Four San Diego Unified Schools Named Finalists for 2026 America’s Best Schools Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE           Media Contact:

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

Four San Diego Unified Schools Named Finalists for 2026 America's Best Schools Award

Award winners to be announced in May following on-site school visits

SAN DIEGO (February 12, 2026) —  Four San Diego Unified elementary schools have been named finalists for the 2026 America's Best Schools Award, placing them among 17 schools selected nationwide by the San Diego State University-based National Center for Urban School Transformation. Award winners will be announced in May 2026 following on-site visits to each campus.

The finalists are Dewey Elementary School in Point Loma, Garfield Elementary School in North Park, Nye Elementary School in Valencia Park, and Sequoia Elementary in Clairemont.

All four schools met NCUST's award criteria, which require that every racial, ethnic, and income group in the school exceed statewide proficiency averages, that attendance rates remain above 92 percent, that suspension rates stay low across all demographic groups, and that schools demonstrate strong outcomes for English learners and students with disabilities.

"The criteria for this national award, including academic proficiency for all student groups, positive school cultures, high attendance, and effective instruction, align with the goals and guardrails our Board of Education has set for this district," said Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D., San Diego Unified School District. "These four schools reflect the outcomes that follow when we focus on student wellness, literacy, math proficiency, and college and career readiness."

The finalist designation adds to each school's existing record of recognition. Garfield Elementary in North Park was named a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, one of only 33 schools in California and two in San Diego County to receive the designation that year. Nye Elementary in Valencia Park joins Garfield as a finalist, with both schools meeting the award's standard for academic proficiency across every student group.

"Results like these do not happen without the collective effort of educators, students, and families who are committed to continuous improvement every single day," said Richard Barrera, president of the San Diego Unified Board of Education. "The work happening at Garfield Elementary and Nye Elementary deserves to be celebrated, and this national recognition is a reflection of what those school communities have built together."

Sequoia Elementary in Clairemont and Dewey Elementary in Point Loma both serve diverse student populations as Title I campuses. The America's Best Schools finalist selection recognizes both schools for meeting the same national standard of academic proficiency across all student groups, high attendance, and positive school culture required of every finalist.

"Sequoia Elementary and Dewey Elementary are not just meeting milestones but exceeding them for every student group they serve, and that is something their entire school communities should take tremendous pride in," said Sabrina Bazzo, vice president of the San Diego Unified Board of Education. "The national recognition is well deserved, but it is secondary to the progress these schools are making every day for the students and families who count on them.."

NCUST will conduct on-site visits to each finalist campus in the coming months to validate application evidence. Winners will be selected at the bronze, silver, and gold levels and announced in May.

 

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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

 

 

PITCH: SD Unified Alum in NBA All Star Game This Weekend

Good afternoon, we have a San Diego Unified Alum, Norman Powell, a proud graduate of Lincoln High School, a UCLA Bruin, and a second-round NBA draft pick (#46), is now an NBA All-Star. With the All -Star game this weekend, we thought you might take an interest in this story, not just because he is from here, but because he has continued to be supportive of San Diego. Check out the info below about Norman as shared by Lincoln High School leaders, and if you’d like to learn more about his contributions or do an interview with someone from the school, let me know and we can help arrange.  Thanks James

 

Norman Powell    

• Eleven years into his NBA career, he is still grinding, still earning, still proving that belief, discipline, and consistency outlast hype. An NBA Champion, and now officially recognized among the best players in the world. 
• Through his Understand the Grind Foundation, Norman continues to invest in people, not publicity. He hosts free youth basketball camps, provides Thanksgiving dinners to families in need, sponsors Christmas shopping sprees for children, and hosts a Christmas celebration at Lincoln High School for students in the special needs program.
• Most notably, Norman supports a mentoring program at Lincoln High School where retired and active military members mentor 35–40 students twice a month, offering structure, accountability, guidance, and real-life leadership to young men who need positive role models. This is what sustained excellence looks like
• Norman Powell represents Southeast San Diego, proudly, authentically, and unapologetically. Southeast San Diego is not a footnote. It is part of the City of San Diego, and his journey is proof of the greatness that continues to rise from it. Even after reaching the highest level of his profession.

