SAN DIEGO UNIFIED CELEBRATES LITERACY EDUCATION IN MARCH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Media Contact: 

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

 

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED CELEBRATES LITERACY EDUCATION IN MARCH
Board of Education Tuesday Night Recognized March 2 as National Read Across America Day 

SD Unified School Sites to Celebrate Student Literacy with various activities March 2-6 

SAN DIEGO (February 25, 2026) – The Board of Education had officially recognized March 2 as National Read Across America Day, reaffirming the San Diego Unified School District's commitment to advancing literacy achievement. The resolution was authored by Trustees Sharon Whitehurst-Payne and Shana Hazan. Schools across the district will celebrate Read Across America Week from March 2-6 with various engaging activities designed to spark a love of reading and strengthen literacy skills among students. 

The celebration comes as San Diego Unified continues to demonstrate strong literacy gains. According to the 2025 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the district outperformed California and other large urban districts in reading from 2019 to 2024. Fourth- and eighth-grade reading scores remain among the highest of big-city districts and continue to trend upward.

"Literacy is the foundation for opportunity," said Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D. "When our students read proficiently, they gain confidence, curiosity, and the ability to think critically about the world around them. Our continued growth in reading achievement reflects the hard work of our educators, the engagement of our families, and the determination of our students."

Throughout the week of March 2-6, San Diego Unified schools will host guest readers from the community, themed spirit days, book swaps, read-a-thons, and special literacy events. Superintendent Bagula and members of the Board of Education will visit school sites to read with students and celebrate the joy of books.  

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of a longstanding partnership between Central Elementary School in City Heights and the Lawyers Club of San Diego. During Read Across America Week, the annual Spring Read-In will once again bring attorneys and judges into classrooms to read with students, a collaboration that has inspired generations of young readers while fostering meaningful community connections.

San Diego Unified has set an ambitious literacy goal: performance of students in grades 3–8 and 11 on California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) ELA portion will increase 18 points—from 6.9 points above standard in June 2024 to 24.9 points above standard by June 2030. 

"Improving literacy achievement is central to our Student Achievement Goals," said Shawna Codrington, Ed.D., Director of Literacy. "Through targeted support, professional learning, and side-by-side coaching, we are ensuring our schools have the tools and strategies needed to empower students as critical things and lifelong readers."

Although we know there is still important work ahead, we celebrate the continued growth and progress of our students in English Language Arts. Based on the most recent 2025 CAASPP results, 56.2% of students met or exceeded standards in ELA, an increase of 2 percentage points from last year. In addition, the district saw meaningful improvement in Distance From Standard (DFS), a key measure of how students are progressing toward grade-level expectations, with ELA DFS improving by 5.2 points. These gains reflect the hard work of our students and educators and our district's ongoing commitment to strengthening literacy outcomes for all learners.

The Department of Literacy, Equity, Access & Opportunity shared these Read Across America recommendations 

• Elementary, middle, and high school staff will use the recommendations as a planning resource. They will also share with their families to encourage their students to participate in the  Read Across America Spirit Week. 

Fay Elementary: February 27, 1:00 p.m. 

• This event has been held for several years in partnership with the United Way of San Diego, aims to engage students, families, and educators in celebrating the power of reading and promoting early literacy skills. Senator Dr. Akilah Weber will gift families books to encourage reading at home.  

Franklin Elementary: March 2; 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.

• Hosting guest speakers who will read to students in their classrooms and talk about their career.  

Porter Elementary: March 2, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

• Students will be greeted by members of the San Diego Fire Department including Fire Chief Robert Logan and Captain Paul Shuttleworth as well as Trustee Dr. Sharon Whitehurst-Payne. Students will have the opportunity to tour a fire truck and learn about  firefighter equipment. The firefighters and Trustee Whitehurst-Payne will read aloud to students in their classrooms.

Juarez Elementary: March 2, 2:00 p.m.

• Shana is attending this event. Juarez reached out directly to Shana to invite. The board office does not have information/details on this event.

