SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOLS PRESENT BALANCED BUDGET FOR 2026-27 SCHOOL YEAR, DISTRICT LEADERS CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE AS FINAL STATE BUDGET IS BEING NEGOTIATED

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

 

Media Contact:

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

 

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOLS PRESENT BALANCED BUDGET FOR 2026-27 SCHOOL YEAR, DISTRICT LEADERS CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE AS FINAL STATE BUDGET IS BEING NEGOTIATED 

 

SAN DIEGO (JUNE 09, 2026) – San Diego Unified School District’s Chief Financial Officer presented a balance budget for the 2026-27 school year during Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting, and highlighted the benefits the school district could receive once the State of California’s budget is finalized later this month. 

 

“We are making investments in the classrooms and campuses where our students learn, and in the people who educate students and support their ongoing needs,” said Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D. San Diego Unified School District. “We have thoroughly examined Governor Newsom’s May budget revision and it makes significant investments in public education, however we are waiting for the state budget to be finalized, and will continue to advocate for the release of the remaining $3.9 billion in Proposition 98 funding. Our students would benefit greatly from those resources."  

 

Once the State of California’s budget is finalized, other investments San Diego Unified expects to incorporate into its 2026-27 budget include:

• Spend approximately an additional $1 million to comply with (Paid Pregnancy Disability Leave) to ensure employees are offered 14 weeks of paid pregnancy leave. The district already provides 6 paid weeks for pregnancy leave.
• Invest in public safety personnel by hiring five new officers to support school communities. One million dollars will be allocated to add five full time police officers.     
• San Diego Unified will be able to deliver a wage increase to all district employees, as negotiated with its labor partners. This increase helps to ensure educators and support staff are able to thrive as California’s cost of living rises.     

 

"This budget reflects the Board's commitment to investing in what matters most: our students, our employees, and our school communities,” said Richard Barrera, President, Board of Education for San Diego Unified. “By expanding employee support, strengthening school safety, and providing competitive compensation, we will be making strategic investments that help ensure every student has access to safe, supportive, and high-quality learning environments." 

 

A second reading of the June 9 budget presentation, along with a resolution to identify the amount of budget solutions needed for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 budgets and a Board of Education vote to approve the budget will be heard on June 23. 

 

The budget presentation on Tuesday also noted for the first time the expected funding needed to cover the deficit for the 2027-28 school year ($74.2 million) – $10.5 million from 2026-27 budget will be applied toward the deficit. The deficit for 2028-29 school year is $137.6 million. These are required projections by the State of California, but San Diego Unified has always been able to solve for them in previous years.      

 

The 2026-27 budget goes into effect July 1, 2026.

 

Visit SanDiegoUnified.org to learn more about the second largest school district in the state of California. 

 

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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

 

 

52 IN-PERSON ENROLLMENT HUBS OPEN TO ASSIST FAMILIES SIGNING CHILDREN UP FOR SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOLS

Editor Note: On June 9, 2026 from 10-11 a.m. we have two representatives available for Spanish and English interviews either in person, or virtually. Let us know if you are interested and we can help arrange. Thanks, James

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          

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

52 IN-PERSON ENROLLMENT HUBS OPEN TO ASSIST FAMILIES SIGNING CHILDREN UP FOR SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOLS   

Enrollment Hubs Open June 8 - July 2, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mon. - Fri. 

New Online Enrollment Reduce Barriers. Visit  SanDiegoUnified.org/Enroll

SAN DIEGO (JUNE 08, 2026) – San Diego families wanting to enroll their children in a San Diego Unified School District school can visit any of the 52 in-person Enrollment Hubs to register their children between June 8 and July 2. To assist families needing help with enrollment, the hubs will be open Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. (closed June 19). 

 

Earlier this year, the district transitioned to fully online enrollment for all grade levels beginning with the 2026-27 school year. Families can use the interactive Enrollment Hub map—by clicking here—to find the location closest to them. Families can visit any hub to receive personalized service to enroll their children in any school.     

