New School Meals for SD Unified Students -- Interview Availability July 31

EDITOR NOTE: On Friday, July 31 from 10-11 a.m. you can interview Alicia Pitrone Hauser, Executive Director, Food & Nutrition Services, inside the Creative Performing Media Arts Middle School 5050 Conrad Ave, San Diego, CA 92117 to discuss the new school menu items for the 2026-27 School Year. Leslie Luna, contact info below, can help arrange your interview slot.  

  

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

               

Media Contact:                                                                            

Leslie Luna, lluna1@sandi.net, 858-717-2499

Dave Palmer, dave@dunktankmarketing.com, 619-800-3865

***Broll Available for Download Here***                                              

 

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SERVES UP SUCCESS WITH NEW SCHOOL MEALS THIS FALL

Nutritious, student-inspired entrées support wellness, learning, and academic achievement

 

SAN DIEGO (July 30, 2026) — San Diego Unified School District is giving students another reason to look forward to the new school year. As campuses reopen August 10, Sandi Coast Cafe will introduce a new menu of nutritious, student-inspired entrées while preparing to serve more than 17 million healthy meals during the 2026–27 school year. The expanded menu reflects the district's commitment to providing students with meals they enjoy while supporting learning, wellness, and academic achievement. 

Five years ago, California became the first state in the nation to guarantee free breakfast and lunch to every TK-12 student, regardless of income. Today, Sandi Coast Cafe continues to build on that commitment by expanding its menu to include choices that are both student-inspired and nutritionally balanced. 

 

New on the Menu for 2026–27

• Breakfast: Waffle with Eggs and Hashbrowns, Turkey Bacon Breakfast Burrito, Mango Parfait, Egg Bites with Hashbrowns, Blueberry Muffin Top, Breakfast Taco, Bean & Cheese Burrito
• Lunch: Beef Quesadilla, Hummus Plate, Bacon Cheeseburger, Baja Fish Tacos
• Student-developed: Ava’s Avocado Salad and Hot Honey Chicken Bowl with Fried Rice

• More locally sourced and sustainable ingredients that support California agriculture while providing students with fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables

 

“Healthy meals are an important part of helping students learn, grow, and reach their full potential,” said Superintendent Fabiola Bagula, Ph.D. “Our Food and Nutrition Services team continues to raise the bar by listening to student feedback and creating nutritious meals that students are excited to eat. When students are well nourished, they are better prepared to succeed in the classroom and beyond.” 

 

Student-Created Recipes

This school year, students aren't just enjoying the menus — they're helping create them. Two student-developed recipes will be featured in cafeterias across the district, showcasing student creativity. The new student-inspired entrées were developed in response to feedback from the district’s nutrition survey. 

 

The Hot Honey Chicken Bowl with Fried Rice, a brand-new entrée developed by culinary students at Morse High School, will be offered on secondary menus. Joining it is Ava's Avocado Salad, created by a Correia Middle School student during a previous student recipe contest. The recipe has been brought back from the archives and refreshed for this school year. 

 

“Food brings people together, and we want every student to feel cared for when they join us for a meal,” said Alicia Pitrone Hauser, Executive Director of Food and Nutrition Services. “At Sandi Coast Cafe, we are proud to serve wholesome, California-grown foods that support student health while creating a positive dining experience." 

 

Every breakfast and lunch served by Sandi Coast Cafe includes:

• Fruits and vegetables with every meal
• Whole grain-rich options
• Lean proteins and nutrient-dense ingredients
• Meals designed to be lower in sodium and saturated fat

 

Families can view school menus at sandicoastcafe.com or contact San Diego Unified’s Food & Nutrition Services Department at 858-987-5377.

 

USDA Non-discrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the state or local agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

 

mail:

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

 

fax:

202-690-7442; or email:

Program.Intake@usda.gov.

 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

 

 

 

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

 

 

FRIDAY: Franklin STEAM Elementary Unveils New Student-Created Mural Ahead of the New School Year

Editor Note: If you are interested in attending this event, please reach out to me and I can help coordinate with the school to secure interviews and access to the school site. Thanks, James  

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                        

 

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

Franklin STEAM Elementary Unveils New Student-Created Mural Ahead of the New School Year

SAN DIEGO (JULY 28, 2026) — As students prepare to return to the classroom, Franklin STEAM Elementary School is welcoming the new school year with a vibrant new addition to its campus—a large-scale mural designed and painted by students in partnership with local artist German Corrales (@germancorralesarte), known as "The Butterfly Man." 