Mira Mesa Cluster: March 3,  8:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

• Deputy Superintendent Nicole DeWitt and Board Trustee Sabrina Bazzo will join the Mira Mesa cluster to celebrate Read Across America with Jonas Salk Elementary, Sandburg Elementary, and Mira Mesa High School students and families. The event will include dance, yoga, band/theater, face paint/crafts, and other stations that attendees can visit and participate in activities. 
• As part of this event, Mira Mesa High School students will welcome kindergarten classes for a dynamic, literacy-focused experience designed to inspire a lifelong love of reading. Young learners will rotate through interactive stations featuring hands-on crafts, one-on-one reading with high school mentors, and special "celebrity readers," including representatives from the San Diego Police Department, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, and a local children's author. The Mira Mesa High School dance team will perform, students will participate in a fun yoga session, and kindergarteners will even step into the school's news studio to read from a teleprompter, creating an unforgettable celebration of literacy and student connection.

Chollas Mead Elementary: March 3, 9:30 a.m - 11:00 am 

• The school will be hosting Mayor Todd Gloria. As part of the celebration, community partners will be on campus reading to students to promote literacy and foster a love of reading. 

Horton Elementary: March 4, 8:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. 

• Teachers and students will read and explore books that students can see themselves reflected in, as well as books that allow readers to see a world or a character that might be different from them. It's a week of celebration of joyful literacy- they also hold a spirit week with special dress up days, have reading challenges, a bookmark contest, invite families to join for "books and a BBQ" and have guest readers throughout the week. 

Euclid Elementary: March 6, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

• Board Trustee Sharon Whitehurst-Payne invited by principal, Jose Valdez, and will attend 9:00-9:30am

Central Elementary: March 6, 10:30-11:15am and 12:15pm-1:15pm 

• This year also marks the 30th anniversary of a longstanding partnership between Central Elementary School in City Heights and the Lawyers Club of San Diego. During Read Across America Week, the annual Spring Read-In will once again bring attorneys and judges into classrooms to read with students, a collaboration that has inspired generations of young readers while fostering meaningful community connections.

Green Elementary: Date and time to be determined 

• The Principal will read a book that was written and illustrated by one of her students called Be...A Celebration of Everything You Can Be by Gauri Anaya Bhavnani. The book will be read aloud over Zoom to the whole school and each class will get a copy for their classroom library.

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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’S BOARD OF EDUCATION VOTES TO ALIGN DISTRICT POLICIES WITH STATE ON IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Media Contact: 

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

 

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED'S BOARD OF EDUCATION VOTES TO ALIGN DISTRICT POLICIES WITH STATE ON IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT
Changes Primarily Made to Language, Not Substance of Existing District Policies   

 

SAN DIEGO (February 24, 2026) – The San Diego Unified School District Board of Education on Tuesday night reviewed and approved revisions to its policies regarding immigration enforcement to ensure alignment with the California Department of Education (CDE). 

 

San Diego Unified, the second largest school district in California, had already implemented policies the state is now requiring all school districts to adhere to by March 1, and most of the changes made provided greater clarity of processes. For years the District's policies had already focused on ensuring the rights of all students, staff and family are protected.

 

"Every student and staff member who steps foot on a school campus has the right to do so without fear,"  said Richard Barrera, President of the Board of Education, San Diego Unified School District. "We were an early adopter of policies designed to keep children and our educators safe while on our campus; and this update to our existing policies brings us in alignment with the new CDE policies." 

 

To review the updated Board Policy 1445, click here and to review the new Administrative Regulation, click here.     

 

In 2024, San Diego Unified proactively took action to help its students and staff feel protected by launching an informational campaign about equity, civil rights and safety resources. As part of the campaign is a website with useful tools, such as how to report a concern, prohibit discrimination and ensure all students and staff know their rights under the law.      

