Superintendent Presta has a wealth of experience in education, and has been an important part of the San Mateo County education community for many years. She is an experienced educator with progressive experience in all facets of administration. A San Francisco native, she taught elementary and middle school in Daly City and Brisbane, and was principal of Panorama School for seven years. She was the director of educational services at Hillsborough City School District, the associate superintendent of human resources at JUHSD, and served as the superintendent of Brisbane School District for eight years, while simultaneously serving as superintendent of Bayshore for two years. Superintendent Presta holds a Master’s Degree from Stanford University in Education Administration and Policy Analysis, and brings a wealth of experience in educational management to her role as superintendent.

A strong commitment to diversity and equity is at the core of Superintendent Presta’s work. She is talented in developing schools that appreciate the inherent value and capabilities of all children. She is an advocate for ensuring equity and opportunity for all students along with systemic support of staff in curriculum and instruction. She demonstrated a true commitment to equity by implementing Restorative Justice practices in schools. 

Superintendent Presta served on the San Mateo County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) Board for six years representing small school districts in San Mateo County. Under her leadership, Brisbane Elementary School District opened additional Special Day classes in order to teach students in their communities. She worked closely with school psychologists, resource specialists, and speech/language pathologists in order to best serve students. 

She strongly believes in promoting professional growth and development opportunities for staff. She has mentored and supported teachers, principals, subject matter coaches, and directors. She is a dedicated leader of Constructivist Educational Philosophy, focused on critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills essential for 21st century learning. She encourages active learning, interdisciplinary thinking, emotional intelligence, and civic-mindedness.

Superintendent Presta has led budgetary belt-tightening and maintained a balanced budget during the economic downturn while increasing classroom support. Despite this budgetary tightening, she was able to concurrently implement the Common Core, Balanced Literacy, and personalized learning. She successfully oversaw operations, facilities, grounds, and transportation.  She also has experience managing construction projects and participated in planning and supervision of construction and school remodeling during a bond project. 

With a warm and open approach, Superintendent Presta has developed strong community partnerships. As a member of the North County Mathematics Collaborative – Brisbane, Bayshore, Pacifica (NCMC), she helped to secure math grants from the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.  She also collaborated with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation and the Silicon Valley Education Foundation on various educational initiatives including the Big Lift, high school math placement, technology, and district mergers. She also serves on the Board of the Daly City Partnership. 

Superintendent Presta lives in South San Francisco with her amazing son Dominic and their cat Coco. She loves to spend time with her big Italian family. She also enjoys hiking and camping with friends. She always cheers for the Giants, and looks forward to once again enjoying a game outside in the sun.