The mural, to be unveiled Friday, July 31 at 12:00 p.m. at Franklin STEAM Elementary, located at 4481 Copeland Ave, San Diego, CA 92116. The mural is the culmination of a two-week collaboration during the school's Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) PrimeTime Summer Program. Approximately 150 students worked alongside the artist, learning mural-making techniques while helping create a lasting work of art that reflects the creativity, pride, and spirit of the Franklin STEAM community.

"This mural reflects the creativity, collaboration, and sense of belonging our students bring to our campus every day," said Heather Bice, Principal, Franklin STEAM Elementary. "Students helped create something that will welcome classmates, families, and staff for years to come. We are so grateful to City Height Music School and The Butterfly Man for working with our students to make this lasting impact on our campus."

Throughout the summer program, students explored the artistic process from concept to completion, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to a permanent installation that will greet students and visitors as they return for the new school year.

Eduardo Orozco, a fifth grade student, said, “I like that the mural is nice and shows the evolution of the butterflies and our work on it together.” Sunshine Yang, a fourth grader, said that working on the mural has been, “so fun. Painting the butterflies makes me feel peace in my mind.” 

The collaborative project highlights the role Expanded Learning Opportunities programs play in enriching student experiences through arts, creativity, and hands-on learning while strengthening connections to school and community.

The mural will serve as a lasting symbol of Franklin STEAM Elementary's commitment to innovation, creativity, and student voice, welcoming students back to campus with a space they helped create.

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

 

 

San Diego Unified Urges Action to Improve City-Controlled Traffic Safety Around Schools

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

San Diego Unified Urges Action to Improve City-Controlled Traffic Safety Around Schools

District Survey Reveals More Than 100 Traffic Safety Concerns Near City Neighborhood Schools 

San Diego government has ‘mutual responsibility’ to make route to school the safest route in the city, school district seeks stronger partnership to build safe routes to school

(EDITOR NOTE: REPORT ATTACHED)

SAN DIEGO (JULY 22, 2026) — San Diego Unified School District is raising concerns and urges action taken by the City of San Diego about persistent city-controlled traffic, pedestrian safety infrastructure issues affecting school sites, and to build on improvements already underway

Following a tragic incident involving students walking to school in October 2025, Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D. launched a districtwide survey of school principals to identify safety concerns affecting students' daily routes to and from campus. The survey revealed 107 school-based safety requests across the city, highlighting widespread concerns ranging from speeding traffic and unsafe crossings to inadequate signage, lighting, and pedestrian infrastructure.

The findings are detailed in a newly released report focused on Building Safe Routes to School, which provides a council district-by-council district summary of the concerns identified by school leaders and outlines actionable opportunities for improvement.

District leaders met with the Mayor and every City Council office during the 2025–26 school year to discuss these concerns and advocate for solutions. The District appreciates the City’s engagement and is encouraged that some improvements are moving forward. However, many concerns remain unresolved, underscoring the need for continued coordination and timely action.

"We work hard to ensure school sites are safe and the city of San Diego has a responsibility to ensure the route to school is safe,” said Superintendent Bagula. "The concerns raised by our principals are not theoretical, they reflect the daily realities our students and families face as they walk, bike, or drive to school. We appreciate the conversations that have taken place with city leaders, but conversations alone are not enough. We must work together to take meaningful action before another tragedy occurs."

The first day of the new school year is August 10, 2026 and district officials hope to see some progress towards resolutions of these traffic safety challenges before then.   

Pedestrian Safety Improvements Needed in All 9 City Council Districts 

The survey found that safety concerns exist throughout the city, with the highest concentration of requests reported in Council Districts 2 and 4, which together account for more than 40 percent of all reported concerns. Council Districts 6, 7, and 9 also reported substantial needs. Across all districts, the most commonly identified priorities included:

• Signage, school zones, crosswalks, and regulatory signs (23.5%)
• Speed control measures, speed bumps, and traffic calming improvements (19.3%)
• Crosswalk enhancements, flashing lights, and pedestrian signal upgrades (19.0%)

Additional concerns included lighting and visibility improvements, traffic signal modifications, parking lot and curb markings, security measures, and environmental safety issues near campuses.

The recommendations provided by principals are specific, place-based, and designed to prevent future harm through targeted investments and timely intervention.

Councilmembers Sean Elo-Rivera, Raul Campillo, and Kent Lee expressed interest in partnering with the District to strengthen safe routes to school, while Councilmember Henry Foster elevated the identified concerns to the City’s Transportation Department.

