MEDIA ADVISORY: District Leaders to Join Pacific Beach Elementary Students, Community to Celebrate Completion of New Transitional Kindergarten & Kinder Building, Campus Upgrades

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

District Leaders to Join Pacific Beach Elementary Students, Community to Celebrate Completion of New Transitional Kindergarten & Kinder Building, Campus Upgrades

 

Friday, January 30, 2026 

 

WHAT:           

District leaders will join Pacific Beach Elementary (PBES) and Mission Bay High (MBHS) students to celebrate the ribbon-cutting for the 96-year-old school’s new TK and Kinder building and campuswide upgrades. 

 

WHEN:           

Monday, February 2, 2026 

8 - 8:45 a.m. 

 

WHERE:        

Pacific Beach Elementary School 

1234 Tourmaline St.,*  

San Diego, CA 92109

 

*See map below for event location and media staging area. 

 

VISUALS:      8:00 - 8:10 a.m. - PBES & MBHS Student Performances 

                       8:10 - 8:18 a.m. - Remarks by Speakers 

                       8:18 - 8:25 a.m. - Ribbon-cutting, Photo Opps. 

                       8:25 - 8:45 a.m. - Media 1-1s, Classroom & Campus Tour

 

Drone video and ground and drone photos can be found here. 

 

SPEAKERS:    

Dr. Fabi Bagula, Superintendent, San Diego Unified School District           

Cody Petterson, Board of Education Trustee, San Diego Unified School District 

Karon Schnitzer, Principal, Pacific Beach Elementary School 

Students, Pacific Beach Elementary School

 

BACKGROUND: 

Located along Tourmaline Street, Pacific Beach Elementary School has served the community for 96 years.

First opened in 1930, Pacific Beach Elementary began with just one campus building and added another in 1938. As the population grew, so did the campus. Five additional buildings were added from 1940 to 1957. In 1976, the 1930 buildings were replaced by a single building, and five buildings were constructed for the former Los Altos Child Development Center. At that time, three portable classrooms were added due to the increased student population. In 2004, a 1.8-acre joint-use field along Turquoise Street was created for student and public use. 

In Fall 2023, construction began on a Whole Site Modernization and Joint-Use Field expansion project to bring students a new Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten building, a grass playfield, a secure main campus entryway, renovated classrooms, and shade shelters. 

Funded by local bond measures, the kindergarten facility includes modern, state-of-the-art classrooms and collaborative workspaces that lead out to a new play structure with a shade shelter. A second shade shelter was installed in the general play area. All existing classrooms, the student services facility, and the multi-purpose room were renovated, and all restrooms and the school kitchen were upgraded. To make room for these new facilities, the three portable classrooms that were built in 1976 were removed.

A Transitional Kindergarten through fifth-grade campus, Pacific Beach Elementary offers robust arts and science programs; music, theater, and dance opportunities; and hands-on scientific experiences through a partnership with San Diego Youth Science. 

The expansion of the joint-use field will include a walking and running track, a renovated basketball court, new trees, a drinking fountain, secure perimeter fencing, and a public access gate. As part of the Play All Day partnership with the City of San Diego, the joint-use field will be accessible to the community as a local park after school hours and during school breaks. A separate dedication for the field will be held once it opens to the public later this spring/early summer.

PARKING MAP: 

Media can park at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints parking lot, located at 5151 Fanuel St, San Diego, CA 92109. See the map with the location of the parking lot, event location, and the entry gate. 

 

MEDIA CONTACT: 

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

 

 

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED’S WORKING TO PREVENT HUMAN TRAFFICKING OF ITS STUDENTS BY UPDATING ITS REPORTING PROTOCOLS, RELATIONSHIPS & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                           

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

LINK TO HIGH RESOLUTION VIDEO OF PRESSS CONFERENCE

                                                                                                                                                                                               

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED'S WORKING TO PREVENT HUMAN TRAFFICKING OF ITS STUDENTS BY UPDATING ITS REPORTING PROTOCOLS, RELATIONSHIPS & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
San Diego Unified Has New Coordinated, Collaborative and Comprehensive Response Model 

 

SAN DIEGO (JANUARY 28, 2026) – San Diego Unified School District has updated reporting protocols and entered a new partnership with San Diego Youth Services (SDYS) that will expand support resources, enhanced training and better protect students from falling victim to the dangers of Human Trafficking. 