 

To learn more about the San Diego Unified School District, 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

 

 

“CAPTAINS” APPROVED AS NEW CLAIREMONT HIGH SCHOOL MASCOT, NAME CHANGE GOES INTO EFFECT 2026-27 SCHOOL YEAR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Media Contact: 

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

 

"CAPTAINS" APPROVED AS NEW CLAIREMONT HIGH SCHOOL MASCOT, NAME CHANGE GOES INTO EFFECT 2026-27 SCHOOL YEAR  

 

SAN DIEGO (February 24, 2026) – Captains will be the new mascot name for San Diego Unified School District's Clairemont High School starting in the 2026-27 school year  

 

Captains will become the new mascot name for San Diego Unified School District's Clairemont High School starting in 2026-27 school year, if the district's Board of Education on Tues., Feb. 24 approves the recommendation after a nearly year-long community engagement process. 

 

Karly Johnstone, Clairemont High School Principal said the community chose "Captains" for its inclusive application and being a title students can strive to attain. 

 

Next Steps 

Operations staff from the school district, along with the school's principal have already begun to identify the changes that will be required to school facilities, design a new logo, athletic uniforms, etc. The school, based on the state law has up-to three-years to make the changes, but the school community is working as expediently as possible to make the change, but it's not likely every iteration of Chieftain will change by the start of the 2026-27 school year.    

 

Background on Name Change Process

San Diego Unified and Clairemont High School started the journey to change the name from Chieftains in April of last year when the Board of Education revised its Administrative Regulation and Board Policy 7310 to provide clearer direction on changes to school names and mascots. This came after the 2024 passage of Assembly Bill 3074 (AB3074), which prohibits "using any derogatory Native American term." 

 

The district has had dust-ups over the years involving district school name changes, and leaders were determined to ensure this time would be different. There was a very active community engagement effort surrounding this name change. This included:

 

• 10-person Naming Committee: Area A Board Representative, Area A Superintendent, site Principal, site Athletic Director (approved by site SGT), teacher (chosen by site staff), two community members (self-nominated and selected via random draw), and two students (selected by the student body). 
• Open Call for Mascot Suggestions: Students, staff, and the community-at-large were invited to submit mascot suggestions, and each was discussed during town halls to determine if it would be moved to the next round. Discussion included whether the suggestion adhered to the agreed upon Naming Values as well as input from those in attendance. 
• Six Town Hall Meetings: Public was invited to attend and which were also live-streamed.
• Community Survey: The "final four" mascot names were included in a survey in which students, staff, and the community were able to rate the four finalists. More than 500 individuals responded. 
• Information Posted Regularly: All information was updated on the webpage: Clairemont HS Mascot Rebranding. 

 

To learn more about the name change of Clairemont High School mascot, click here, and to learn more about the San Diego Unified School District, 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

 

 

CLAIREMONT HIGH SCHOOL’S NEW MASCOT NAME WILL BE “CAPTAINS,” IF APPROVED BY SAN DIEGO UNIFIED BOARD OF EDUCATION ON FEB. 24.

EDITOR NOTE: A Media Availability about the mascot name change will occur on Monday, Feb. 23 between 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. To schedule an interview in-person at Clairemont High, or virtually on Feb. 23 with the Board of Education Vice President and/or the school's Principal during this time, please contact James Canning, 313-580-2845, jcanning@sandi.net to arrange. Thanks, James

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

CLAIREMONT HIGH SCHOOL'S NEW MASCOT NAME WILL BE "CAPTAINS," IF APPROVED BY SAN DIEGO UNIFIED BOARD OF EDUCATION ON FEB. 24.
Name Change Process Involved: 10-Person Naming Committee, 6 Town Halls, Open Call for Mascot Names & Community Survey 

 

SAN DIEGO (February 20, 2026) – Captains will become the new mascot name for San Diego Unified School District's Clairemont High School starting in 2026-27 school year, if the district's Board of Education on Tues., Feb. 24 approves the recommendation after a nearly year-long community engagement process. 

 

"Captains was chosen largely for its inclusive application and being a title students can strive to attain," said Clairemont High School Principal Karly Johnstone, in a letter submitted to the Board Trustees. "Though Captains is a human reference, we are looking for our mascot to be a gender-neutral animal or symbol which will represent the inclusive culture of Clairemont High School and we look forward to working this into our school culture.

 

San Diego Unified and Clairemont High School started the journey to change the name from Chieftains in April of last year when the Board of Education revised its Administrative Regulation and Board Policy 7310 to provide clearer direction on changes to school names and mascots. This came after the 2024 passage of Assembly Bill 3074 (AB3074), which prohibits "using any derogatory Native American term." 

