SAN DIEGO UNIFIED OPENS CHOICE PRIORITY ENROLLMENT WINDOW FOR 2026–27 SCHOOL YEAR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                         Media Contact:
                                                                        Marisa Berumen, mberumen@sandi.net, 619-847-6029 

 

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED OPENS CHOICE PRIORITY ENROLLMENT WINDOW FOR 

2026–27 SCHOOL YEAR

The Choice Program offers families across the county access to specialized schools and programs 

tailored to student interests, learning styles, and future goals

 

*Interviews available with District leaders 

SAN DIEGO (SEPTEMBER 22, 2025) – San Diego Unified School District has officially opened the priority Choice enrollment window, now through November 3, 2025, for families interested in selecting a school other than their neighborhood school for the 2026–27 school year.

The Choice program gives families the opportunity to apply to schools outside their neighborhood boundaries, from TK through 12th grade, including programs with unique themes such as International Baccalaureate (IB), STEM/STEAM, world languages, and visual and performing arts.

Applications are entered into an electronic lottery system that considers district priorities like sibling enrollment, active military status, and program continuity. Families applying during the priority window have the best chance to secure one of their top choices. Applications are not processed on a first-come, first-served basis. 

"At San Diego Unified, we believe every child deserves a learning environment where they feel inspired, supported, and connected," said Superintendent Dr. Fabiola Bagula. "The Choice program is one way we partner with families to make that possible—by opening doors to schools and programs that reflect each student's unique strengths and dreams. This is about giving families voice, and giving students opportunities to thrive in environments where they truly belong."

To help families navigate the process, San Diego Unified will host two informational workshops via Zoom where parents and guardians can learn more and ask questions:

• Monday, October 6, 2025 | 5:30–6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, October 16, 2025 | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Zoom link:  https://sandiegounified.zoom.us/j/81378374938 

"It's important that families carefully consider the order in which they rank their school choices on the application," said Marceline Sciuto, Executive Director of Operations Support. "Last year, about 80% of applicants who applied during the Choice priority window received one of their top three choices, showing how much thought and planning can make a difference."

Families will be notified of their lottery results by mid-February 2026, allowing them time to coordinate with other district programs such as PrimeTime before- and after-school care.

For more information about Choice, visit Neighborhood Schools and Enrollment Options. Families may also contact the Family Welcome and Enrollment Center at (619) 260-2410 for multilingual support.

Choice Video can be found here 

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Marisa Berumen

Communications Supervisor

mberumen@sandi.net | www.sandiegounified.org

Mobile Phone: 619 847-6029

4100 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103

 

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SUPERINTENDENT DR. FABIOLA BAGULA NAMED ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 78 LATINO HERITAGE MONTH HONOREE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

                       

Media Contact:            

Marisa Berumen, 619-847-6029, Mberumen@sandi.net                                

Rachel Grandadino, 619-280-7801, rachel.grandino@asm.ca.gov 

                                                                                     

San Diego Unified Superintendent Dr. Fabiola Bagula named Assembly District 78 Latino Heritage Month honoree
Assemblymember Chris Ward recognizes educational leader for community contributions

SAN DIEGO (SEPTEMBER, 18, 2025) – Assemblymember Chris Ward has selected Dr. Fabiola Bagula, Superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District, as the 2025 Latino Heritage Month honoree for Assembly District 78.

The recognition acknowledges Superintendent Bagula's contributions to the Latino community and San Diego region through her work in public education. Assemblymember Ward's office cited her professional endeavors and leadership in public education as reasons for the honor. The announcement noted that Superintendent Bagula is the first Latina to serve as superintendent of the district and praised her leadership approach, which has been informed by her bicultural upbringing on the San Diego border.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Superintendent Bagula for years. Her leadership and dedication to San Diego’s students embody the rich cultural, civic, and social legacy of the Latino community. As the first Latina superintendent of San Diego Unified, she sets an inspiring example for the next generation of Latino leaders.” – Assemblymember Chris Ward

Superintendent Bagula has held various educational leadership positions throughout her career, including roles as an educator, principal and district administrator. She has provided leadership coaching to superintendents and cabinet members across San Diego County districts, including Poway, Encinitas, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Ramona, Coronado, and Lakeside.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from Assemblymember Ward during Latino Heritage Month. My story is rooted in the San Diego border, and while this honor celebrates representation, it also reminds me of the responsibility we carry to ensure every student in San Diego Unified—of every background—has the opportunity to thrive," Superintendent Bagula said.

Superintendent Bagula's recognitions include the 2023 California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators Central Office Administrator of the Year and the 2013 César Chávez Visionary Leader award. She has contributed to publications including "Latinas Leading Schools" (2021) and "Hispanic Perspectives on Student Support and Community Empowerment" (2024).

She holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego and has served as faculty at California State University San Jose and the University of San Diego. Bagula is currently a Yale-Broad Leadership fellow and has delivered presentations to school districts across California and internationally.

###

 

 

 

Marisa Berumen

Communications Supervisor

mberumen@sandi.net | www.sandiegounified.org

Mobile Phone: 619 847-6029

4100 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103

 

NEWS RELEASE: Construction on Innovative Environmental and Climate Science Education Hub at Millennial Tech Middle School Begins

Event Broll can be found here.

Event photos can be found here.

Drone video and renderings can be found here.

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                           Media Contacts:
                                                                                                                                                                                         Jamie Ries, 619-855-9283, jries@sandi.net  

                                                                                                                                                                                         Samer Naji, 619-548-3388, snaji@sandi.net 

 

 

 

Construction on Innovative Environmental and Climate Science Education Hub at Millennial Tech Middle School Begins

 

 

SAN DIEGO (September 17, 2025) -  A trailblazing Climate Action Design Lab and campus transformation are officially underway in the heart of Chollas View. 

 

On Wednesday, San Diego Unified School District leaders joined Millennial Tech Middle (MTM) and Lincoln High School students in a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction on the MTM Whole Site Modernization project with a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Climate Action Design lab. 

 

The event, which took place during the 40th annual National Pollution Prevention Week and ahead of World Cleanup Day, included performances by the Lincoln High cheer team and band, along with a self-programmed drone demonstration from MTM STEAM students. 

 

“Both National Pollution Prevention Week and World Cleanup Day remind us of the importance of taking care of our environment,” said San Diego Unified Superintendent Dr. Fabi Bagula. “This Climate Action Design Lab will bring those lessons home, integrating outdoor learning with classroom discovery and empowering students to take action.” 

 

Offering an extension to Earthlab, an outdoor classroom and living lab, the STEAM Climate Action Design Lab facility will feature two lab rooms, an outdoor atrium, and support spaces. 

 

The project also incorporates a student services facility that will serve as the main campus entryway, a gymnasium and multipurpose building, a student-use playfield, a locker room addition, solar panels, security enhancements, a reconfigured parking lot, hardscape, landscape, and sidewalk replacements. 

 

“Our new campus will inspire them to succeed and pursue futures in science and sustainability even more than they already have,” said Nicola Labas, Principal of Millennial Tech Middle School. 

 

The new student services facility will include a lobby, student support offices, collaborative work spaces, and a renovated parking lot that will include solar panels, a student drop-off and pick-up area, visitor parking, and a separate area for staff parking. Secure perimeter fencing will be installed campus-wide to direct visitors to the main campus entryway. The new gymnasium and multipurpose building will include scoreboards and bleachers. The softball field will include backstops and dugouts. Funding is made available through local bond funds, approved by voters to improve San Diego Unified schools.

 

Once complete, the STEAM Climate Action Design Lab will integrate continued partnerships with Groundwork San Diego and UC San Diego's Center on Global Justice. Along with MTM, Groundwork partners with six additional schools in the Lincoln Cluster, including Lincoln High School and Johnson, Encanto, Webster, Horton, and Chollas Mead elementary schools. 

 

“This partnership is so crucial to teaching Lincoln cluster students lifelong skills that can encourage them to become leaders in climate action,” said Board of Education Trustee Dr. Sharon Whitehurst-Payne. “Teachers are also benefiting from the partnership because they provide the curriculum with Groundwork, and Groundwork comes up with hands-on projects based on that curriculum. It’s a win-win for education.” 

 

An exciting step forward in the San Diego Unified School District’s commitment to innovative STEAM education, the STEAM Climate Action Design Lab will be the first dedicated climate action lab. It also serves as the blueprint for future STEAM initiatives where classroom learning and real-world application intersect. 

Additionally, San Diego Unified continues to expand STEAM opportunities through a drone program that engages students across all grade levels in computer science and related fields. MTM has emerged as a leader in this work, helping ensure that students are prepared with both the technical and problem-solving skills needed for future-ready careers. 

 

Construction on the lab and campus transformation is expected to be completed by late 2027. 

 

To read other recent bond program stories, please visit: https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/newscenter/school_bond_program.

 

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MEDIA ADVISORY: San Diego Unified to Break Ground on Innovative Environmental and Climate Science Education Hub at Millennial Tech Middle School

 

 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

 

San Diego Unified to Break Ground on Innovative Environmental and Climate Science Education Hub at Millennial Tech Middle School

 

WHAT:         

San Diego Unified School District’s Millennial Tech Middle (MTM) students will join district and community leaders to break ground on a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Climate Action Design Lab and Whole Site Modernization. The event, held during the 40th annual National Pollution Prevention Week and ahead of World Cleanup Day, will include performances by the Lincoln High cheer team and band, and a drone demonstration by MTM students. 