 

This new coordinated and collaborative response model works with students who are vulnerable to being exploited. Students will have the ability to seek help and receive wrap-around support services from the school district and a multidisciplinary team of internal and external partners.

 

"Protecting students requires clear systems, consistent follow-through, and trust," said Carlos Rodriguez, Internal Investigator for Investigations, Compliance & Accountability (ICA), San Diego Unified School District. "Our goal is to build a multidisciplinary anti-trafficking program of prevention, protection, and partnerships that will serve as a model for public school districts nationwide."

Utilizing expertise and a trauma-informed approach, the ICA Human Trafficking Prevention Program aligns with the District's student achievement goal to Improve Student Wellness and are part of a broader effort to prevent harm, increase awareness, and ensure students and families know how to seek help and report concerns safely.

In 2021, California had 1,334 cases of human trafficking, of which 1,108 were female, and 1,023 were sex related, and 246 were minors according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. 

 

San Diego Unified's ICA aimed for these enhancements to be completed in January during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The enhancements that have been made are:  

• Updated Reporting Protocols: Make reporting clearer, more accessible, and more consistent across school sites with a form that can be easily accessed on the website. The information received will be assessed by an ICA expert in human trafficking that has the capacity to respond with empathy and resources. They are also collaborating and coordinating responses to reports with the San Diego Human Trafficking Taskforce to ensure that safety concerns are handled.
• Staff Training Districtwide: Train staff starting in February to support consistent understanding and implementation of the updated protocols and information about the new Human Trafficking Prevention Program and website. 
• Community Town Halls: San Diego Unified and its partners will also host community town halls for students and families to share information, answer questions, and promote awareness of reporting options and available resources. 
• Refreshed Focus by San Diego Unified Police Department:  Implemented a formalized written protocol, establishing clear and consistent procedures. Additionally, they have assigned a liaison officer with the San Diego County Human Trafficking Task Force.
• New Partnership with San Diego Youth Services: To ensure students, families, and employees have immediate access to services and resources.

"When students know where to go and what will happen next, they are more likely to speak up," said Alina Nguyen, Student Trustee on the San Diego Unified Board of Education. "Clear reporting options help students feel safer and remind us that our voices matter."

"Prevention starts with awareness and trust," said Ashley Ordaz, Student Trustee on the San Diego Unified Board of Education . "These updates make it easier for students to ask for help, for themselves or for a friend, without fear or confusion."

Human Trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation or exploitation of a person for forced labor or commercial sex through force, fraud or coercion, or when a minor is involved. Local research underscores the scope of the issue: a 2023 study by the San Diego County Office of Education found the average age of entry into San Diego's underground commercial sex economy is 16.

On Tuesday January 13, San Diego Unified's Board of Education formalized a partnership with San Diego Youth Services (SDYS) to provide students, families, and employees with immediate access to support services, advocacy, resources, and training. While San Diego Unified continues to collaborate with multiple community-based organizations, the memorandum of understanding with SDYS ensures a broad range of services are readily available and coordinated with District policies and protocols.

"Our staff members are ready to work side by side with San Diego Unified School District's human trafficking prevention program to meet students where they are at," said San Diego Youth Services CEO Jonathan Castillo. "Through our long-standing human trafficking awareness and recovery support services, our dedicated team brings decades of experience working with young people and families 

The District encourages students and families to learn more about reporting options and available resources by visiting the new Human Trafficking Prevention Program website, 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

 

 

Nearly 3,000 New Affordable Educator Housing Units In Pipeline Due to San Diego Unified’s Vision to Build Affordable Housing For Its Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: 

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

 

Nearly 3,000 New Affordable Educator Housing Units In Pipeline Due to San Diego Unified's Vision to Build Affordable Housing For Its Staff  

Two more affordable workforce housing projects advanced to next stage on Tuesday night by San Diego Unified Board of Education 

SAN DIEGO (January 27, 2026) – Two proposals – to develop the Fremont/Ballard Center and Revere Center into affordable educator housing – were approved Tuesday, January 27 by the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education. San Diego Unified staff will now complete due diligence and negotiate best-and-final term sheets on four properties, including the two approved on Monday, January 26. 