 

 

 

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

 

 

2026 SD Unified Graduating Class On Track for 4% Growth in College and Career Readiness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                               Media Contact: James Canning

                                                                                      313-580-2845, Jcanning@sandi.net
  

2026 SD Unified Graduating Class On Track for 4% Growth in College and Career Readiness 

 

SAN DIEGO (FEBRUARY 10, 2026) – San Diego Unified School District students have surpassed pre-pandemic levels for college and careers preparedness in accordance with the California School Dashboard; and the upcoming 2025-26 graduating class is on track for 4% growth in college and career readiness when compared to last year's graduating class.

 

San Diego Unified graduated 90.3% of its senior students in 2024-25, and students were more prepared to pursue University of California A-G diploma's than Los Angeles, Fresno, Long Beach and San Francisco Unified School Districts. San Diego Unified's A-G Completion Rate was 26% better than all large urban schools in the state of California.    

 

"The data shows that more of our students are on track to graduate than last year. We are pleased that more of our students are ready to meet the requirements of all public California universities and more of our students are ready to pursue post-high school careers," said Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D., San Diego Unified School District. "The steady year-after-year progress of our students is a testament to the dedication of our education, and the hard work being put in by students and their families. We're proud that more of our students are trending in the right direction, but we have a lot more work to do."

   

Since the College and Career Indicator (CCI) was developed by the State of California in 2017, student preparedness for life after high school has improved from 53%.3 from San Diego Unified's Class of 2017 to 66.6% for the Class of 2025. 

 

Each San Diego Unified Schools is different, but district officials attribute the overall improvements to some key student performance outcome indicators, research-based levers which include strategic scheduling, strong student-adult relationships, and supportive 8th to 9th grade transition "bridging."  

 

"Our students are graduating at higher rates  and  are better prepared for college and careers than their peers in other urban districts across the state," said Richard Barrera, President of the Board of Education, San Diego Unified School District. "We are delivering targeted support to academically struggling students which is reflected in our higher graduation and college and career readiness rates. We are encouraged by these academic improvements."

 

To read the entire progress monitoring report delivered at the February 10 Board of Education meeting, click here.  

 

Pathways to College and Career Readiness @ San Diego Unified 

San Diego Unified students have three paths toward improving their college and career opportunities post graduation by taking "a-g" courses that help them become eligible for California State Universities, earning early college credit through the district's partnerships with higher education institutions, and career technical education (CTE).   

 

According to the California Department of Education, CTE significantly increases the high school graduation rate and also results in a higher percentage of students going to college and persisting through graduation. High-risk students are 8 to 10 times less likely to drop out in grades ten and eleven if they enroll in a CTE program instead of a general program. 

 

The College and Career Readiness Goals of San Diego Unified (Learn More)  

• Increase graduating student cohorts' level of college and career preparedness, as measured by the College/Career indicator on the California School Dashboard, from 59.9% of high school graduates placed in the "Prepared" level in August 2023 to 71.9% by August 2030.
• Increase graduating student cohorts' level of college and career preparedness, as measured by the College/Career indicator on the California School Dashboard, from 59.9% of high school graduates placed in the "Prepared" level in August 2023 to 71.9% by August 2030.
• Increase the 9th - 12th grade Spotlight student cohorts' On Track completion of a-g course requirements with a grade of C or higher as measured by California Department of Education (CDE) from 24.7% in Spring 2023 to 42.7% by Spring 2030.

 

To learn more about and enroll in San Diego Unified School DIstrict schools, 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

 

 

SD UNIFIED IN SACRAMENTO WEDNESDAY TO ADVOCATE FOR INVESTMENTS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION & REQUEST NOT WITHHOLDING MONEY FOR SCHOOLS

Editor Note: Media Availability: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 - 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D. and Vice President Sabrina Bazzo will have limited availability for virtual or phone interviews about their advocacy. Please contact James Canning, 313-580-2845, jcanning@sandi.net to coordinate.        

