Dr. Andy Johnsen serves as the Superintendent of the San Marcos Unified School District, bringing nearly thirty years of educational experience to the role. 

Dr. Johnsen’s career has included such positions as teacher, principal, director, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. Most recently, Dr. Johnsen served as the Superintendent of the Lakeside Union School District, and in June of 2021, was selected for the role as Superintendent for the San Marcos Unified School District. 

Dr. Johnsen’s passion for public education began in the Los Angeles Unified School District as a classroom teacher. He then worked as an assistant principal, principal, and went on to oversee more than 100 independent charters as the district’s Charter School Division Director. In 2007, he and his family relocated to North San Diego County where he spent eight years as a principal in the Poway Unified School District. 

In 2015, Dr. Johnsen was named “Region 18 Principal of the Year” by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) for his visionary leadership and student-centric approach.

In 2023, Dr. Johnsen was named “Superintendent to Watch” from the California School Public Relations Association for outstanding work in communications and engagement. Dr. Johnsen was one of only four Superintendents in the state to receive this designation.

Throughout Dr. Johnsen’s career, he has undertaken an array of initiatives and outreach that have created an environment of collegiality with staff, families, and the community-at-large. As a strong communicator and fluent Spanish speaker, he brings a deep sense of inclusivity and insight to the role. Dr. Johnsen’s ability to listen, build relationships and bring people together are trademarks that are elevating SMUSD’s mission to ensure all students are challenged, inspired, and poised to excel.

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A dedicated educator with over twenty-five years of teaching and administrative experience in middle and high schools, Dr. Campbell earned a Master of Science in Educational Administration from National University and her Doctorate from UCSD and CSUSM Joint Doctoral Program in Education Leadership. She began her career in SMUSD as an assistant principal for San Marcos High School in 2005 and served as principal of both San Marcos Middle School and San Marcos High School. Most recently she has served as SMUSD Director of Secondary Education and Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Secondary Schools before moving into her current position as Deputy Superintendent.

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Erin Garcia is the Chief Business Official with the San Marcos Unified School District, and has over 20 years of experience working in school business at two other school districts and two County Offices of Education. Erin manages seven departments within Business Services that consist of Child Nutrition Services, Facilities, Fiscal Services, Maintenance & Operations, Purchasing, Risk Management, and Transportation.  She serves as a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet providing advice and counsel to the Superintendent, Board, and others on all matters relating to the functions of business, budget, capital projects, contracts, negotiations, and more. She has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, concentrated in Accounting, from the University of Washington and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. She is also a proud veteran, and served as an officer in the United States Air Force for four years, managing the budget for a $12 billion military satellite program.

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Dr. Garcia oversees all human resources and development programs for SMUSD including employee recruitment and recognition programs, employment contracts, assignments, evaluations, as well as leads the collective bargaining efforts as the district’s Chief Negotiator. Dr. Garcia brings 21 years of educational leadership, with his last seven years of experience serving in Human Resources Administration in San Diego County school districts. In addition to Dr. Garcia’s numerous awards, he holds a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of California, San Diego and California State University, San Marcos, and is a graduate of the University of Southern California School Business Management Certification Program. 

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Amy Ventetuolo serves as the Public Information Officer for San Marcos Unified, bringing over 20 years of experience to the role. Ventetuolo has served as the Public Information Officer for the second largest county in Nevada, and Vice President of Marketing for a local healthcare organization. Her experience includes creating award-winning strategic communications and integrated marketing campaigns, including federal legislation communications. Ventetuolo earned her Bachelor's degree in Communication from California State University, San Marcos, and is currently completing graduate studies in Strategic Communications from Liberty Baptist University. She is also a graduate of CSUSM’s Leadership North County and holds multiple certifications in crisis communication Incident Command System training.

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Susan Boynton is the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent & Governing Board for the San Marcos Unified School District. Boynton brings a strong business background to her role, as well as a heart for the students, staff and families of SMUSD. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from California State University, San Marcos with a particular focus on Accounting principles and practices. Boynton has worked in SMUSD for over 7 years beginning as a Payroll Technician, then Administrative Assistant II, to now serving in her current role. These experiences at SMUSD have deepened her experience in administrative operations, payroll management, and executive support. However, Boynton’s professional passion is to bring efficiency to the workplace through process improvements, streamlining operations, and optimizing workflows, as well as building the professional development and capacity of others. 

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