CA Urban School Districts Call for Sustained Education Investments in 2026–27 State Budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                            Media Contact: James Canning
                                                                                313-580-2845 / jcanning@sandi.net

 

Editor Note: Attached is the letter sent to Governor Gavin Newsom

 

CA Urban School Districts Call for Sustained Education Investments in 2026–27 State Budget
Leaders urge full Proposition 98 funding, local flexibility, and investments for other needs

 

SAN DIEGO (DECEMBER 18, 2025) — Leaders of eight large California urban school districts today advocated to California Governor Gavin Newsom urging sustained and strategic investments for public schools in the 2026-27 state budget.  

 

The letter, dated December 17, 2025, from Fresno Unified, Los Angeles Unified, Long Beach Unified, Oakland Unified, Santa Ana Unified, San Bernardino City Unified, San Diego Unified, and San Francisco Unified asks the state to take many actions, including providing an adequate cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA), modernizing the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) to meet current economic realities, provide flexible funding to support local priorities, and delivering more funding for special education programs.

 

Representing districts that serve more than 15 percent of California's students, these urban district leaders offered the following recommendations for the development of the 2026–27 state budget:

• Fully Fund the Proposition 98 Guarantee: Ensure all of the state's 2026-27 protected education funding is used to support students and public schools as intended. 
• Use One-Time Funds to Eliminate Deferrals and Increase Local Flexibility: Eliminate prior-year payment deferrals and fully fund the Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant. Any remaining funds should be provided to districts with maximum flexibility through a higher-than-required COLA or a discretionary block grant to sustain effective local programs and close achievement gaps.
• Strengthen and Increase Investments in the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF): Fund the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) above the statutory minimum to help districts manage rising costs for health care, pensions, insurance, and labor agreements—especially as declining enrollment diminishes the impact of the COLA; and modernize LCFF because current low-income thresholds no longer capture the needs of many California families.
• Provide Relief for Immigration-Related Impacts: Urge the State to mitigate the fiscal effects disruptions from federal immigration enforcement are having on schools.  
• Invest in Special Education and Behavioral Supports: Increase funding support for students with moderate and severe disabilities, and invest in early learning behavioral supports.
  
  

"I join my fellow urban school district superintendents in urging Governor Newsom to provide the sustained funding we need to serve our students both academically and with their social-emotional needs, as we continue to close opportunity gaps and prepare the next generation of leaders," said Fresno Unified Superintendent Misty Her. "Districts need flexible funding to address local priorities, along with strategic investments in special education programs and to mitigate immigration-related impacts, declining enrollment and ongoing financial uncertainty."

 

"California's largest urban school districts are united in urging the state to protect the academic progress our students have made," Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho, Los Angeles Unified School District, said. "Fully funding Proposition 98, strengthening the Local Control Funding Formula and providing districts with flexible resources are essential to closing opportunity gaps and sustaining student success, especially amid fiscal uncertainty and potential federal cuts."

 

"Public schools are the heart of our communities, and sustained investment is what allows us to serve and support our students," said Long Beach Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Jill A. Baker. "As the state considers the 2026–27 budget, we respectfully urge Governor Newsom to protect and sustain funding for public education. These investments translate directly into critical academic and social-emotional student supports, and stronger outcomes for families in Long Beach and across California."

 

"Urban school districts are experiencing the impacts of the economy, federal funding changes, declining enrollment, and immigration issues more than other California districts because we have more students, and more students and families impacted by these challenges in their own lives," said Oakland Unified Superintendent Dr. Denise Saddler. "Oakland Unified joins our fellow urban districts in calling on Governor Newsom to provide more support to enable all of us to serve our students and communities in the way they need and deserve."

 

"The common focus of all our priorities is to ensure that the State maintains a priority for urban school students who are increasingly facing the challenges of poverty and an array of social issues," said Mauricio Arrellano, Superintendent San Bernardino City Unified School District. 