 

The district has had dustups over the years involving district school name changes, and leaders were determined to ensure this time would be different. There was a very active community engagement effort surrounding this name change. This included:

 

• 10-person Naming Committee: Area A Board Representative, Area A Superintendent, site Principal, site Athletic Director (approved by site SGT), teacher (chosen by site staff), two community members (self-nominated and selected via random draw), and two students (selected by the student body). 
• Open Call for Mascot Suggestions: Students, staff, and the community-at-large were invited to submit mascot suggestions, and each was discussed during town halls to determine if it would be moved to the next round. Discussion included whether the suggestion adhered to the agreed upon Naming Values as well as input from those in attendance. 
• Six Town Hall Meetings: Public was invited to attend, and which were also live-streamed.
• Community Survey: The "final four" mascot names were included in a survey in which students, staff, and the community were able to rate the four finalists. More than 500 individuals responded. 
• Information Posted Regularly: All information was updated on the webpage: Clairemont HS Mascot Rebranding.

"Change is difficult, and the way our Clairemont High School students, staff and community navigated this name change was outstanding. The process was comprehensive and inclusive," said Sabrina Bazzo, Vice President of San Diego Unified School District Board of Education and school community's elected representative. "Congratulations are in order for Principal Johnstone, our students and the entire school community for working together.  It wasn't always easy, but all voices were heard, and we reached a consensus that the Clairemont Captains is a mascot everyone can be proud of and root for!"

 

Next Steps: Mascot Name Change Process 

If approved by the Board of Education, the new mascot name will go into effect for the 2026-27 school year. Operations staff from the school district, along with the school's principal have already begun to identify the changes that will be required to school facilities, design a new logo, athletic uniforms, etc. The school, based on the state law has up-to three-years to make the changes, but the school community is working as expediently as possible to make the change, but it's not likely every iteration of Chieftain will change by the start of the 2026-27 school year.    

 

Explanation of Board Policy 7310     

 

Under the new Administrative Regulation and Board Policy 7310, prior to initiating a new school name or mascot, a school site and/or its members of the school community should consider the following: 

• If a school name or mascot reflects historical harm or exclusion, the school's name or mascot should be reevaluated by the school site and/or members of the school community.
• The criteria for a school name or mascot change should include guiding principles rooted in equity, belonging, and community empowerment.
• A school name or school mascot change should reflect cultural, historical, or community significance that can inspire generations for centuries to come that shall include the following criteria as guiding principles: 
• Individuals and entities that have made outstanding contributions, including financial contributions, to the school community. 
• Individuals who have made contributions of statewide, national, or worldwide significance. 
• The geographic area in which the school or building is located.
• Any proposed school name or mascot change must also include an evaluation of costs for signage, uniforms, and other associated charges.

 

Clairemont High School was the first school in the district to implement a mascot name change under the new state and district policy. 

 

Clairemont High School also had the support of local tribal leaders (see their letter) and the broader school community to change the name.  

To learn more about the name change of Clairemont High School mascot, click here, and to learn more about the San Diego Unified School District, 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

 

 

THURSDAY: SAN DIEGO UNIFIED & CIF-SAN DIEGO HOST FIRST STUDENT ATHLETE MENTAL HEALTH SUMMIT

EDITOR NOTE: If you would like to do in-person interviews with students and administrators, the ideal time during the program would be between 10:55 a.m. and 11:25 a.m. on Thursday. please contact  James Canning, 313-580-2845, Jcanning@sandi.net to arrange. 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                        

 

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED & CIF-SAN DIEGO HOST FIRST STUDENT ATHLETE MENTAL HEALTH SUMMIT 

More than 300 student leaders gather to advocate for student wellness and strengthen athletic environments

 

SAN DIEGO (February 18, 2026) – San Diego Unified School District, in partnership with CIF-San Diego Section and the San Diego City Conference Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), will host more than 300 student-athletes for a Student Athlete Mental Health Summit on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Balboa Park Club, 2150 Pan American Road West, San Diego, CA 92101. 

