Thursday, March 27, 2025

DR. BERTHA PENDLETON MEMORIALIZED AT SAN DIEGO UNIFIED WITH ROLANDO NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL NAMING & NEW BUILDING SIGNAGE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                       

Video of Dr. Bertha Pendleton Addressing Crowd about Building Renaming 

High Resolution Video of the Dr. Bertha Pendleton Event

Clip of Alpha Kappa Alpha & District Leaders Saying Dr. Bertha Pendleton Elementary School in Front of New Sign

 

Media Contacts:

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

Mike Murad, mmurad@sandi.net, 619-925-4790

 

DR. BERTHA PENDLETON MEMORIALIZED AT SAN DIEGO UNIFIED WITH ROLANDO NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL NAMING & NEW BUILDING SIGNAGE 

SD Unified Concludes Out Women’s History Month New School Name of First Woman Superintendent 

Hundreds of students, Alpha Kappa Alpha and community members attend unveiling ceremony  

 

SAN DIEGO (MARCH 27, 2025) – San Diego Unified School District Interim Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Trustee Sharon Whitehurst-Payne, school students and members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority today unveiled new signage for the Dr. Bertha O. Pendleton Elementary School in a celebratory fashion to conclude Women’s History Month. Dr. Pendleton in 1993 became the first woman, and first African American to serve as Superintendent for San Diego Unified until her term ended in 1998. 

 

“As the current Superintendent of San Diego Unified, I am only here because Dr. Pendleton broke barriers and shattered glass ceilings,” said Dr. Bagula. “Bertha Pendleton created the space and opportunity for a young Latina girl who dreamed of being a schoolteacher to believe she too could one day lead this District. I am proud that our community and District has chosen to honor Dr. Pendleton’s legacy by renaming this school in her honor.”      

 

“Dr. Bertha Pendleton’s character, courage and leadership are the qualities we hope to instill in our students who attend this school, and every school throughout our District,” said Trustee Whitehurst-Payne. “Our school district and community are better off today because Dr. Pendleton spent four decades educating children here in San Diego. We are grateful for her contributions, and I am happy we can recognize her contributions this way.”    

 

The San Diego community led an effort in 2023 to rename Henry Clay Elementary in Rolando, and after a robust engagement effort, the name selected was Dr. Bertha O. Pendleton Elementary School, and received unanimous support from the San Diego Unified Board of Trustees. Until today’s unveiling ceremony, temporary signage with the name Dr. Bertha O. Pendleton Elementary School was being used. The elementary school is scheduled to be renovated as part of the District’s bond program in 2026.

 

Dr. Pendleton’s son Gregory Pendleton attended on her behalf and during the ceremony said, “This ceremony in honor of my mom, is the culmination of a chapter of service and accomplishments for her community. My mom lived her life on three principles, her faith in God, her commitment to family and selfless service to her community. Education was her tool of choice in that service. When you are focused on service to others, this can create a chain reaction that can change many lives directly or indirectly through others.  My mom mentored and supported many on their own journey of service. Because that’s what selfless service is, supporting others in a way not looking for a return, but for them to pay it forward in support of others. So, on this day I would like to extend my family’s heartfelt appreciation for honoring my mother Dr. Bertha O. Pendleton with the renaming of this school. Dr. Bertha O. Pendleton Elementary. Thank you.”

 

One of the community-based organizations that was very supportive of the school’s name change is the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Inc.® Dr. Pendelton is an AKA. Members of the local chapter, Epsilon Xi Omega, hosted a pre-ceremony reception in the school's auditorium where there was a continental breakfast, a program to include performances by students honoring Dr. Pendelton, a video message from D. Pendleton and fellowship amongst those in attendance. 

 

"The impact of Dr. Bertha Pendleton's work extends far beyond the classroom. As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, and the first female and the first African American selected as the Superintendent of the SDUSD; she has shaped the very fabric of our community, championing representation and ensuring access to quality education for all. We are incredibly proud of the renaming of this elementary school after Dr. Bertha Pendleton," said Nichole Starr Jordan, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority Incorporated® Far Western Regional Director.

 

“Dr. Bertha Pendleton is a shining example of an Alpha Kappa Alpha woman.  She provided exemplary leadership as president of the San Diego chapter of AKA, Epsilon Xi Omega, from 1981 to 1984.  She committed her life to the betterment of education for all children and upheld our motto of ‘Service to All Mankind.’  We are proud to call her our sorority sister,” said Deborah Davis-Gillespie, President, Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter, San Diego

“Dr. Pendleton is the epitome of excellence and service in education. Watching her continue to make history during Women’s History Month will continue to provide inspiration and drive for lifelong learning for years to come,” said Dr. Megan D. Carthen Jackson, Southern California Cluster Coordinator, Far Western Region Current Chapter President of Omega Omicron Omega Chapter North County San Diego.  