With Tuesday's vote, nearly 3,000 new affordable educator housing units are in the pipeline across six sites due to San Diego Unified's vision to create affordable housing opportunities for up to 10% of District staff. 

"Moving these projects forward reflects our will to address one of the greatest challenges facing working families in San Diego and our workforce, housing affordability," said Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D., San Diego Unified School District. "By advancing negotiations on multiple sites, the Board is helping lay the foundation for housing solutions that support staff stability, strengthen our school communities, and ensure the people who serve our students have a real opportunity to live in the region they serve."

The two proposals approved Tuesday were: 

Fremont/Ballard Center - 2375 Congress Street, San Diego 92110  

Monarch/Eden

• Unit Details: 420 workforce housing units from 30% AMI to market rate
• Financial Benefits: $550,000 total guaranteed rent with potential future financial benefits. 
• Other Potential Benefits: Community garden, pool and rec center. Potential community garden and/or childcare center.     

Revere Center - 6735 Gifford Way, San Diego 92111  

Community Housing Works

• Unit Details: 294 affordable workforce housing units from 30% AMI to 120% AMI
• Financial Benefits: $200,000 total guaranteed rent with potential future financial benefits.
• Other Potential Benefits: Construct a facility for on-site childcare or district use. Community spaces. 

At the Monday, January 26, 2026 workshop, developers who submitted proposals for the Eugene Brucker Education Center and Commercial Street properties presented detailed plans for constructing affordable housing, learn more here and below: 

Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal St., San Diego CA 92103 

Protea + Malick

• Unit Details: 1,500 total units from 50% AMI to 120% AMI.

• Financial Benefits: Potential future financial benefits.

• Other Potential Benefits: Integrate site improvements for a drop-off and pick-up parking area that supports Birney Elementary School. Potential pool for San Diego High student use. Childcare facility. Dog park. Community space/garden.

Commercial Street – 2101 Commercial Street, San Diego CA 92113

Mirka Investment

• Unit Details: 174 units of affordable workforce housing from 30% AMI to 80 % AMI

• Financial Benefits: $7,500,000 total guaranteed rent with potential future financial benefits.

• Other Potential Benefits: Construct a 6,000 square foot childcare facility

On December 10, 2025 the Board of Education approved authorizing staff to complete due diligence and negotiate best-and-final term sheets for the Instructional Media Center – 2441 Cardinal Lane, San Diego 92123 

• Proposal Selected: Decro Corporation

• Unit Details: 107 units of affordable workforce housing

• Financial Benefit to San Diego Unified: Estimated $123,029 in annual ground rent revenue, escalating at 2.50% per year. Total ground rent revenue is estimated at $51,789,050 over the proposed 99-year term of the agreement. No District funds required.

On January 28, 2025 the Board of Education approved a term sheet with Affirmed Housing Group, Inc., for Workforce Housing Joint Occupancy Project at Polk Avenue (Former Central Elementary) (Link here)  

The Affordable Workforce Housing initiative reflects San Diego Unified's continued commitment to developing housing options that support the recruitment and retention of a strong workforce, while maintaining District ownership of property and ensuring community-oriented outcomes.

For more information about the proposals, workshop agendas, and next steps, please visit the Board of Education section at SanDiegoUnified.org. 

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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

 

 

WEDNESDAY: SD Unified To Announce Strengthened Human Trafficking Prevention Program

MEDIA ADVISORY

SD Unified To Announce Strengthened Human Trafficking Prevention Program

WHAT: Press Conference

WHY: During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, San Diego Unified School District's Office of Investigations, Compliance & Accountability (ICA) has updated its practices involving human trafficking prevention. 

This new coordinated and collaborative response model works with students who are vulnerable to being exploited. Students will have the ability to seek help and receive wrap-around support services from the school district and a multidisciplinary team of internal and external partners.

During the press conference, officials will announce details of the improved program along with details of a new community partnership, which was approved by the San Diego Unified Board of Education earlier this month.  