 

Families coming to any of the 52 Enrollment Hubs, should bring the following: 

• Birth certificate
• Proof of address
• Immunization records
• High school transcript if transferring from another high school
• Individualize Education Plan or 504 (if applicable) 

“Every family deserves a seamless, welcoming, and accessible enrollment experience," said Dr. Tracey Makings, the district’s new enrollment lead. “Whether families choose to enroll online from home or visit one of our Enrollment Hubs for in-person assistance, our goal is to remove barriers and connect students with the educational opportunities, programs, and supports they need to succeed. We encourage families to enroll for the 2026-27 school year early so their child can begin the school year ready to learn and achieve their goals.”  

Why Families Should Choose San Diego Unified Schools   
San Diego Unified, the second largest school district in California, ranks #1 in the nation among large urban districts in 4th and 8th grade literacy and tied for #1 in 8th grade math. San Diego Unified graduates qualify for admission to UC/CSU schools at a 16.4% higher rate than the California average. 

San Diego Unified educators are committed to high-quality learning, inclusive and welcoming school communities, and a strong support system that helps students grow with confidence and purpose. With 175 school options servicing preschool through 12th grade, San Diego Unified provides students with opportunities to thrive. Programs San Diego Unified schools offer include:

• Early learning for ages 3+
• Extended Learning at Elementary and Middle Schools
• Language Immersion
• International Baccalaureate
• Dual Enrollment College Credits
• Career Technical Pathways  
• STEAM Magnet Programs
• Visual and Performing Arts
• Middle and High School Athletics 

1,309 Students Enrolled by August 10 
District leaders and partners will be working over the summer to recruit 1,309 new students into its 175 elementary, middle, and high schools by the first day of the new school year on August 10, 2026.

This new push for students comes on heels of the California Department of Education (CDE) report showing nearly 75,000 fewer students are attending public schools in the state due to lower birth rates, fewer immigrants, and the high cost of living.

The 1,309 number is meaningful to San Diego Unified because it's the same number of students who left the district since the 2024-25 school year. 

Nationally, enrollment has dropped by 1.18 million students over the past five years, according to the Education Commission of the States. 

To enroll students now, families can visit SanDiegoUnified.org/Enroll or call 619-260-2410. 

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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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SAN DIEGO UNFIED LAUNCHES ONLINE ENROLLMENT AND WILL OPEN 52 IN-PERSON ENROLLMENT HUBS JUNE 8TH

Editor Note: We originally intended to send this after our press event on May 18, and those that attended received it, but considering the events that occurred Monday in San Diego we held off on sending widely.  Below is the press release with important links, and I have also included the video of the press conference here: https://youtu.be/0bUh5rhL2NA. If, when, you are interested in sharing more about this with your audiences, we are happy to accommodate you.  Thank you, James  

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE               

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

 

SAN DIEGO UNFIED LAUNCHES ONLINE ENROLLMENT AND WILL OPEN 52 IN-PERSON ENROLLMENT HUBS JUNE 8TH
District Revamps Enrollment Website to Reduce Barriers: SanDiegoUnified.org/Enroll
Leaders Push to Enroll 1,309 New Students by First Day of School August 10 

 

SAN DIEGO (MAY 18, 2026) – Student enrollment leaders from San Diego Unified School District today announce a new effort to remove enrollment barriers for pre-school, elementary, middle and high schools by offering online enrollment and for the first-time ever opening 52 Enrollment Hubs across the city to help any family who needs assistance with online enrollment. 