 

"Looming uncertainty around federal education funding requires the state to provide California public schools fiscal certainty. State investments are essential for us to be able to continue our momentum of improving student outcomes and closing persistent opportunity gaps," said Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D., San Diego Unified School District. "All of the investments outlined in our letter are important, but we are very focused on special education programming. The underfunding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is taking a financial toll on our budget."    

 

"I am thrilled to represent San Francisco in this coalition of superintendents across California to strengthen investments for our public schools. We look forward to working with our state leaders to secure a bright future for every student in our care for generations to come," said Superintendent Dr. Maria Su, San Francisco Unified School District. 

 

 

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James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org

 

 

NEWS RELEASE: Mira Mesa High School Students Celebrate Completion of Modern Student Services and Classroom Facility

Broll & sound of the event can be found here.

Event photos can be found here.

Drone videos of before, during, and after construction and project fact sheets for completed projects can be found here.

 

 

 

 

News Release 

 

Mira Mesa High School Students Celebrate Completion of Modern Student Services and Classroom Facility 

 

December 18, 2025 

 

SAN DIEGO - Mira Mesa High School’s new classroom and student services facility is now complete and ready for staff and students to use when they return for the new year. 

 

Students and staff celebrated the milestone on Thursday with Board of Education Vice President Sabrina Bazzo and Superintendent Dr. Fabi Bagula, accompanied by cheer performances and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

 

Located at the front entrance on Marauder Way, the new facility is part of the second phase of the Whole Site Modernization project and serves as the main entryway to the campus. Once staff move into the new building in January, the existing student services facility will be converted into new classrooms. 

 

“This is the only building visitors can enter when they come to Mira Mesa High School, so we wanted it to be both safe and inviting,” said Principal Jeff Sabins. “We also wanted a space that reflects the dedication and commitment our students and staff make every day. Now, it’s time to watch our vision come to life when we return next year.” 

 

Along with the new student services and classroom facility, the biomedical sciences, media center, food, and arts buildings have all been renovated, new shade and lunch structures have been installed, and a visitor parking lot has been constructed. Following these renovations, the existing administration/student services building 100 will be converted into a classroom building, and renovations will be done to the classroom building 600 and the gymnasium. Additionally, portable classrooms will be removed, and the southeast parking lot will be expanded. 

 

“This is not simply a ribbon-cutting; it is a celebration of what this space will mean in the years ahead,” said Bagula. “It is a place where students will build knowledge, strengthen relationships, pursue their interests, and prepare for college and careers.” 

 

These upgrades follow a series of renovations at the 50-year-old campus.

 

In Spring 2023, construction was completed on baseball field renovations, which included new grass infield and outfield, foul ball fencing, and a CIF regulation backstop at the baseball field, a new public address system and drinking fountain, replacement of the announcers' booth, repairs to the dugouts and batting cages, and upgrades to grading and irrigation.

 

The field followed the completion of the first phase of the Mira Mesa High School Whole Site Modernization project, which included the construction of one of the district's largest music buildings, renovations to existing classrooms, upgrades to collaborative workspaces in the media center, and the creation of outdoor learning spaces. 

 

Other recent projects include renovations to the CCTE Engineering, Automotive Technology, and Culinary Arts facilities, as well as the installation of photovoltaic solar energy panels over the parking lots on the north and southeast sides of campus. 

 

“These improvements are more than construction projects; they are deliberate investments in student learning, well-being, and future opportunities,” said Bazzo. “We’re excited to see where the next 50 years will take Mira Mesa High School.” 

 

Estimated to be completed in fall 2027, the Whole Site Modernization Phase II project also includes a new student services facility and classrooms at Twain High School, a school designed to provide a smaller, more individualized learning environment for students who need additional support. Improvements were also made to facilities utilized by TRACE, a program supporting young adults with disabilities, and Diploma, a program of the San Diego Adult School that offers alternative education pathways for students over 18, providing opportunities to earn a high school diploma.

