Superintendent Presta

Toni Presta brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership to her role as superintendent of JUHSD. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education Administration and Policy Analysis from Stanford University and has been a dedicated member of the San Mateo County education community for over 30 years.

A San Francisco native, Superintendent Presta began her career teaching elementary and middle school students in Daly City and Brisbane before serving as principal of Panorama School for seven years. She went on to lead Brisbane School District as superintendent for eight years—while simultaneously serving as superintendent of Bayshore School District for two years. Before taking on her current role as superintendent of JUHSD, she served as the director of educational services in the Hillsborough City School District and the associate superintendent of Human Resources in JUHSD.

A Champion for Equity and Student Success

At the heart of Superintendent Presta’s leadership is a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. She believes in creating school environments that celebrate the value and potential of every child. A steadfast advocate for social justice in education, she has worked to expand opportunities for all students while ensuring systemic professional development and support for staff.

Her commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom. For over a decade, she has served on the San Mateo County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) Board, ensuring that students receive the resources they need. She is also an active board member of the Daly City Partnership and serves on the advisory board of the Daly City Youth Health Center, reinforcing her dedication to community engagement.

A Visionary Leader in Education

Superintendent Presta is a strong proponent of professional growth and lifelong learning. She has mentored and supported educators at all levels, from teachers to district administrators, fostering leadership and instructional excellence. As an advocate of the Constructivist Educational Philosophy, she emphasizes critical thinking, creative problem-solving, interdisciplinary learning, emotional intelligence, and civic engagement—essential skills for the 21st century.

Under her leadership, she has successfully navigated economic challenges while maintaining a balanced budget and enhancing student services. In her former district, she spearheaded the implementation of Common Core and personalized learning initiatives even through economic downturns. In JUHSD, she has led her team to focus on student voice, equity, and social justice for all students and has expanded access to wellness services, built state of the art facilities, improved curriculum and instruction, and maintained a focus on ensuring equity and access for all, while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Community-Focused Leadership

Superintendent Presta is deeply committed to building strong community partnerships. She has secured grants from the Silicon Valley Community Foundation and the Silicon Valley Education Foundation, funding key educational initiatives such as The Big Lift, high school math placement, technology integration, and COVID-19 support. Her ability to cultivate relationships and foster collaboration is a cornerstone of her leadership philosophy.

Beyond the Office

Outside of work, Superintendent Presta enjoys spending time with her son, Dominic, as well as their cat, Coco, and dog, Charlie. She loves hiking, soaking up the sunshine with friends and family, and experiencing live music. A lifelong San Francisco Giants fan, she never misses a chance to cheer on her team!