 

The district is not able to do a high-cost paid media campaigns like charter and private schools do to lure students away from public schools, but San Diego Unified is taking steps to make it easier for families to enroll by: 

• Launching Online Enrollment for All Schools: Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, the San Diego Unified School District has transitioned to a fully online enrollment process designed to make registration more convenient and accessible for families. The expanded system now serves a broader group of students, including new students, former students returning to the district, and all students entering Transitional Kindergarten (TK). Students accepted through the Choice Program or students who reside out of district and have an approved interdistrict transfer may also complete the online enrollment process. Families can access online enrollment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit the SanDiegoUnified.org/Enroll website.      
• Opening New Enrollment Hubs this Summer: To help families needing support with online enrollment, there will be 52 San Diego Unified Enrollment Hubs open to the public starting June 8 - July 2 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visit this link to find the nearest enrollment hub.
• New Enrollment Partnerships with Community-based Organizations: Leaders from the school district met last week with nearly 300 community partners dedicated to student achievement and success to get their support sharing information with their constituencies about the benefits of enrolling in a San Diego Unified school.  
• Launching ‘Why Choose San Diego Unified?’ Information Sharing Campaign: A series of materials designed to spark interest in district schools with information about the benefits of schools in the district: Videos / Print & Digital Fliers - English & Spanish.  
• Expansion of Neighborhood School Enrollment Office Hours: Tuesday - Thursday between 8:30 - 4:00 p.m. year-round The address is 4100 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92101, Annex 12    

 

“The purpose of these new actions is to make it easier for families to explore our schools and find the one that fits their student’s needs,” said Dr. Tracey Makings, the district’s new enrollment lead and a 22–year veteran of the school district. “If you’re a family who has not yet chosen a San Diego Unified school for their child, and you are interested in learning more about us, visit a school and consider enrolling your child for the 2026-27 school year.”  

 

Why Families Should Choose San Diego Unified Schools   
San Diego Unified, the second largest school district in California, ranks #1 in the nation among large urban districts in 4th and 8th grade literacy and tied for #1 in 8th grade math. San Diego Unified graduates' qualify for admission to UC/CSU schools at a 16.4% higher rate than the California average.

 

San Diego Unified educators are committed to high-quality learning, inclusive and welcoming school communities, and a strong support system that helps students grow with confidence and purpose. With 175 school options servicing preschool through 12th grade, San Diego Unified provides students with opportunities to thrive. Programs San Diego Unified schools offer include:

• Early learning for ages 3+
• Extended Learning at Elementary and Middle Schools
• Language Immersion
• International Baccalaureate
• Dual Enrollment College Credits
• Career Technical Pathways  
• STEAM Magnet Programs
• Visual and Performing Arts
• Middle and High School Athletics 
  
  

What Families Need to Know about Online Enrollment
Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, the San Diego Unified School District has transitioned to a fully online enrollment process designed to make registration more convenient and accessible for families. 

 

“Previously, online enrollment was only available for new students enrolling at their school of residence," said Dr. Makings. “The expanded system now serves a broader group of students, including new students, former students returning to the district, and all students entering Transitional Kindergarten. Families can access online enrollment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at SanDiegoUnified.org/Enroll.”   

 

Students accepted through the Choice Program or students who reside out of district and have an approved interdistrict transfer may also complete the online enrollment process.

 

Parents are asked to upload required documents electronically, including a birth certificate, immunization records, proof of address, and, if applicable, a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Parents of high school students are also asked to provide transcripts. 

 

Designated enrollment staff will continue processing applications throughout the summer to help ensure schools are prepared for students when campuses reopen.

 

What Families Need to Know about the 52 Enrollment Hubs 

This summer, any families interested in San Diego Unified schools and need help enrolling their child online can visit any of San Diego Unified’s 52 Enrollment Hubs for support with student enrollment. Friendly staff will be available to answer questions and help families get their child enrolled for pre-school, elementary school, middle school and high school.

 

Hours of Operation

📍 Come to any of our 52 Enrollment Hubs
 🗓 Monday, June 8 – Thursday, July 2, 2026
 ⏰ 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM 

 🚫 Closed June 19

Items to Bring with You:

Families coming to any of the 52 Enrollment Hubs should bring the following: 

• Birth certificate
• Proof of address
• Immunization records
• High school transcript if transferring from another high school
• Individualize Education Plan or 504 (if applicable) 

 

1,309 Students Enrolled by August 10 
District leaders and partners will be working over the summer to recruit 1,309 new students into its 175 elementary, middle and high schools by the first day of the new school year on August 10, 2026.