 

ABOUT MIRA MESA HIGH SCHOOL

A California Distinguished School, Mira Mesa High School has served the Mira Mesa community for 49 years. Recognized by the state for its exemplary College, Career, and Technical Education (CCTE) Program, Mira Mesa High offers hands-on CCTE programs in Arts, Media, and Entertainment, Engineering, Health Sciences, Hospitality, Manufacturing and Product Development, and Transportation. It also provides a variety of Visual and Performing Arts courses, competitive athletic teams, a JROTC program, and award-winning band, dance, and cheer teams. 

 

MEDIA CONTACT: 

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

 

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Mira Mesa High School Students to Join District Leaders in Celebrating Completion of Modern Student Services and Classroom Facility

 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

 

Mira Mesa High School Students to Join District Leaders in Celebrating Completion of Modern Student Services and Classroom Facility

 

WHAT:         

Mira Mesa High School band and cheer students will join the district and school leaders to celebrate the completion of the school’s new student services and classroom facility. 

 

WHEN:        

Thursday, December 18, 2025  

7:00 - 8:00 a.m. 

 

WHERE:      

Mira Mesa High School

10510 Marauder Way

San Diego, CA 92126

 

VISUALS:     

7:00 - 7:11 a.m. - Welcome, MMHS Band and Cheer Performances 

7:11 - 7:19 a.m. - Podium Speaking Portion

7:19 - 7:23 a.m. - Ribbon-Cutting, Photo Opps

7:23 - 8:00 a.m. - Media 1-1s, Tour of the new building and/or remaining construction tour

 

Drone videos of before, during, and after construction and project fact sheets for completed projects can be found here. 

 

SPEAKERS: 

Dr. Fabi Bagula, Superintendent, San Diego Unified 

Sabrina Bazzo, Board of Education Trustee, San Diego Unified 

Jeff Sabins, Principal, Mira Mesa High School 

Students, Mira Mesa High School 

 

BACKGROUND: 

A California Distinguished School, Mira Mesa High School has served the Mira Mesa community for 50 years. Recognized by the state for its exemplary College, Career, and Technical Education (CCTE) Program, Mira Mesa High offers hands-on CCTE programs in Arts, Media and Entertainment, Engineering, Health Sciences, Hospitality, Manufacturing and Product Development, and Transportation. It also offers a variety of Visual and Performing Arts courses, competitive athletic teams, a JROTC program, and award-winning band, dance, and cheer teams. 

 

Along with the new student services and classroom facility, the biomedical sciences, media center, food, and arts buildings have all been renovated, new shade and lunch structures have been installed, and a visitor parking lot has been constructed. Following these renovations, the existing administration/student services building 100 will be converted into a classroom building, and renovations will be done to the classroom building 600 and the gymnasium. Additionally, portable classrooms will be removed, and the southeast parking lot will be expanded. 

 

Estimated to be completed in fall 2027, the Whole Site Modernization Phase II project also includes a new student services facility at Twain High School, which is located on the Mira Mesa High campus. 

 

In spring 2024, construction was completed on baseball field renovations, which included new grass infield and outfield, foul ball fencing, a CIF regulation backstop at the baseball field, a new public address system and drinking fountain, replacement of the announcers' booth, repairs to the dugouts and batting cages, and upgrades to grading and irrigation.

 

The field followed the completion of the first phase of the Mira Mesa High School Whole Site Modernization project, which included the construction of one of the district's largest music buildings, renovations to existing classrooms, upgrades to collaborative workspaces in the media center, and the creation of outdoor learning spaces. 

 

Other recent projects include CCTE Engineering, Automotive Technology, and Culinary Arts facilities renovations and photovoltaic panels over the parking lots on the north and southeast sides of campus. 

 

PARKING:   

Parking will be available in the new visitor parking lot along Marauder Way. See the map with the location. 