Dr. Helen Griffith, Superintendent The Preuss School, UC San Diego played a major role in coordinating the AKA’s participation and partnership in today’s event. 

 

About Dr. Bertha Pendleton (Information extracted from San Diego Union Tribune, CBS 8 & San Diego History Center)

Dr. Pendleton was born in the segregated South and distinguished herself as a trained scientist and passionate educator. She served as superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District from 1993 to 1998.

Pendleton, who grew up in segregated Alabama, was the valedictorian of her high school class, earned a degree in biology from Knoxville College and graduated with honors . She started what would be a 40-year career in San Diego Unified as a teacher at Memorial Junior High in 1957 and worked as a counselor and administrator in various roles before becoming superintendent in 1993. 

Under her leadership, she pushed for smaller class sizes, better reading programs and zero-tolerance policies for violence. She also opened 14 new schools.

To learn more about Dr. Bertha O. Pendleton elementary school, click here, and to learn about San Diego Unified, click here

 

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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.

 

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

THURSDAY: SD UNIFIED TO UNVEIL NEW DR. BERTHA O. PENDLETON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NAME & SIGNAGE

 

 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY 

 

THURSDAY: SD UNIFIED TO UNVEIL NEW DR. BERTHA O. PENDLETON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NAME & SIGNAGE

Ceremony being held to close out Women’s History Month, and hosted 

in partnership with Dr. Pendleton’s Sorority Sisters from Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.    

 

WHAT: Unveiling of Signage for Dr. Bertha O. Pendleton Elementary School 

 

WHY: 

As part of San Diego Unified School District’s effort to recognize women who have shaped the education landscape in its District, leadership from San Diego Unified and members of the community will unveil the new signage for Dr. Bertha O. Pendleton Elementary School. Dr. Pendleton was the first woman and first African American to serve as Superintendent for the District (1993-98).  In 2023, the community and San Diego Unified started the process to rename the school from Henry Clay Elementary, a congressional representative and slave owner, and it will conclude with this unveiling ceremony. 

 

WHEN: 

Thursday, March 27, 2025 @ 10:00 a.m. 

 

WHERE: 

Dr. Bertha O. Pendleton Elementary School, 6506 Solita Ave., San Diego, CA 92115

Ceremony to occur outside, off Solita Avenue, in front of the mural on the wall of auditorium  

 

WHO:

Lindsay Michaliszyn, Principal, Dr. Bertha O. Pendleton Elementary School
Dr. Fabi Bagula, Superintendent, Interim, San Diego Unified School District
Dr. Sharon Whitehurst-Payne, Trustee, San Diego Unified School District

Gregory Pendleton, Son, Dr. Bertha Pendleton’s Family Member
Kensington Hull and Soloman Abdelrahman, Students, Dr. Bertha O. Pendleton Elementary School
Nichole Starr Jordan, Far Western Regional Director, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Ms. Deborah Davis-Gillespie, President, Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter, San Diego

 

VISUALS:

Name unveiling ceremony, students, presenters 

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Media Contacts: James Canning, jcanning@sandi.net, 313-580-2845 and Mike Murad, mmurad@sandi.net, 619-925-4790

 

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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.

 

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED STUDENTS ENGINEER THE FUTURE AT STEM SHOWCASE

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED STUDENTS ENGINEER THE FUTURE AT STEM SHOWCASE
Knox Middle School's Annual i2 STEM Week Highlights District's Commitment to Fostering Scientific Excellence at an Early Age

 

WHAT: Knox Middle School will hold its annual i2 STEM Week Student Showcase, where students will present projects following a week of immersive learning. Students will demonstrate their science skills developed through work with industry experts and teachers. Students are working on their projects all week with activities including heart dissection and rocket launches on Tuesday, stitches, knee braces and egg drops on Wednesday, marble runs and brain dissections on Thursday, and the final showcase on Friday. The event serves as a virtual field trip for fifth-graders from nearby elementary schools. Media is invited to come witness the weekly lessons and activities or the final showcase on Friday the 28th where the entire school will display their work.