This new push for students comes on heels of the California Department of Education (CDE) report showing nearly 75,000 fewer students are attending public schools in the state due to lower birth rates, fewer immigrants and the high cost of living.

 

The 1,309 number is meaningful to San Diego Unified because it's the same number of students who left the district since the 2024-25 school year.

 

Nationally, enrollment has dropped by 1.18 million students over the past five years, according to the Education Commission of the States. 

To enroll students now, families can visit SanDiegoUnified.org/Enroll or call 619-260-2410. 

 

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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

 

 

TONIGHT: 200+ SD UNIFIED EDUCATORS, STAFF, AND VOLUNTEERS TO BE HONORED AT THE INAUGURAL STARS IN EDUCATION CEREMONY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

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

 

200+ SD UNIFIED EDUCATORS, STAFF, AND VOLUNTEERS TO BE HONORED AT THE INAUGURAL STARS IN EDUCATION CEREMONY

District Brings Together 2026 Teachers of the Year, Classified Employees of the Year, and Volunteers of the Year Under One Celebration at the May 20th Ceremony

 

SAN DIEGO (MAY 20, 2026) – San Diego Unified School District will honor more than 200 outstanding educators, classified employees, and volunteers during its inaugural Stars in Education Celebration on May 20, recognizing the individuals whose dedication, compassion, and service help shape the lives of students across the district.

 

The district employs nearly 6,900 educators across 175 schools and serves about 95,000 students. This year’s celebration will recognize the district’s 2026 Teachers of the Year, Classified Employees of the Year, Volunteers of the Year, and school-site honorees whose work reflects San Diego Unified’s commitment to student wellness, academic excellence, and college and career readiness.

“This celebration is about recognizing the extraordinary people who make our schools places of learning, belonging, and opportunity for students every single day,” said Dr. Fabi Bagula, Superintendent of San Diego Unified School District. “Education is rooted in relationships, care, and service, and our teachers, classified staff, and volunteers continually go above and beyond to support students not only academically, but emotionally and personally as well. Their work helps prepare our students to lead choice-filled lives, and we are deeply grateful for the heart, passion, and dedication they bring to our school communities.”

In previous years, the district held separate recognition events for Teachers of the Year, Classified Employees of the Year, and Volunteers of the Year. This year marks the first time all honorees will be celebrated together under one event to recognize the collective impact of San Diego Unified’s “Stars in Education.”

The Stars in Education Celebration will take place on May 20 at 5:00 p.m. at the Wilson Middle School Theater. The event will honor districtwide winners, runners-up, and site-level educators and volunteers:   

• Three District Teachers of the Year Winners – Elementary School Teacher of the Year: Carinne Daley,  3^rd grade multi subject, Freese Elementary School; Middle School Teacher of the Year: Michelle Rennick, 6^th grade ELA and Social Studies, Standley Middle School; and High School Teacher of the Year: Noel Pomerleau,  10^th-12^th PE and CCTE, Point Loma High School
• Three Runners-Up for District Teachers of the Year – Runner-up for Elementary School Teacher of the Year: Kristen Hurst, UTK-5^th grade VAPA and Science Prep Teacher, Carver Elementary School; Runner-Up for Middle School Teacher of the Year: Emma Ehrlich, 6^th-8^th ELD/ALD/ART, Montgomery Middle School; and Runner-up for High School Teacher of the Year: Stacy Williams, Adult Transition for students with mild/mod support needs, TRACE.
• 2026 San Diego Unified Classified Employees of the Year – Amanda Courtney, Admin Assistant I, Mira Mesa High School, Unit: CSEA/OTBS; Wendolyn Ruiz-Javier, Paraeducator Independence Facilitator (PIF), Knox Middle School, Unit: CSEA/PARA; Sam Siu, Custodian, Hickman Elementary School, Unit: CSEA/OSS.
• 2026 San Diego Unified Volunteers of the Year – Dr. Suresh Menon, EB Scripps Elementary, District A; Julie Wood & Rachel Lawson, Hearst Elementary, District B; Lilly Higman, Mission Bay High, District C; Pam Horsley, Florence Elementary, District D, Margarita Ibarra Molina, Mann Middle, District E.

