SAN DIEGO UNIFIED BOARD OF EDUCATION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES INITIATION OF NAME CHANGE PROCESS FOR CESAR CHAVEZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: 

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

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED BOARD OF EDUCATION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES INITIATION OF NAME CHANGE PROCESS FOR CESAR CHAVEZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Board Action Launches Formal, Community-Engaged Process Centered on 

Transparency, Inclusion and Student Well-being

SAN DIEGO (March 24, 2026) – The San Diego Unified School District Board of Education has unanimously approved the initiation of the formal process to consider renaming of César Chávez Elementary School, in alignment with Board Policy 7310 and Administrative Regulation 7310, which guide the naming and renaming of district facilities.

The board's action marks the first step in a structured, community-driven process designed to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and meaningful engagement. While Administrative Regulation 7310 typically limits the district to one school name or mascot change per year, the Board's unanimous approval of this item allows for a second name change proposal to be considered in the remaining time left during the 2025-26 school year. This action reflects the significance of this moment and the need to respond thoughtfully to community concerns. Final approval of a name change for César Chávez Elementary School will be considered once the school community submits a proposal for the Board's consideration.

Superintendent Bagula stated, "We recognize that this is not a simple or easy moment. It calls for us to lead with clarity, with care, and with integrity. Our focus remains on supporting our students and community, creating space for meaningful dialogue, and ensuring that the outcome of this process reflects the values we hold as a district."

This action follows recent developments that led to a joint statement issued by the Board of Education and Superintendent Bagula:

"There is no place—ever—for the abuse of children or any person, anywhere. San Diego Unified is committed to supporting our community through this moment by creating the space and structure for thoughtful, respectful conversations—grounded in truth, centered on students, and responsive to those most impacted. While Cesar Chavez has long been honored for his contributions to civil rights and farmworker advocacy, these reports are serious, concerning and deeply troubling. Our first responsibility is to acknowledge and support anyone who may have been harmed. As we move forward, including conversations about a school that bears his name, our focus will be on listening deeply to better understand the impact to the school community and how we might collectively move forward in a way that prioritizes student safety and a sense of belonging."

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Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Office: 619-725-5578 Email: communications@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org

San Diego Unified Announces Update on Classified Staffing, Identifies Opportunities to Reduce Potential Layoffs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: 

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

San Diego Unified Announces Update on Classified Staffing, 

Identifies Opportunities to Reduce Potential Layoffs

District highlights ongoing efforts to place impacted staff in available positions while continuing negotiations with labor partners

SAN DIEGO (March 23, 2026) – San Diego Unified School District announces an update on its ongoing reduction in force (RIF) process for classified employees, with encouraging progress toward minimizing the number of staff impacted by potential layoffs.

Each year, state law requires school districts to make staffing decisions in March—often before final budget details are known. While this is a procedural requirement, district leaders acknowledge that the impact on staff is deeply personal and taken with the utmost seriousness.

Following earlier notifications regarding classified position eliminations, district teams have conducted a comprehensive analysis of current vacancies, anticipated openings for the upcoming school year, and the approximately 70 staff who do not have bumping rights under current agreements.

As a result of this work, the district has identified meaningful opportunities to place a significant number of impacted staff into existing or anticipated positions for the 2026–27 school year.

"We believe there are meaningful opportunities to place a significant number of our impacted colleagues into existing positions or new and anticipated positions for the coming year, with the goal of eliminating or significantly reducing the number of colleagues who would otherwise not have a position with San Diego Unified next school year," said Superintendent Dr. Fabiola Bagula.

This work is ongoing and remains preliminary, and final outcomes will be shaped through continued negotiations with our labor partners.

The district's Labor Relations and Human Resources teams are actively working with classified labor partners, including PARA and OTBS, as well as CSEA-affiliated units, to explore placement pathways and potential agreements that support employee retention while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

"We know these decisions carry real impact for our colleagues and their families," said Dr. Bagula. "Our focus is to do everything within our control to create pathways forward and retain our colleagues who serve our students every day."

San Diego Unified will continue refining placement opportunities, monitoring vacancies, and negotiating in good faith with labor partners in the coming weeks. The district remains committed to minimizing disruption and, wherever possible, preventing involuntary layoffs.

The Board of Education will receive an update on these efforts at its upcoming public meeting, Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

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Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Office: 619-725-5578 Email: communications@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org

UPDATE: SAN DIEGO UNIFIED BOARD OF EDUCATION TO CONSIDER INITIATING NAME CHANGE PROCESS FOR CESAR CHAVEZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Editor Note: This item to be heard on Tuesday, March 24th. 