 

WHY: The showcase highlights STEM opportunities available to San Diego Unified students and demonstrates how middle schoolers are preparing for careers in science, engineering and technology. San Diego Unified provides STEM education that prepares students for success in college and careers. Knox's i2 STEM Week promotes curiosity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

 

WHEN: Friday, March 28, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

 

WHERE: Knox Middle School, 1098 S. 49th St., San Diego, CA 92113

 

VISUAL OPPORTUNITIES: Students will demonstrate projects, explain scientific concepts and showcase inventions. Expect interactive displays, live demonstrations and student engagement in scientific discovery.

 

VIDEO/B-ROLL: Available from previous years

 

INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE:

  • Knox Middle School Principal Heather Potter
  • STEM Week Coordinator Alison Mock
  • Participating students
  • Industry partners

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Isabella McNeil, imcneil@sandi.net, 619-341-2343 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

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.

 

Monday, March 24, 2025

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED TO HELP WITH AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS IN REGION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          

(LINK TO HIGH RESOLUTION VIDEO OF PRESS CONFERENCE)

(ATTACHED IS A CONCEPTUAL RENDERING OF THE EDUCATION CNETER REDEVELOPMENT)

 

Media Contact: 

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

Mike Murad, 619-925-4790, Mmurad@sandi.net

 

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED TO HELP WITH AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS IN REGION

5 District Properties Could Become Affordable Housing After Board of Education Vote, Create 1,500+ Units

Board of Education to Vote on Resolution to Create Housing for 10% of Workforce Over Next Decade 

 

SAN DIEGO (MARCH 24, 2025) – San Diego Unified School District wants to help address the region’s affordable housing crisis and support their families and educators. During a press conference today at the Eugene Brucker Education Center, Board of Education members introduced three policies that will be considered during Tuesday night’s meeting. 

 

The three policies are: 

  1. Item H1: Resolution that affirms San Diego Unified’s goals and guiding principles for providing affordable workforce housing opportunities for 10% of staff over the next decade. 
  2. Item H2: Resolution to issue a request for proposals to provide workforce housing on five district properties, which expects to yield 1,500 or more affordable units. 
    1. Eugene Brucker Education Center - 4100 Normal Street, San Diego 92103  
    1. Revere Center - 6735 Gifford Way, San Diego 92111  
    1. Fremont/Ballard Center - 2375 Congress Street, San Diego 92110  
    1. Instructional Media Center – 2441 Cardinal Lane, San Diego 92123  
    1. Commercial Street – 2101 Commercial Street, San Diego 92113 
  1. Item H3: Resolution to establish a regional housing finance authority with the San Diego Community College District in accordance with SB 440. 

 

If approved on Tuesday, San Diego Unified’s policy to work with private developers to build affordable homes on five of its own parcels is estimated to create more than 1,500 affordable units. This number nearly doubles the nine educator housing developments that combined for 887 units that have been built (since 2002) or will be (by 2027) across the state of California and are featured in a soon to be released report by the Center for Cities + Schools at UC Berkeley and cityLAB-UCLA, in partnership with the California School Boards Association(CSBA).    

 

“Housing prices continue to rise, and there is a dearth of affordable housing within the footprint of our school district. With these policies we are taking action to ensure San Diego Unified is part of the solution, and doing our part to help the region address its affordable housing crisis,” said Cody Petterson, Board of Education President, San Diego Unified. “Some will question why an institution responsible for educating children cares about affordable housing, the reason is because it will help our students thrive. We should do everything within our ability to ensure families secure stable housing so that housing instability does not distract from their child’s ability to receive a high-quality education at San Diego Unified.”

 

Richard Barrera, Board of Education Vice President, San Diego Unified at the press conference said, "We consistently hear from students in our district who would love to become educators and give back to their schools and communities, but who worry that they won't be able to afford to live in San Diego and pursue their dreams as educators. By committing to this plan, in which we will be able to offer quality, affordable housing to at least ten percent of our employees, we are taking meaningful action to build a pipeline of future educators, as well as to support the people who right now are in our classrooms creating bright futures for our kids."

 

In December of last year, the Board of Education held a workshop to get feedback from the community, and its educators about options to proceed with making excess administrative properties available to build affordable housing. 

 

“In San Diego the cost of living is outrageous for educators and our families, which is why we are fighting for an increase to our salaries and more affordable housing options,” said Kyle Weinberg, Education Workforce Housing Committee Member, San Diego Education Association. “San Diego Unified Board of Education and Superintendent recognize the importance of workforce housing, and we are excited to see them stepping up to support our families, and try to address the regional housing crisis.”    