 

In addition, Stacy Williams, an Adult Transition teacher at TRACE who supports students with mild to moderate support needs, has been named one of the 2026–27 San Diego County Teachers of the Year. This prestigious recognition honors educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication to student success, innovation in teaching, and a deep commitment to supporting students both academically and personally. Williams’ recognition reflects the extraordinary work happening across San Diego Unified classrooms every day.

Visit SanDiegoUnified.org to learn more.

 

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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: SD Unified to Announce New Online Enrollment and Ways its Reducing Barriers to Enrollment

MEDIA ADVISORY 

 

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF NEW ONLINE ENROLLMENT
AND WAYS ITS STREAMLINING ENROLLMENT TO REDUCE BARRIERS FOR FAMILIES  

 

WHAT: Press Conference & Demonstration  

 

WHY: San Diego Unified School District leaders will announce details of a brand-new online enrollment process for families to register their children in district preschools, transitional kindergarten classes, elementary, middle or high schools. Details will also be shared about how families will be supported by in-person enrollment hubs this summer, along with details about grassroots, community-based information sharing campaign about the benefits that San Diego Unified schools deliver to students.   

 

WHEN: Monday, May 18, 2026 @ 10:00 a.m.  

 

WHERE: Chollas Mead Elementary, 401 North 45th St., San Diego CA 92102 (Go to Front office) 

 

WHO: 

• Dr. Tracey Makings, new enrollment lead, San Diego Unified School District
• Kristi Hunter-Clark, Principal, Chollas Mead Elementary
• Ana Hernandez, Parent of Two Students, Chollas Mead Elementary
• Sharon Whitehurst-Pane, Trustee, San Diego UNified Board of Education 
• Yvonne Torres, Manager, Neighborhood Schools and Enrollment Options
• Santos Gonzalez, Director, Early Learning Opportunities  
• Tobie Pace, Senior Director, Early Learning Opportunities    

 

VISUALS: Demonstration of online enrollment and in-person enrollment hub operations   

MEDIA
PARKING: In the parking lot near the office or on street parking 

___________________________________________________________________________

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

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

 

 

SD UNIFIED LEADERS REMAIN CONCERNED WITH GOVERNOR’S MAY REVISE DECISIONS FOR EDUCATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                   Media Contact:

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

 

SD UNIFIED LEADERS REMAIN CONCERNED WITH GOVERNOR’S MAY REVISE DECISIONS FOR EDUCATION

 

SAN DIEGO (MAY 14, 2026) – San Diego Unified School District leaders remain deeply concerned with Governor Gavin Newsom’s response to the needs of school districts with his May Budget Revise. It does not fully fund Proposition 98. The May Revise would continue to withhold $3.9 billion from California’s students.

 

“As the Governor and Legislature negotiate the final State Budget, we will continue to advocate to protect the meaningful investments that are being considered, and most of all, to fully fund Proposition 98,” said Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D., San Diego Unified School District. “Our resilience and determination to keep our students' success as the focus of all we do will help us overcome the outcome of the May Revise.”

 

The benefits that do exist in the Governor’s May Budget Revise for San Diego Unified include:

• Funds COLA above the statutory level at 4.3%
• Invests an additional $1.8 billion in Special Education to offset costs of services for a total increase of $2.4 billion
• Increases funds for the Governor’s proposed discretionary block grant to $5 billion, which represents a $2.2 billion increase  

 

Specifics about the impact of the Governor’s May Budget Revise will be part of the first reading of the 2026-2027 proposed District budget at the next Board of Education meeting scheduled for June 9, 2026 at 5 p.m.

 

Visit www.SanDiegoUnified.org to learn more about the second largest school district in the state of California. 

 

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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