 

MEDIA CONTACT: 

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

 

THURSDAY: SURPRISE BICYCLE DISTRIBUTION HOSTED BY SD UNIFIED SCHOOL POLICE

MEDIA ADVISORY

SURPRISE BICYCLE DISTRIBUTION HOSTED BY SD UNIFIED SCHOOL POLICE
True Blue Buddies Program Brings Holiday Joy to Third-Graders at Hamilton Elementary

WHAT: Hamilton Elementary School True Blue Buddies Bike Giveaway

WHY: More than a dozen third-grade students at Hamilton Elementary School will receive a surprise visit from Santa Claus, and each will receive a free bicycle and helmet through the San Diego Unified School District School Police Department's True Blue Buddies Program. The True Blue Buddies Program builds positive relationships between district police officers and students while providing bicycles that promote physical activity, independence, and mobility.

Now in its 11th year, the program fosters trust and connection between law enforcement and the school community through meaningful engagement and support. In partnership with the Bike for Kids Foundation, the True Blue Buddies Program has served 11 schools across the district since 2015, with Hamilton Elementary marking the 11th annual bike giveaway event. Schools are selected based on criteria including Title 1 status (serving families with incomes below the poverty level and considered most at-risk), military community connections, and schools that have not previously participated. The program aims to fundamentally shift the perception of authority from a purely enforcement-based role to a supportive, mentorship-focused one, creating an environment where students view school police as approachable community partners.

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Hamilton Elementary School, 2807 Fairmount Ave., San Diego, CA 92105

VISUALS: Santa Claus' surprise arrival, bicycle and helmet distribution to 15 third-grade students, student reactions, and photo opportunities with district school police officers

MEDIA PARKING: Parking will be available in the Hamilton Elementary School parking lot.

MEDIA CONTACT: James Canning, 313-580-2845, jcanning@sandi.net  

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James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org

 

 

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED LAUNCHES PETITION DEMANDING FEDS FULLY FUND IDEA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                     Media Contact: James Canning
                                                                        313-580-2845 / jcanning@sandi.net

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED LAUNCHES PETITION DEMANDING FEDS FULLY FUND IDEA

SAN DIEGO (DECEMBER 15, 2025) — Responding to strong, immediate interest from families and community members, San Diego Unified School District announced today it has launched a petition calling on Congress to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The petition, titled “Demand Congress Fully Fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act” can be signed at this link. 

The district last week shared its plan to strengthen special education services and step up federal advocacy – link to press conference video here. Within hours, parents reached out asking how they could support the effort. San Diego Unified Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D. said the response made it clear that the community is ready to take action.

“We heard from parents right away asking what they could do, how they could stand with us, and how they could advocate for their children,” Superintendent Bagula said. “This effort is quickly growing into a powerful coalition of parents, educators, and community members united in the belief that every student deserves fully funded, high-quality special education services.”

What the Petition Demands

The petition urges Congress to meet its long-standing obligation to fully fund IDEA. When Congress passed IDEA in 1975, it committed to covering 40% of the additional cost of educating students with disabilities. That commitment has never been fulfilled.

At San Diego Unified, federal IDEA funding covers only 6% of special education expenditures. The district spends more than $400 million each year on special education but receives just $28 million from IDEA.

“Local school districts have been left to make up the difference for decades, and it is simply not right,” said Sabrina Bazzo, Vice President of the Board of Education, San Diego Unified. “Our students with disabilities deserve the resources they were promised. Fulfilling IDEA funding is not optional—it is a moral and legal obligation.”

Members of San Diego Unified’s Congressional Delegation have taken meaningful steps by cosponsoring the IDEA Full Funding Act, which would establish a 10-year glide path toward meeting the original 40% federal funding level. The petition calls on Congress to pass this legislation immediately.

“Every child deserves the services and support that allow them to reach their full potential, and that requires full federal funding of special education,” said Trustee Shana Hazan. “By signing and sharing this petition, our community can send a clear message to Congress: We expect you to keep your promise to our students with disabilities.”