  

"Our paraeducators inspire our San Diego Unified students to become the best versions of themselves, and these proposals align with our union's mission of improving the lives of our members, students, and San Diego community," said Issel Martinez, San Diego Unified paraeducator and president of the California School Employees Association's local Chapter 759. "We are the everyday heroes living in San Diego, many of us with our own families to support. We deserve to come home to a place of our own without the anxiety and fear of having to choose between rent or food on the table for our families. We look forward to the continued collaboration with San Diego Unified leaders in helping to address this problem, and we are supportive of these proposals.”

 

The policies presented today were outcomes from the December workshop.

 

Shana Hazan, Board of Education Trustee who was present during the press conference said afterwards, “Investing in affordable workforce housing for our staff is an investment in the future of our students and our community. Research shows that stable housing is a critical social determinant of health. When our employees have access to affordable homes, they experience improved physical and mental wellbeing. This enhances their attendance, performance, and strengthens their ability to support our students in reaching their full potential. By developing housing on district-owned properties  – through a process that thoughtfully engages our communities – we’re creating a more stable and resilient workforce, which is essential for achieving our student outcome goals. As we continue to address the housing challenges our staff face, we’re building a brighter future for our educators and our students."

  

Others leaders in attendance at today’s announcement were Nicole DeWitt, Interim Deputy Superintendent, San Diego Unified School District; Lee Dulgeroff, Senior Executive Director Facilities, Planning and Construction, San Diego Unified School District; Jennifer LeSar, Founding CEO, LeSar Development Consulting; and representatives from San Diego Community College District. 

 

The San Diego Unified Board of Education meeting begins at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. The community is encouraged to attend in person at the Eugene Brucker Education Center located at 4100 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103 or watch on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@sandiegounifiedschooldistrict. To review the entire meeting agenda, click here, and to learn more about San Diego Unified go to SanDiegoUnified.org.    

 

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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.

 

Post Notices

PLEASE NOTE:

Please forward to staff and as appropriate, print agenda and post in a prominent, publicly accessible location at your site.

 

Thank you.

 

Melissa Hudson Hamilton

Confidential Administrative Assistant II

Board of Education

mhamilton@sandi.net

"The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives." - Robert M. Hutchins

P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

 

 

Sunday, March 23, 2025

SD UNIFIED LEADERSHIP WORKS TO BRING AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO DISTRICT SURPLUS LAND, PURSUE REQUESTS FOR PROPOSAL

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

SD UNIFIED LEADERSHIP WORKS TO BRING AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO DISTRICT SURPLUS LAND, PURSUE REQUESTS FOR PROPOSAL

The Board of Education Will Vote Tuesday on an Affordable Housing Policies Resolution, Request for Proposal, and Creation of a Joint Housing Authority with the San Diego Community College District

 

WHAT: Press Conference to Announce 3 New Affordable Housing Policies 

 

WHY:  San Diego Unified School District Board of Education members on Tuesday night to help address the region’s affordable housing crisis and support its workforce.  In December of last year, the Board of Education held a workshop to get feedback from the community, and its educators about affordable housing options. During the press conference, officials with San Diego Unified will details the three policies, which are: 

  • Resolution Establishing district Goals and principles to develop affordable workforce housing,
  • Authorize District staff to pursue requests for proposal to develop affordable housing on five District-owned properties, and 
  • Partner with the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) to create a joint Housing Finance Authority. 

WHEN: March 24, 2025 @ 11:00 a.m. 

  

WHERE: 

Eugene Brucker Education Center - San Diego Unified School District 

4100 Normal Street, San Diego, CA, 92103 (Outside near Flagpole) 

 

WHO:
Nicole DeWitt, Deputy Superintendent, San Diego Unified School District
Cody Petterson, Trustee President, San Diego Unified School District Board of Education 

Richard Barrera, Trustee Vice President, San Diego Unified School District Board of Education

Kyle Weinberg, President & Education Workforce Housing Committee Member, San Diego Education Association 

Issel Martinez, Paraeducator & President, California School Employee Association #759 

 

VISUALS: Image of Conceptual Rendering

_________________________________________________________________________

Media Contacts: James Canning, 313-580-2845, Jcanning@sandi.net or Mike Murad, 619-925-4790, Mmurad@sandi.net  

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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.

 

Friday, March 21, 2025

Post Agendas

PLEASE NOTE:

Please forward to staff and as appropriate, print agenda and post in a prominent, publicly accessible location at your site.

 

Thank you.

 

Martha Corrales

Confidential Admin Assistant II

Board Services Office, San Diego Unified School District

619-725-5551

mcorrales@sandi.net

 

Do the best you can until you know better.  Then when you know better, do better.  -Maya Angelou