FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Downloadable High-Resolution Pictures of Appointments)
Media Contact:
James Canning, 313-580-2845, jcanning@sandi.net
Mike Murad, 619-925-4790, mmurad@sandi.net
SD UNIFIED REMOVES "INTERIM" FROM TITLES OF SEVERAL LEADERS ON SUPERINTENDENT'S TEAM
SAN DIEGO (JUNE 24, 2025) – Following a unanimous vote last week by the Board of Education Trustees to name Dr. Fabi Bagula as Superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District, a number of executive positions were solidified as several leaders serving "interim" roles were appointed to the permanent position. Several appointments were announced at this evening's Board of Education meeting.
"With the level of experience, education, and background each person brings to their respective leadership roles, I'm confident these team members are committed to the direction our District is headed as we build upon the foundation we've already established," said Superintendent Dr. Fabi Bagula. "They've already shown they are incredibly capable of flourishing in their roles. I congratulate each of them on their well-deserved advancements."
Nicole DeWitt has been named Deputy Superintendent, effective June 25, 2025. She has been serving in the role of Interim Deputy Superintendent since December 2024. DeWitt began working in public education in 2002, spending 15 years in the Grossmont Union High School District before joining San Diego Unified in 2017 as the Principal of Scripps Ranch High School. Since then, she has served as an Instructional Support Officer, Executive Director of Student Services, and currently as the Senior Executive Director, Thriving School Communities.
DeWitt brings successful experience improving outcomes for historically underrepresented students, such as strategically partnering with her colleagues at Granite Hills High School to increase access to college preparatory coursework for English Learner students through the use of bilingual classroom assistants and differentiated supports. This approach led to significant gains in the Academic Performance Index score for the English Learner population and contributed to Granite Hills receiving the California Distinguished School award for the first time in school history.
Marissa Robledo Allan has been appointed Senior Executive Director, Thriving School Communities, effective June 25, 2025. Allan brings over 25 years of experience in public education across various roles, with a focus on enhancing student outcomes and providing comprehensive support for students, educators, and families. She currently serves as the Senior Director of the Multilingual Education Department and has also been serving as the Interim Senior Executive Director, Thriving School Communities.
Allan has been recognized with the 2024 Leadership in Biliteracy Award by the San Diego County Office of Education, the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators for exceptional leadership in 2023, and the 2019 & 2020 Leadership Award from the Chula Vista Elementary School District. She also spearheaded the establishment of the District's Dual Language Department and Newcomer Welcome Centers.
Veronika Lopez-Mendez has been named Executive Director, Multilingual Education Department, effective July 1, 2025. Lopez-Mendez brings years of experience in public education, including a background as Principal, Vice Principal, Program Manager, and currently as the Director of Dual Language Programs. Lopez-Mendez has been serving in the role of Interim Senior Director, Multilingual Education Department.
Lopez-Mendez oversees 25 dual-language programs, ensuring alignment with district goals and equitable implementation. Lopez-Mendez has led professional learning initiatives for educators, developed leadership capacity, and used program evaluations to improve student outcomes. As Principal of Rosa Parks Elementary, she led a diverse community school, implementing bilingual and English language programs, enhancing instruction, and establishing a comprehensive multi-tiered system of supports. At Language Academy, she oversaw Pre-K–8 Spanish Two-Way and French One-Way immersion programs, driving academic growth and boosting enrollment through innovation and community engagement.
Brian Spry has been named Executive Director, Due Process Hearings & Mediation, effective July 1, 2025. Spry has worked for the District as Director of Due Process and Mediation.
Spry has successfully led Due Process and Mediations since his promotion from Program Specialist to Director in August 2021. Spry has developed and implemented complex strategies to reduce litigation exposure while improving student services, including both litigation strategies and by providing leadership to our broader special education community through development of training programs and increased inter-departmental integration.
Additional appointments announced at the District's Regular Board of Education meeting include:
- Stacey McGee to the position of Principal, Roosevelt International Middle School, effective July 1, 2025.
- Isaiah Hilton to the position of Associate Principal, Clark Middle School, effective July 1, 2025.
- Eveline Torres to the position of Associate Principal, Montgomery Middle School, effective July 1, 2025.
- Randee Matuk to the position of Associate Principal, Dana Middle School, effective July 1, 2025.
- Janelle Aleksic to the position of Associate Principal, University City High School, effective July 1, 2025.
- Raquel Huerta to the position of Associate Principal, Logan Memorial Educational Complex High School, effective July 1, 2025.
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James Canning (He/Him)
Executive Director, Strategic Communications & Information
San Diego Unified School District
jcanning@sandi.net | www.sandiegounified.org
Mobile Phone: 313-580-2845
4100 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103
Note: I may send and respond to emails outside of my normal workday or workweek. Please do not feel obligated to reply outside of your normal work schedule. Thank you.