SD UNIFIED OFFERS NEW POSITIONS TO 69 EMPLOYEES AS RESULT OF AGREEMENTS REACHED WITH 3 LABOR GROUPS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                Media Contact: James Canning

                                                                                                                   313-580-2845 / Jcanning@sandi.net 

 

SD UNIFIED OFFERS NEW POSITIONS TO 69 EMPLOYEES AS RESULT OF AGREEMENTS REACHED WITH 3 LABOR GROUPS
Board of Education to Recognize Classified School Employees Week at May 12th Meeting 

SAN DIEGO (MAY 11, 2026) – San Diego Unified is offering all 69 employees who in March were at-risk of being laid off an opportunity to accept a new position in the school district. This latest news is the result of tentative agreements reached between the district and three chapters of the California School Employees Association (CSEA). On Tuesday, March 12 the district’s Board of Education will vote on the agreements and introduce a resolution to recognize Classified School Employees Week.

 

“Students are the priority for everyone who works in our district; we are glad to have reached a compromise that provides us the ability to maintain our strong public education services while also creating new opportunities for valued staff and colleagues,” said Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D., San Diego Unified. “For those who choose to stay with us under this new agreement, as they move into their new roles we will provide expanded training and workforce development support to ensure a successful transition.”    

 

Path to Agreement Between San Diego Unified with CSEA Chapters   

An innovative staffing approach was developed by San Diego Unified’s Human Resources Department in partnership with the school district’s budget review team. They identified vacancies in the 2026-27 school year where the 69 employees who otherwise would have been laid off could apply for a new position with the district. Between April 22 and Friday, May 1, 2026 tentative agreements were reached between San Diego Unified and Chapter 724 Operations-Support Services (OSS), Chapter 788 Office-Technical and Business Services (OTBS), and Chapter 759 Paraeducators (PARA). 

 

Highlights of the agreements that benefit San Diego Unified employees include retaining healthcare benefits, training, workforce development, and preservation of all contractual rights.  

 

Honoring Classified Employees Week 

Classified employees from OTBS, PARA and OSS will be honored with a resolution sponsored by President Barrera and Trustee Sharon Whitehurst-Payne of the Board of Education as the school district celebrates May 17-23 as Classified School Employees Week.  

 

Excerpts are as follows: 

“...WHEREAS, classified employees contribute immensely to the health, safety, and well-being of students through their dedication and professionalism in carrying out their many and varied job responsibilities assisting children and young people in classrooms and through valuable support services; and 

WHEREAS, the district’s academic programs and other educational opportunities are provided to all students enrolled in district schools with the unfailing support of all classified employees working in all job classifications…” 

Trustee Whitehurst-Payne said, “Our classified employees are essential to everything we do. Their steady dedication and the many roles they serve each day help create safe, welcoming schools where students can learn, grow, and thrive. We are deeply grateful for the impact they make across our entire school community.” 

 

Final Nuts & Bolts of New Labor Partner Agreements

 

As part of San Diego Unified’s strategy to streamline its workforce to create efficiencies, Board of Education Trustees are required in accordance with California Education Code, to issue a final vote during this same May 12 meeting on the elimination of Classified positions throughout the organization. This does not affect the agreements with the three chapters of CSEA.   

 

Prior to the tentative agreements that provided opportunities for position, about 10 employees filed for a hearing to dispute their layoff. The hearings were scheduled by the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) for May 15. School district officials hope those employees will forgo their hearings due to the agreements, but that will not be known until a later date.  

 

To learn more about San Diego Unified School District, visit: www.SanDiegoUnified.org.

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

 

 

Update: Canvas & San Diego Unified School District

Good afternoon, we have an update about Instructure (Canvas) cybersecurity incident and our school district.  Please see the attached letter that was sent to families. I have also pasted below.  You can use this for your reporting.  Thanks, James  

 

BELOW IS THE FIRST LETTER SENT TO FAMILIES ON 5/7/26

 

 

 

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 Generates $19.6M Savings for Taxpayers by Refinancing Bonds for Propositions MM, S & Z

Editor Note: If you are interested in an interview about the $19.6M Savings, please let me know and I can help to arrange.  It likely will be either with our CFO or Deputy Superintendent. Thanks, James

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Media Contact: 

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

 

SD Unified Generates $19.6M Savings for Taxpayers by Refinancing Bonds for Propositions MM, S & Z
Smart financial decision Reduces total debt service costs without increasing tax rates

 

SAN DIEGO (MAY 6, 2026) – San Diego Unified School District has achieved $19.6 million in savings for local taxpayers while strengthening the District’s long-term financial position by successfully completing a $299.5 million General Obligation bond refund. 

 

The 2026 refunding refinances portions of prior bond issuances from Proposition MM (1998), Proposition S (2008), and Proposition Z (2012). By taking advantage of favorable market conditions, the District generated approximately $19.6 million in net present value savings, representing 5.83% savings on the refunded bonds.

 

“This transaction reflects our continued commitment to strong financial stewardship,” said Ami Shackelford, Chief Financial Officer, San Diego Unified School District. “We closely monitor market opportunities and act when it benefits our taxpayers. This refunding allows us to reduce long-term debt costs without extending repayment timelines.”

 

Benefits of this financial position to San Diego taxpayers: 

• Reduces total debt service costs without increasing tax rates
• Captures savings upfront while maintaining repayment schedules
• Improves overall efficiency of voter-approved bond program
  
  
  

This refinancing does not create new debt. Instead, it replaces older, higher-cost bonds with lower-cost financing—similar to refinancing a mortgage at a better interest rate. The transaction involved paying off some bonds early and restructuring others to maximize savings, while keeping the overall repayment timeline the same.  