For media opportunities, contact Marisa Berumen 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: 

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

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED BOARD OF EDUCATION TO CONSIDER INITIATING NAME CHANGE PROCESS FOR CESAR CHAVEZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Action follows recent developments and begins formal community-engaged review

SAN DIEGO (March 20, 2026) – The San Diego Unified School District Board of Education will consider taking action to initiate the formal process to change the name of César Chávez Elementary School, in alignment with Board Policy 7310 and Administrative Regulation 7310, which guide the naming and renaming of district facilities.

This action represents the first step in a structured, community-driven process designed to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and meaningful engagement. If approved, the process will include the formation of a Naming Committee and multiple opportunities for students, families, staff, and community members to provide input.

"As we change the name of Cesar Chavez Elementary School, I look forward to a process that pulls together students, families, educators and community leaders to honor the history of the farmworkers movement, and to develop a name that inspires future generations of young people to know they can make a positive difference in this world," said Board President Barrera.

School leaders have already begun engaging families and staff in thoughtful conversations, with additional opportunities for community dialogue to follow as part of this process.

While Administrative Regulation 7310 typically limits the district to one school name or mascot change per year, the Board's consideration of this item reflects the significance of this moment and the need to respond thoughtfully to community concerns.

"By initiating this process, we are creating a pathway for open dialogue, community voice, and thoughtful consideration about the future of this school." said Trustee Whitehurst-Payne. "Our commitment is to ensure that every voice is heard and that this process is inclusive, transparent, and centered on students and families."

Superintendent Bagula emphasized the district's responsibility to support the community during this process. "We are deeply mindful of the complexity of this moment and the impact it may have on our community. As a district, we are committed to creating space for thoughtful, respectful conversations and to supporting our educators and school communities throughout this process. Above all, we will remain focused on the well-being of our students and ensuring that our schools are places where every child feels safe, valued, and supported."

This action follows recent developments that led to a joint statement issued by the Board of Education and Superintendent Bagula:

"There is no place—ever—for the abuse of children or any person, anywhere. San Diego Unified is committed to supporting our community through this moment by creating the space and structure for thoughtful, respectful conversations—grounded in truth, centered on students, and responsive to those most impacted. While Cesar Chavez has long been honored for his contributions to civil rights and farmworker advocacy, these reports are serious, concerning and deeply troubling. Our first responsibility is to acknowledge and support anyone who may have been harmed. As we move forward, including conversations about a school that bears his name, our focus will be on listening deeply to better understand the impact to the school community and how we might collectively move forward in a way that prioritizes student safety and a sense of belonging."

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Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Office: 619-725-5578 Email: communications@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED BOARD OF EDUCATION TO CONSIDER INITIATING NAME CHANGE PROCESS FOR CESAR CHAVEZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: 

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

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED BOARD OF EDUCATION TO CONSIDER INITIATING NAME CHANGE PROCESS FOR CESAR CHAVEZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Action follows recent developments and begins formal community-engaged review

SAN DIEGO (March 20, 2026) – The San Diego Unified School District Board of Education will consider taking action to initiate the formal process to change the name of César Chávez Elementary School, in alignment with Board Policy 7310 and Administrative Regulation 7310, which guide the naming and renaming of district facilities.

This action represents the first step in a structured, community-driven process designed to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and meaningful engagement. If approved, the process will include the formation of a Naming Committee and multiple opportunities for students, families, staff, and community members to provide input.

"As we change the name of Cesar Chavez Elementary School, I look forward to a process that pulls together students, families, educators and community leaders to honor the history of the farmworkers movement, and to develop a name that inspires future generations of young people to know they can make a positive difference in this world," said Board President Barrera.

School leaders have already begun engaging families and staff in thoughtful conversations, with additional opportunities for community dialogue to follow as part of this process.

While Administrative Regulation 7310 typically limits the district to one school name or mascot change per year, the Board's consideration of this item reflects the significance of this moment and the need to respond thoughtfully to community concerns.

"By initiating this process, we are creating a pathway for open dialogue, community voice, and thoughtful consideration about the future of this school." said Trustee Whitehurst-Payne. "Our commitment is to ensure that every voice is heard and that this process is inclusive, transparent, and centered on students and families."