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                        

SD UNIFIED IN SACRAMENTO WEDNESDAY TO ADVOCATE FOR INVESTMENTS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION & REQUEST NOT WITHHOLDING MONEY FOR SCHOOLS
Tuesday Lincoln High School's Principal Highlighted Success of Community Schools in Sacramento 

SAN DIEGO (FEBRUARY 10, 2026) – San Diego Unified's Superintendent and Board of Education Vice President to meet with state leaders on Wednesday to advocate for investments aligned with San Diego Unified's vision for special education, including increased funding for students with disabilities and robust behavioral supports an early intervention in TK-3 classrooms. They will also urge lawmakers to fully fund Proposition 98, pushing back on the proposal to shortchange schools by $5.6B – funding that should be invested in students.

"The investments we are advocating for will contribute to the development of early intervention efforts and ensure that every child has the support they need to succeed," said Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D. "By investing in professional development for educators and building a system of tiered supports, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive with the appropriate and necessary support, so that special education remains one of several thoughtfully applied supports.

"The need for greater investments in special education is not unique to San Diego Unified, school districts across the state are facing similar situations," said Vice President Sabrina Bazzo, Board of Education. "We need a state legislator to invest in real solutions that get at the heart of the challenges we are seeing in our schools. Without state leadership, districts will continue to face rising special education identification when earlier, targeted interventions could make all the difference."

Below is background information about the special education initiative that SDUSD is seeking state funding to support:   

Early Interventions Policy Proposal:
San Diego Unified's multi-pronged solution would leverage one-time budget capacity in Proposition 98 – the state of California's funding strategy for schools and community colleges – to invest in proactive, early interventions to ensure that every child receives the help they need before being considered for an IEP.

The District is proposing the sum of $250 million dollars be appropriated from Proposition 98 for a TK-3 Behavioral Support and Early Intervention Grant Program. This funding would come out of the roughly $13B in one-time Proposition 98 budget capacity estimated in the Governor's Budget Proposal - including $5.6B the Governor is proposing to withhold from schools . In this proposal, funds would be allocated by the Superintendent of Public Instruction to local educational agencies based on prior year average daily attendance for Transitional Kindergarten through grade 3 in order to implement this program statewide. San Diego Unified estimates a minimum staffing costs for short-term side-by-side coaching positions at its district to be $2.5M, not including other necessary support; this statewide investment would provide the robust support needed to tackle this challenge. 

This funding and policy framework would focus on:

1. Professional Development and Coaching: Equipping all TK-3 educators—teachers, paraeducators, and education specialists with the tools and strategies they need to address the diverse needs of students. This would involve side-by-side coaching and a gradual-release model to build educator capacity over time.
2. Tiered Support Systems: Creating a system of escalating interventions that provides students with the right level of support at the right time, ensuring that IEP referrals are only made when initial interventions have proven insufficient.
3. Investing in Early Behavioral and Social-Emotional Supports: Ensuring that all students, particularly those in the early grades, have access to necessary social-emotional and behavioral supports that can help prevent academic struggles later on.

Community Schools: State lawmakers invited Lincoln High School Principal to speak on February 10 at a joint hearing of the Assembly Education Committee and Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance to highlight the strategies for success that have led to the transformational impact of the community schools' model at Lincoln High School.

To learn more about San Diego Unified's Special Education Services, click here, and to get involved in the Community Advisory Committee for Special Education, click here.

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

 

 

Rocket Program Launching 320 Students Toward College and Career Readiness - Thursday & Friday

MEDIA ADVISORY 

Rocket Program Launching 320 Students Toward College and Career Readiness
Middle school Rocket Ambassadors guide elementary students through hands-on STEM experience as part of the College, Career, and Technical Education program

WHAT: Rocket Launch  

WHY DIFFERENT: 

For the first time, Taft Middle School is expanding its rocketry program to include elementary students in a first-of-its-kind Rocket Invitational. Over two days, 320 elementary students from six schools will build, design and launch rockets under the guidance of trained middle school Rocket Ambassadors. This year marks the first time the program has expanded to include elementary students, creating a new pathway that introduces younger learners to district STEM opportunities. This teach-and-lead model puts middle schoolers in the role of peer educators while giving elementary students a window into the hands-on learning opportunities available in their cluster. 

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, 9:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m.