Sign the Petition

“This petition is a tool for collective action—a way for us to walk arm-in-arm into conversations with legislators backed by thousands of voices,” Superintendent Bagula said. “Please join us in this critical fight to secure the federal support promised nearly fifty years ago.”

The petition can be signed here.

 

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James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org

 

 

Starting Tonight, San Diego Unified Schools Celebrate the Holidays with Community Events

MEDIA ADVISORY

San Diego Unified Schools Celebrate the Holidays with Community Events
A sampling of upcoming festive gatherings bringing joy, unity, and support to students and families

WHAT: Holiday events across San Diego Unified schools include:

San Diego Unified School District schools are hosting a variety of holiday celebrations and community events throughout December, showcasing the district's commitment to bringing families together during the season. These events reflect San Diego Unified's dedication to fostering strong community partnerships and ensuring all students and families experience the joy of the holiday season. From student-led initiatives to collaborative partnerships with community organizations, these celebrations demonstrate the power of coming together to support one another.

Below are a few of the upcoming events happening across our schools:

Clairemont High School Winter Wonderland
WHEN: Friday, December 12, 2025, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Clairemont High School, 4150 Ute Dr., San Diego
DETAILS: Celebrate the holidays with Clairemont's Associated Student Body featuring decorations, face painting, games, food and beverages, followed by opening night of the fall play, "Suzi Scrooge!" 

Corvettes & Coffee Toy Giveaway
WHEN: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Encanto Elementary School,  822 65th St, San Diego, CA 92114
DETAILS: Following a toy drive at Dave & Buster's, Corvette owners will caravan to Encanto Elementary to distribute toys to students, bringing holiday cheer to the community.

Chollas Mead Winter Holiday Toy Giveaway
WHEN: Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Chollas Mead Elementary, 4525 Market St., San Diego, CA 92102
DETAILS: Community partners are donating more than 620 gifts for students at Chollas Mead Elementary. Parent volunteers will help distribute gifts during this celebration of collaboration and community support.

A United Christmas at Bell Middle School
WHEN: Saturday, December 20, 2025, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Bell Middle School, 620 Briarwood Rd., San Diego, CA 92139
DETAILS: A community-centered holiday event presented in partnership with The Young and Prosperous Foundation's student-led groups Black Girls United and the Young Excellence Club, along with the office of Assembly Member Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins. The event will provide food, gifts, support services, and festive cheer to families in need. Assembly Member Dr. Sharp-Collins has been invited to attend.

Bird Rock Elementary Stockings for Soldiers
ONGOING: Part of the school's monthly community outreach projects
WHERE: Bird Rock Elementary School,  5371 La Jolla Hermosa Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
DETAILS: Students are preparing care packages and stockings for military service members as part of their ongoing commitment to community service and supporting those who serve our country.

MEDIA CONTACT: James Canning, jcanning@sandi.net, (313) 580-2845

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James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org

 

 

RICHARD BARRERA TO SERVE AS PRESIDENT OF SD UNIFIED BOARD OF EDUCATION; BAZZO VP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                               Media Contact:

                                                                                      James Canning, jcanning@sandi.net, 313-580-2845

                                                                                                                                                                           

RICHARD BARRERA TO SERVE AS PRESIDENT OF SD UNIFIED BOARD OF EDUCATION; BAZZO VP

SAN DIEGO (DECEMBER 10, 2025) – The San Diego Unified Board of Education selected District D Trustee Richard Barrera to serve as its next President, and District A Trustee Sabrina Bazzo to serve as its Vice President.

 

After Wednesday night's selection of new Board officers, Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D. said, "I am genuinely excited to welcome our incoming Board President and Vice President. Their vision, commitment, and deep care for our students will help guide our district in the New Year. We are truly fortunate to have leaders—past and present—who place students at the center of everything we do."

 

Trustees Barrera and Bazzo will serve in their new posts for one year. Cody Petterson is the outgoing President of the Board of Education. New Board officers are selected annually.   

 

To learn more about the San Diego Board of Education, click here. 

 

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James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org