Superintendent Bagula emphasized the district's responsibility to support the community during this process. "We are deeply mindful of the complexity of this moment and the impact it may have on our community. As a district, we are committed to creating space for thoughtful, respectful conversations and to supporting our educators and school communities throughout this process. Above all, we will remain focused on the well-being of our students and ensuring that our schools are places where every child feels safe, valued, and supported."

This action follows recent developments that led to a joint statement issued by the Board of Education and Superintendent Bagula:

"There is no place—ever—for the abuse of children or any person, anywhere. San Diego Unified is committed to supporting our community through this moment by creating the space and structure for thoughtful, respectful conversations—grounded in truth, centered on students, and responsive to those most impacted. While Cesar Chavez has long been honored for his contributions to civil rights and farmworker advocacy, these reports are serious, concerning and deeply troubling. Our first responsibility is to acknowledge and support anyone who may have been harmed. As we move forward, including conversations about a school that bears his name, our focus will be on listening deeply to better understand the impact to the school community and how we might collectively move forward in a way that prioritizes student safety and a sense of belonging."

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Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Office: 619-725-5578 Email: communications@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org

MEDIA ADVISORY: KNOX MIDDLE SCHOOL CELEBRATES STEM WEEK WITH IMMERSIVE, HANDS-ON LEARNING

 

MEDIA ADVISORY 

KNOX MIDDLE SCHOOL CELEBRATES STEM WEEK WITH IMMERSIVE, HANDS-ON LEARNING
Student Showcase to Highlight Innovation, Student Voice, and Future STEM Pathways

WHAT: Student STEM Showcase

WHY: Knox Middle School will host its sixth annual Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Week from March 23-27, immersing sixth- through eighth-grade students in hands-on, real-world learning experiences designed to bring science, technology, engineering and design to life.

The week culminates on Friday, March 27, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with an All-Student Showcase, where students will present their projects to their peers, families and community partners. Students will have displays and completed projects for guests to examine. Students will be able to answer questions on their projects and demonstrate science in action. The event highlights innovative instruction, student voice, and Knox's commitment to preparing students for future STEM pathways.

Throughout the week, Knox staff, in partnership with i2Learning and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, will engage students in dynamic, grade-level projects that emphasize creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. Grant funding from i2Learning and Vertex supports project training and materials.

WHEN: Friday, March 27, 2026, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Knox Middle School, 1098 S. 49th St., San Diego, CA 92113 (Media must confirm coverage prior to attending and check in at the front office upon arrival.)

VISUALS: Student presentations will include:

• Sixth-grade students will present Lunar Colonies and discuss what it would be like to live on the moon.
• Seventh-grade students will demonstrate different aspects of physics, including gears and creative marble runs.
• Eighth-grade students will showcase surgical techniques, including the heart and brain they dissected and sutures applied to synthetic skin.

BACKGROUND: Knox's STEM Week reflects San Diego Unified School District's commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers in science, technology, engineering and medicine, while fostering curiosity and confidence in problem-solving. STEM Week develops leadership and communication skills in older students while inspiring younger students to explore STEM career pathways. This is part of San Diego Unified's College, Career and Technical Education program. Experiences like this allow students to connect their interests to district programs that can lead to college and career opportunities after graduation.

Media Contact: Isabella McNeil, 619-341-2343, imcneil@sandi.net

                      

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NEWS RELEASE: New Student Services and Classroom Facility Marks New Era for Historic San Diego High School Campus

Event photos can be found here.

Broll of the event can be found here.

Interior photos of the new facility are available here. Credit: Parron Hall.

 

 

 

 

 

News Release 

 

 

New Student Services and Classroom Facility Marks New Era for Historic San Diego High School Campus 

 

Monday, March 9, 2026

 

SAN DIEGO -  It’s officially a new era for San Diego High School (SDHS), as its striking modern facade now welcomes students, staff, and the community to an upgraded campus.

 

With red scissors, royal blue ribbon, students, and alumni, Monday marked the ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication for the 144-year-old campus’s new student services and classroom facility. 

 

“I was here for the groundbreaking, and now  I’m seeing it complete for the first time,” said Aries Cole, SDHS alumnus. “It’s inspiring, and I hope that current and future students feel inspired enough by it to go to college to further their education.” 

 

Serving as the new secure campus entryway, the facility includes a lobby, student support spaces, modern classrooms, collaborative workspaces, a staff lounge, and enhanced security technology. 

