” San Ysidro attracts a tremendous number of tourists annually, making it the busiest border crossing in the world.
The residents are predominantly Hispanic/Latino, but the community is enriched with a multicultural population comprised of Filipinos, African Americans, Asians, Caucasians, and American Indians. Most of the land, extending eastward from the heart of the community, is being developed or awaiting development.
San Ysidro’s location and near perfect year-round climate offer outstanding recreational activities for ocean, mountain and desert enthusiasts. Popular pastimes include boating, fishing and attending professional sports games. The world-famous San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Lego Land and the San Diego Wild Animal Park are located nearby. Cultural opportunities include art galleries, museums and theaters in an area with a rich historical background.
Housing is easily obtainable in the city or in several nearby communities. Many universities, community colleges, and private colleges are within easy driving distance.
Superintendent Message
- Dear Students, Parents, Families, Staff & Community Members,
It is a privilege and a true honor to have the incredible opportunity to serve the San Ysidro School District as the new Superintendent. Having grown up in Imperial Beach, and as the third generation of south San Diego County educators in my family, it feels wonderful to come home and give back to a community that I hold dear to my heart. As a second generation American-born child on my mother’s side of the family who immigrated to America and having grown up with very young parents who began their lives together in poverty; my story is one of a child who, against the odds, achieved the American Dream. Due to my own childhood story, I believe that every student in our school district can achieve their dreams and aspirations. Together, we as district leaders, parents, teachers, and staff, can help our students turn their dreams of the future into reality.
Having proudly served in the field of education for 27 years within 6 culturally diverse school districts throughout California, I have supported schools as a classroom Academic Mentor, Teacher, Associate Principal, Preschool Director, Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and Deputy Superintendent. I hope to bring to our school district a caring, steadfast, loyal and collaborative leadership style. Together, as a united team, I know we will lead with integrity.
As a wife to a very supportive husband for 17 years, and a proud mother of two wonderful children, a tenth grade son and a sixth grade daughter, I know how important a high quality education is in a child’s life for their future success. This is the mission of our school district, to provide a “quality education and opportunity for all students to succeed.”
I look forward to meeting every student, parent, family, dedicated staff member, and our wonderful community leaders. I am eager to listen to what each of our stakeholder groups feel our district is doing well, along with what their future wishes and hopes are for our schools and district. Together we can build trust and confidence in our school district, create fiscal stability and increase student achievement. My steadfast commitment to student success is tightly aligned with our district’s vision of improving student learning through educational excellence.
The future is bright for our school district and the many successes we will create together for our students!
Sincerely,
Gina A. Potter, Ed.D.
Superintendent