Our Team

Dieter Swank, Principal

Dear Laurel Elementary School Community,
My name is Dieter Swank, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new principal of Laurel Elementary. Having served as the assistant principal here, I am excited to continue my journey with this wonderful school. As a long-time resident of Oceanside, I have dedicated 28 years to education within the Oceanside Unified School District (OUSD), teaching various grades, including 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 6th, before moving into administration. My two children also attended Oceanside schools, further deepening my connection and commitment to our community.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working at many OUSD schools, which has provided me with a broad perspective on the unique needs and strengths of our district. I am passionate about the power of education and believe deeply in the supportive and vibrant community of Oceanside. My goal as principal is to collaborate with staff, students, and the wider community to build an institution that focuses on collective capacity, fosters a positive learning environment, and offers high-quality learning opportunities for all students.

I am honored to take on the role of principal at Laurel Elementary and look forward to continuing to work with each of you. Together, we can create a school where every student thrives and reaches their fullest potential. Thank you for your warm welcome and support as we embark on this exciting journey together.  Please feel free to reach out.

Christina Alton, Assistant Principal

Dear Laurel Families,

As a bilingual leader that is passionate about building a respectful culture of excellence, I am deeply humbled to have been selected as your new Assistant Principal for the 2024-25 school year. Having served in a variety of roles including teacher (K, 2nd, 5th, middle and high school), Migrant Ed TOSA (in Valley Center), principal (in City Heights, San Diego and in Lacey, WA), Foster Youth director (in Northern California where the Klamath River meets the ocean), mental health educational program manager (in Fremont, CA),  and most recently as Expanded Learning Coordinator (in Imperial Beach), I have a vast and varied experience not only in instructional leadership, but also in shepherding an organization to the next level.

Inspiring adults and connecting students to opportunities has been a key part of my accomplishments. However, I am most proud of raising my two children in a bicultural and bilingual household. Living in Costa Rica, Central America, helped me to deeply appreciate the multiple perspectives that families contribute to schools to support our students’ journey. While I have years of experience behind me, it is the years ahead that bring me hope. I look forward with anticipation and enthusiasm to an excellent school year and meeting you all very soon!