 

“It’s night and day from our old building,” said SDHS Principal Franny Del Carmen. “This new facade is inviting, warm, and truly beautiful. Importantly, it provides students with a college-level facility with quality learning spaces. We also kept a lot of history inside the building, so we are acknowledging our rich history while moving into the future.” 

 

Historical items inside the new building include the historical wooden doors from the former “Grey Castle” building and many framed images of SDHS throughout the years. 

 

Opened in 1882, San Diego High School (SDHS) is a top-ranked International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme school. It takes pride in its rich history and alumni community, which includes former San Diego High teacher and the “Mother of Balboa Park,” Kate Sessions, and National Football League (NFL) player Art Powell, who graduated in the 1950s. 

 

Following a voter-approved ballot measure, the city renewed its 99-year lease in October 2021, and construction on the SDHS Whole Site Modernization began in early 2022. The project includes the new classroom and student services facility, a modernized lower and central campus quad, classroom renovations, and a new College, Career, and Technical Education Engineering Design Lab.

 

“San Diegans believe in investing in high-quality public schools in every neighborhood across our district,” said Board of Education President Richard Barrera. “Because of their efforts, this 144-year-old campus, which is intimately part of our city, will not only stay at its historic location, but will flourish for years to come.”

 

For more background on the history of SDHS, a comprehensive video from the SDHS Alumni Association can be found here. 

 

MEDIA CONTACT: 

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

 

 

FRIDAY: Ibarra Elementary to Host Second Annual Parade of Nations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            Media Contact:

                                                           James Canning, jcanning@sandi.net, 313-580-2845
                                                            Marisa Berumen, mberumen@sandi.net, 619-847-6029 

 

Ibarra Elementary to Host Second Annual Parade of Nations

Students Celebrate Cultural Diversity with Parade Representing 26 Countries

SAN DIEGO (MARCH 9, 2026)  – Ibarra Elementary School will host its second annual Parade of Nations on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Twenty-six countries will be represented as school students, led by Ibarra's No Place for Hate Program, which will showcase the rich cultural diversity of their school community by celebrating the many countries and traditions.

"We believe that when we bring our diverse voices together, we strengthen not only Ibarra, but our entire community. I am incredibly proud of our team for leading with heart and creating opportunities that celebrate the richness of our students and families," said Interim Principal Fred Cruz. "Our staff has worked thoughtfully to create a space where families and students feel seen, valued, and connected. As Yo-Yo Ma reminds us, 'Our cultural strength has always been derived from our diversity of understanding and experience.' 

The Parade of Nations reflects the San Diego Unified School District's commitment to equity and belonging for every student. By creating space for students and families to share and celebrate their cultural heritage, Ibarra Elementary is bringing to life the district's commitment of creating inclusive, welcoming schools where every child feels valued and seen.

More than 300 students will be in attendance, including Alice Gutierrez, a fifth grader and No Place for Hate student leader at Ibarra Elementary.

"The Parade of Nations Event is a great way to show that there are students from many cultures and countries at our school, and they are proud of where their families are from," Gutierrez said. "Walking in the parade makes me feel happy to share my culture with everybody and to learn about and see the cultural outfits and flags of other students."

The celebration will feature 26 countries spanning five continents in a colorful parade through the auditorium. Countries represented include Afghanistan, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, Congo, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Somalia, Sudan, Thailand, USA, Vietnam, and others. 

Event Day Activities 

The program begins with an interactive opening in which a teacher emcee leads students in saying "hello" in multiple languages. When the parade begins, each country is announced, and student representatives, wearing name badges identifying their assigned nation, walk down a red carpet that runs through the center of the auditorium. Students representing each country are stationed on both sides of the carpet and take turns walking the runway as classmates and families cheer them on.

EVENT DETAILS:

What: Second Annual Parade of Nations

When: Friday, March 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Where: Ibarra Elementary School Auditorium, 4877 Orange Ave, San Diego, CA 92115
PHOTOS: Here

Media Availability: Event coordinators, Rosemarie Lettiere and Monica Duncan will be available for interviews.

Background About Parade of Nations 

The first Parade of Nations was held in April 2025 and was organized by Ibarra's Resource Teacher Rosemarie Lettiere, Counselor Monica Duncan, and the school's Community Schools Site Coordinator, along with student leaders and additional staff. The event was embraced by the school community and became a highlight of the year, inspiring organizers to make it an annual tradition.

Ibarra Elementary's No Place for Hate program, through which student leaders help organize the parade, is part of a national initiative by the Anti-Defamation League that empowers schools to challenge bias and create inclusive learning environments.

 

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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