 

The bonds were well received by investors, reflecting continued confidence in San Diego Unified’s credit strength and financial management. The transaction achieved favorable borrowing costs across all three bond series. San Diego Unified remains focused on maximizing the value of voter-approved bond programs while ensuring transparency and accountability. Savings generated through refundings like this help preserve resources and support the District’s long-term financial stability.

 

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

 

 

6,275 SD UNIFIED SENIORS WILL GRADUATE, MOVE ON TO COLLEGE & CAREERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Link to High Resolution Video of Press Conference, with Student Speakers

 

Media Contacts: 

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

 

6,275 SD UNIFIED SENIORS WILL GRADUATE, MOVE ON TO COLLEGE & CAREERS
SD Unified School District’s Projected Graduation Rate is 91% for the 2025-26 School Year
157 Seniors Celebrate as Inaugural Graduating Class of Logan Memorial High School 

 

SAN DIEGO (MAY 04, 2026) – San Diego Unified School District is expecting 6,275 seniors to graduate this year. 25 district high schools will host graduation ceremonies in May, but the most significant may be the inaugural graduating senior class from Logan Memorial High School. One-hundred and fifty-seven seniors, four years after Logan Memorial High School opened, will take their hard earned, future-ready talents to universities, community colleges, and careers.   

 

During a press conference at the Logan Memorial High School high school today, impressive district wide achievements by the 2025-26 senior class were announced by Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D.; Board of Education President Richard Barrera, and campus administrators. Students representing the senior class of Logan Memorial High School also shared their individual stories of progress and success.   

 

Preliminary estimates indicate a 91% graduation rate for San Diego Unified, a 1% increase when comparing this year to 2024-25. Final totals will be available after summer school. 

 

San Diego Unified graduated 90.3% of its senior students in 2024-25.San Diego Unified’s A-G Completion Rate was 26% better than all large urban schools in the state of California.    

 

“Graduation is a testament to the resilience, talent, and determination of our students,” said Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D. “Our seniors leave San Diego Unified not only with academic knowledge, but with the skills to thrive in a complex world. We are deeply committed to ensuring every student is prepared and empowered to pursue their dreams. This graduating class is ready to live a choice-filled life.” 

  

Seniors across San Diego Unified have numerous opportunities to level-up their abilities and earn designations to demonstrate their commitments to biliteracy, civic engagement, career technical pathways, and International Baccalaureate ®.

 

732 graduating seniors are projected to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy, an official recognition awarded by all U.S. states to high school students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other language. It is a 6% increase over last year’s 687 recipients. San Diego Unified awards the seal for 13 different languages and it appears on the student’s diploma or transcript to highlight their language skills to colleges and employers. The goal is to encourage multilingualism, value cultural diversity, and prepare students for a global society. 

241 seniors to date have submitted their applications for the State Seal of Civic Engagement, an award for students excelling in civics, making a difference in their communities, and knowing how democracy works. The application period closes later in May and awards will be determined at a later date. For the 2024-25 school year there were 233 applicants. 

“Today we celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our graduating seniors and the journeys that brought them here,” said Board of Education President Richard Barrera. “San Diego Unified has worked to create opportunities that open doors.  These graduates are stepping into the next chapter with confidence, purpose, and a strong foundation. We are proud to have helped prepare leaders who will contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.”

Other distinctions of the 2025-26 graduating class include:

• 2,140 seniors have been reclassified as fluent in English 
• 2,008 seniors are Career Technical Education Pathway Graduates 
• 187 seniors are receiving International Baccalaureate ® certificate (gold tassel)
• 126 seniors are receiving International Baccalaureate ® full diploma

Significance of Inaugural Logan Memorial High School Graduating Class 

Logan Heights was home to Memorial Junior High starting in 1922 and in the Fall of 2022, 100 years later, Logan Memorial High School was opened. The opening of the high school came after the population grew in the Logan Heights neighborhood and the neighborhood children were required to attend high school outside of their community because one did not exist nearby. After significant community advocacy that started in 2015 for a Logan Heights high school, Logan Memorial High School was opened seven years later and now the students of the high school and the entire Logan Memorial Educational Campus (LMEC) are thriving in an educational environment that provides daycare through 12th grade educational opportunities for the nearby and surrounding community.        

 

College & Career Readiness Goal 

 

One of San Diego Unified’s goals is to 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. 

   

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

 

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. 

 

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

 

 

MONDAY: SAN DIEGO UNIFIED STUDENTS, LEADERS TO ANNOUNCE GRADUATION TOTALS & LIFT UP FIRST GRADUATING CLASS FROM LOGAN MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL

MEDIA ADVISORY

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED STUDENTS, LEADERS TO ANNOUNCE GRADUATION TOTALS
& LIFT UP FIRST GRADUATING CLASS FROM LOGAN MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL  

WHAT: Press Conference

WHY:
San Diego Unified School District leaders will announce details about its graduation totals for the 2025-26 school year, important college and career data and feature the success of the first graduating class from Logan Memorial High School, which includes 157 students. Hear directly from students during this press conference. 

WHEN: Monday, May 4, 2026 @ 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:  Logan Memorial High School, 721 South 28th Street, San Diego CA, 92113 (Enter the office of Building E and you will be escorted to a courtyard where the event is being held) 

WHO:

• Fabi Bagula, Superintendent, San Diego Unified School District
• Richard Barrera, President, Board of Education, San Diego Unified School District
• 157 Graduating Seniors from Logan Memorial High School
• Valedictorian: Arath Santiago Villegas Parra
• Autumn Dye
• Michael Yahir Contreras
• Salutatorian: Jazmin Granados

MEDIA
PARKING: Parking lot and street parking in front of building E

______________________________________________________________________________
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

 

 

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