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Eugene Brucker Education Center,  4100 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103 (Inside the Auditorium) 

WHO:

• Alina Nguyen, Student Board of Education Trustee, San Diego Unified School District
• Ashley Ordaz, Student Board of Education Trustee, San Diego Unified School District
• Farshad M. Talebi, Executive Director, ICA, San Diego Unified School District
• Carlos Rodriguez – Internal Investigator, ICA, San Diego Unified School District 
• Jonathan Castillo, CEO, San Diego Youth Services 
• Christopher Rice, Task Force Commander, San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force

____________________________________________________________________________

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

 

 

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED BOARD ADVANCES 2 AFFORDABLE WORKFORCE HOUSING PROJECTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: 

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

 

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED BOARD ADVANCES 2 AFFORDABLE WORKFORCE HOUSING PROJECTS 

Board of Education Approval Authorizes District Staff to Negotiate with Selected Entities

SD Unified Seeks to Create Affordable Housing for 10% of Its Workforce Over Next Decade 

SAN DIEGO (January 26, 2026) – The San Diego Unified School District Board of Education took action tonight, January 26, 2026, at a special affordable housing workshop to authorize staff to begin due diligence and negotiate best-and-final term sheets based on proposals presented by developers at the Eugene Brucker Education Center in University Heights and the former Irving Street Warehouse site at 2101 Commercial Street. The Board voted to advance the Protea + Malick and Mirka Investment proposals. Their proposals include: 

Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal St., San Diego CA 92103  

Protea + Malick

• Unit Details: 1,500 total units from 50% AMI to 120% AMI.
• Financial Benefits: Potential future financial benefits.
• Other Potential Benefits:  Integrate site improvements for a drop-off and pick-up parking area that supports Birney Elementary School. Potential pool for San Diego High student use. Childcare facility. Dog park.  Community space/garden.

Commercial Street – 2101 Commercial Street, San Diego CA 92113 

Mirka Investment

• Unit Details: 174 units of affordable workforce housing from 30% AMI to 80 % AMI
• Financial Benefits: $7,500,000 total guaranteed rent with potential future financial benefits.
• Other Potential Benefits: Construct a 6,000 square foot childcare facility

The Board of Education determined if the district staff analysis shows the Mirka Investments project is not feasible, staff can immediately start to conduct the due diligence process with Decro Corporation for their proposal for 86 units of affordable workforce housing on the Commercial Street site. 

San Diego Unified School District has set a goal of providing 10% of its workforce with affordable housing by 2030.  

"Our Board's thoughtful consideration of these workforce housing proposals reflects our commitment to tackling the affordability crisis facing so many dedicated educators and support staff," said Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D., San Diego Unified School District. "By moving these projects forward, the Board is taking meaningful steps toward creating quality homes that are within reach for the people who make our schools successful."

On December 10, 2025, the Board of Education first reviewed proposals submitted for five District sites in response to the District's Request for Proposals. While one housing project at the Instructional Media Center was advanced, the Board directed staff to schedule future workshops to allow for deeper review and discussion of proposals for the remaining four properties at the Eugene Brucker Education Center, Ballard Center/Fremont Center, 2101 Commercial Street, and Revere Center.

On December 19, 2025, the District extended invitations to all qualified proposers for the four remaining sites to participate in two special Board of Education Real Estate Workshops held January 26 and 27. Proposers were asked to present their concepts, clarify elements of their original submissions, discuss financing feasibility, and provide tabular summaries of project details, as well as respond to questions from Board members.

At the Monday, January 26 workshop, developers who submitted proposals for the Education Center and Commercial Street properties presented detailed plans for constructing affordable housing. Board members engaged with proposers and District staff on key elements of each project, including affordability levels, community benefits, and revenue considerations.

The Board's action authorizes staff to complete due diligence and negotiate best-and-final term sheets with the selected proposer for each property. Any final agreements will return to the Board for future consideration.

The Affordable Workforce Housing initiative reflects San Diego Unified's continued commitment to developing housing options that support the recruitment and retention of a strong workforce, while maintaining District ownership of property and ensuring community-oriented outcomes.

For more information about the proposals, workshop agendas, and next steps, please visit the Board of Education section at SanDiegoUnified.org.

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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