 

WHEN:          

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 

9:00 - 9:45 a.m.* 

 

*Heavy traffic will occur from 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. for student drop-off. 

 

WHERE:      

Millennial Tech Middle School

1110 Carolina Lane

San Diego, CA 92102

 

Drone video, renderings, and a construction postcard can be found here. 

 

VISUALS:      

9:00 - 9:11 a.m.-  Welcome, Lincoln HS Band & Cheer Team Perform

9:11 - 9:16 a.m. - MTM Student Drone Demos 

9:16 - 9:26 a.m. - Podium Speakers 

9:26 - 9:45 a.m. - Shovels to the Dirt, Photo Opps. Media 1-1s 

 

SPEAKERS:   

Dr. Fabi Bagula, Superintendent, San Diego Unified 

Dr. Sharon Whitehurst-Payne, Board of Ed. Trustee, San Diego Unified

Nicola Labas, Principal, Millennial Tech Middle School

Allie McCarthy, Education Director, Groundwork San Diego

Timothy Peňaloza, 7^th Grade STEAM Student, Millennial Tech Middle School  

 

BACKGROUND: 

Located in the Chollas View neighborhood, Millennial Tech Middle School has served the community for 70 years. A partnership program with Groundwork San Diego and UC San Diego’s Center on Global Justice offers students a unique hands-on opportunity with the EarthLab Climate-Action Park, an outdoor classroom and living lab.

 

Offering an extension to the Earthlab that teaches students to think like scientists, ecologists, and artists, the new STEAM Climate Action Design Lab facility will introduce two lab rooms, an outdoor atrium, and support spaces.

 

The project also incorporates a student services facility that will serve as the main campus entryway, a gymnasium and multipurpose building, a student-use field, a locker room addition to building 10, solar panels, security enhancements, a reconfigured parking lot, hardscape, landscape, and sidewalk replacements, and the removal of all portable classrooms.

 

The new student services facility will include a lobby, student support offices, collaborative work spaces, and a renovated parking lot that will include solar panels, a student drop-off and pick-up area, visitor parking, and a separate area for staff parking. Secure perimeter fencing will be installed campus-wide to direct visitors to the main campus entryway.

 

The new gymnasium and multipurpose building will include scoreboards, a portable stage, and bleachers. The field will feature a softball field with backstops and dugouts, which will be shared with Gompers Preparatory Academy.

 

Funding is made available through local bond funds, approved by voters to improve San Diego Unified schools.

 

PARKING MAP: 

MEDIA CONTACTS:  

Jamie Ries, Information Services Specialist, San Diego Unified, (619) 855-9283, jries@sandi.net.

Samer Naji, Facilities Communications Supervisor,  619-548-3388, snaji@sandi.net.

 

 

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED STUDENTS SHINE AT 4TH ANNUAL BIZCON CONFERENCE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                    

 

Media Contact: 

Marisa Berumen, mberumen@sandi.net, 619-847-6029 

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED STUDENTS SHINE AT 4TH ANNUAL BIZCON CONFERENCE

Seal Tank Pitch Competition Features Seven High Schools with over 400 Students Participants

 

SAN DIEGO (SEPTEMBER 12, 2025) – San Diego Unified high schools showcased their entrepreneurial spirit at today’s 4th Annual Business Conference, BizCon, held at the San Diego Convention Center. The highlight of the day was the “Seal Tank” pitch competition, where students presented innovative business ideas to a panel of local celebrity judges.

Students engaged in a variety of workshops focused on financial literacy, résumé writing, college and scholarship essays, and entrepreneurship fundamentals. Attendees also connected with mentors and explored opportunities through Vendor Avenue, which featured the Better Business Bureau, State of California Business Assistance, and the County Registrar of Voters.

“This is what opportunity looks like in action,” said Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D., San Diego Unified School District. “At BizCon, our students were not just learning—they were envisioning bold possibilities, creating innovative ideas, and stepping into their futures. Events like these show our commitment to Goal #4: College and Career Readiness, and ensure our students are prepared to lead, launch, and thrive.”

“BizCon is about planting seeds of possibility in young people,” said Roosevelt Williams III, BizCon Founder. “Today’s event showed that when students see themselves as innovators and entrepreneurs, they begin to understand that their dreams are valid, and their voices belong in every boardroom and decision-making space.”

Participating San Diego Unified schools included:
- Morse High School
- Crawford High School
- Patrick Henry High School
- Madison High School
- Lincoln High School
- School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA)
- Kearny High School

BizCon continues to build momentum as a hub for career exploration, skill development, and student empowerment in San Diego. The conference aligns closely with San Diego Unified’s mission to prepare students for success in college, career, and life.

###

 

Marisa Berumen

Communications Supervisor

mberumen@sandi.net | www.sandiegounified.org

Mobile Phone: 619 847-6029

4100 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103

 

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