?         Rocket building and design in cafeteria; demonstration launch on field

?         Teams of four students will construct their rockets and design custom artwork, including team logos and slogans, in the school cafeteria. The day concludes with a demonstration launch and safety training on the field.

  Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

?         Rocket launches on field and awards ceremony

?         Teams will launch their rockets on the field behind the school and collect data, tracking metrics such as flight time and accuracy. The event culminates with an awards ceremony recognizing achievements in categories including highest launch, best rocket design, closest to target and best team logo.

Event program: View run of show

WHERE: Taft Middle School: 9191 Gramercy Drive, San Diego, CA 92123 (Launches will take place on the field behind the school; media must check in at the front office upon arrival.)

VISUALS:

• Students building and designing rockets in the cafeteria
• middle school Rocket Ambassadors mentoring younger students 
• rocket launches on the athletic field
• team artwork and posters; awards ceremony

BACKGROUND: Taft Middle School's rocketry program has conducted launches for four years as part of its Gateway to Technology middle school CTE class. The Rocket Invitational exemplifies San Diego Unified's commitment to college and career readiness through its CCTE program. By engaging elementary students in project-based learning while positioning middle schoolers as peer educators, the event builds essential skills including teamwork, problem-solving, data analysis and scientific inquiry. The Rocket Ambassador model 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.
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Media Contact: James Canning, 313-580-2845, jcanning@sandi.net

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

 

 

SD UNIFIED’S 301 COUNSELORS MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN LIVES OF STUDENTS, DISTRICT HONORS 4 COUNSELORS AS 2026 SCHOOL COUNSELORS OF THE YEAR

Good morning, if you are interested in conducting any interview with our director of counseling, or any of the winners of our Counselor of the Year, please let me know and we'd be happy to help arrange. Thanks, James   

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                           

DOWNLOAD VIDEO ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE COUNSELORS AS TOLD BY STUDENTS & PRINCIPALS   

 

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

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED'S 301 COUNSELORS MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN LIVES OF STUDENTS, DISTRICT HONORS 4 COUNSELORS AS 2026 SCHOOL COUNSELORS OF THE YEAR

District recognizes counselors' impact on student wellness, academic success, and college and career readiness

 

SAN DIEGO (February 3 , 2026) – In recognition of National School Counseling Week, San Diego Unified School District is proud to honor its 2026 School Counselors of the Year, celebrating the dedicated professionals who support students' academic success, social-emotional well-being, and future readiness across the district.

This year's honorees were selected from a distinguished group of 21 nominees representing elementary, middle, and high schools throughout San Diego Unified:

Elementary School Counselor of the Year
                Nick Zambrano, Ericson Elementary

Middle School Counselor of the Year
                Paulette Blankenbeckle, Marshall Middle School

High School Counselor of the Year
                Anna Vasquez, Crawford High School

San Diego Unified employs 301 school counselors serving students in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade. Every school site has access to a counselor, with staffing allocated based on student enrollment to ensure supports are responsive to each school community's needs.

"School counselors are essential to achieving our Student Achievement Goals, particularly our commitment to student wellness," said Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D., San Diego Unified School District. "They are trusted adults who ensure students feel supported, connected, and prepared—not just academically, but emotionally and socially. Their work helps students thrive in school and graduate with real options for the future."

School counselors provide comprehensive, preventive, and developmental supports focused on academic achievement, social-emotional well-being, and college and career readiness. At the elementary level, counselors support foundational social-emotional skills and early career awareness. Middle school counselors help students navigate key transitions and decision-making, while high school counselors guide students toward graduation, A–G completion, and postsecondary pathways, while also supporting mental health needs.

"School counseling is essential to advancing our Student Achievement Goal of increasing college and career readiness and ensuring every student graduates with options," said Mariana Gomez, Ph.D., Director of Counseling & Student Support Services. "Through intentional course planning, A–G and CTE guidance, credit monitoring, and targeted supports, counselors help students move from 'not prepared' to 'prepared,' creating pathways to college, career, and future success."

San Diego Unified has recognized National School Counseling Week for more than 25 years, underscoring the district's longstanding commitment to student wellness and success. As students continue to navigate academic and personal challenges, counselors remain a critical part of the district's efforts to ensure every student feels safe, supported, and equipped to succeed.

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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