The summit is organized by San Diego Unified's Student Wellness Education and Resources (SWEAR) Committee in collaboration with SAAC and CIF. The event is designed to center student voices while addressing the growing importance of mental health awareness and support among high school student-athletes.

Led by student leaders and supported by the district and athletic partners, the summit will bring together representatives from across schools representing various school districts throughout San Diego County for a morning of learning, discussion, and connection. The summit will focus on equipping students with practical tools to support their mental well-being both on and off the field. 

"The event aligns with San Diego Unified's goal of improving student wellness," said Scott Giusti, Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Health for San Diego Unified. "Providing student athletes with tools to care for their mental health strengthens not only their performance, but their overall well-being and long-term success."

Highlights of the summit include: 

• A keynote speech from Alicia Guerrero, Aspiring Paralympian and San Diego State University (SDSU) Student Athlete
• A panel discussion featuring SDSU student athletes
• A data driven perspective presented by Katie Morrill, LCSW, Field Instructor, SDSU Athletic Department/Sport Social Work Program
• An interactive coping skills workshop focused on building practical coping skills

"This summit reflects our shared commitment to supporting the whole student-athlete," said Joe Heinz, Commissioner of the CIF San Diego Section. "By centering student voices and prioritizing mental wellness, we are empowering young leaders with the tools they need to thrive in athletics, academics, and life."

The summit underscores the collaborative efforts of San Diego Unified, the CIF San Diego Section, and the San Diego City Conference to foster safe, inclusive, and supportive athletic environments across San Diego County schools. 

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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

 

 

SD UNIFIED & SDEA REACH AGREEMENT, SCHOOL STRIKE PREVENTED, SCHOOL OPEN FEB. 26

EDITOR NOTE: I can arrange an interview for you between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. today 2/13 with SD Unified Board of Education President Richard Barrera. He is available either in person at the Education Center, 4100 Normal Street, or virtually, or by phone.  Please let me know if you would like to interview him, and I will help schedule. Thanks, James

 

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

 

SD UNIFIED & SDEA REACH AGREEMENT, SCHOOL STRIKE PREVENTED, SCHOOL OPEN FEB. 26   

 

SAN DIEGO (FEBRUARY 13, 2026) – One-day strike on February 26 is off as San Diego Unified School District and San Diego Education Association (SDEA) reach a mutual agreement on how to proceed with a contract. On February 12, 2026 the two sides came to agreements on several bargained subjects including special education and wages. SDEA will take the agreement to its membership for a ratification vote.   

 

All San Diego Unified schools will be open Thursday, February 26 and the previously announced make-up date of March 9 will go back to being a non-instructional day with schools closed districtwide.  

 

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement and prevented a strike," said Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D., San Diego Unified School District. "These negotiations, while at times tense, yielded an outcome that will stabilize our educator workforce and ensure all students are supported in the classroom. We appreciate the patience and flexibility our families have shown throughout this process."

 

There are several important outcomes that support district educators, students and their families, including:

 

Student and Families Benefits 

• Dedicated intervention counselors to better support the social-emotional needs of ALL students
• Improved Fall staffing practices to reduce schedule changes and disruptions for students when the school year begins. 
• Stronger supports for students with Individual Education Programs (IEP), including additional time for education specialists to focus on case management, completion of assessments and collaboration with families 
• Various strategies for retaining education specialists and filling vacancies through increased compensation and reimbursing general education teachers who have chosen to pursue a special education credential.  
• Reaffirming our commitment to programs that provide safe and supportive spaces for our students, staff, and families.

 

Staff Benefits

• Wage increases when the District receives the currently withheld Proposition 98 funding. Pursuant to the Equity Clauses in the respective collective bargaining agreements, all employees would receive these raises retroactively.   
• Maintaining full health and welfare benefits for employee, spouse, and dependents
• Investments in Special Education  
• Minimizing classroom schedule changes at the beginning of the school year
• Reaffirming our commitment to programs that provide safe and supportive spaces for our students, staff, and families. 

 

To learn more about how San Diego Unified supports its educators, here is a link to review. 

 

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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