At San Diego Unified, student wellness extends beyond the classroom. Safe routes to school are essential to ensuring students can learn, thrive, and feel connected to their school communities. When students encounter dangerous traffic conditions, inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, or unsafe crossings, both their physical safety and sense of belonging are affected before the school day even begins.

"Traffic safety is a shared responsibility and a fundamental part of supporting student success," said Board of Education President Richard Barrera. "Families should never have to worry whether their child can safely cross a street on the way to school. Our Board remains committed to working with city leaders, community members, and public agencies to prioritize investments that protect students and strengthen the neighborhoods surrounding our schools."

Congressional Delegation Fights for School Safety Funding with Support from City and State Leaders 

In addition, San Diego Unified continues to pursue external funding opportunities to support student safety improvements for schools. District leaders pitched San Diego members of Congress to request $4.5 million in federal funding for safety infrastructure needs, backed by the support of city leaders including Mayor Gloria, Council President Pro Tempore Lee, and Councilmember Foster and state representatives Assemblymember Ward and Senator Weber Pierson. Congress members Scott Peters, Sara Jacobs and Juan Vargas went to bat for schools in their districts and collectively were able to get $2.25 million in projects inserted for consideration into the 2027 fiscal year House appropriations bill for Community project Funding. Results of that advocacy will be determined when the federal government passes the final federal FY 2027 budget.     

“We are sharing this report as a tool for collaboration and coordinated action,” said Superintendent Bagula. “Student wellness is imperative and a shared civic responsibility. We committed to partnering with the City of San Diego and community stakeholders to advance solutions that protect students, support families, and create safer neighborhoods for all.”

About San Diego Unified School District

San Diego Unified School District serves approximately 95,000 students in preschool through grade 12 across 175 schools and is committed to putting students first through academic excellence, wellness, and strong partnerships with families and communities. 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

 

 

San Diego Unified Enrolls 1,085 New Students During June for the 2026-27 School Year

EDITOR NOTE: We will have someone who is available in person or virtually between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on 7/14/26 to speak to the enrollment numbers, what helped parents enroll their children and why the education we provide at San Diego Unified schools is special. If you are interested in scheduling sometime between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Tuesday, please let me know. Thanks, James    

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

San Diego Unified Enrolls 1,085 New Students
During June for the 2026-27 School Year

New enrollment efforts help more than one thousand families choose San Diego Unified

SAN DIEGO (JULY 13, 2026) — More than 1,000 new students have chosen San Diego Unified School District for the 2026-27 school year, marking a strong start to the district's new enrollment initiative and demonstrating that making enrollment easier can help more families access high-quality public schools.

During the month of June, San Diego Unified enrolled 1,085 new students for the upcoming school year. The district has achieved 82% of its enrollment goal of welcoming 1,309 new students by the first day of school on August 10, despite statewide and national enrollment declines driven by lower birth rates, rising housing costs, and changing demographics.

This year's enrollment campaign represented the district's most significant modernization of the enrollment process in recent years. Families could, for the first time, complete enrollment entirely online for all student groups while also receiving personalized assistance at one of 52 Enrollment Hubs located throughout San Diego.

"Every student who enrolls in San Diego Unified represents a family that believes in the opportunities our schools provide," said Superintendent Fabiola Bagula, Ph.D. "Welcoming more than 1,000 new students before the school year begins is a meaningful milestone. It reflects the incredible work of our employees who worked tirelessly to remove barriers, answer questions, and make every family feel welcomed. With this effort, our teams showed what it means to put students and families first."

The district introduced several new strategies this summer to make enrollment more convenient and accessible, including:

• Launching a fully online enrollment system available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Opening 52 Enrollment Hubs across San Diego to provide one-on-one assistance to families.
• Expanding enrollment office hours.
• Partnering with hundreds of community organizations to connect families with neighborhood schools.
• Launching the "Why Choose San Diego Unified?" outreach campaign highlighting the district's nationally recognized schools and student opportunities.

"This success belongs to our entire San Diego Unified team," said Dr. Tracey Makings, Leader of the Neighborhood Schools and Enrollment Options team. "We challenged ourselves to rethink how we serve families, and the results show that reducing barriers matters. By combining the convenience of online enrollment with face-to-face support at our Enrollment Hubs, we created a process that was more accessible, more welcoming, and centered on the needs of families. I couldn't be more grateful to the team across our district who made this possible."

Families continue to choose San Diego Unified for its nationally recognized academic excellence and broad range of educational opportunities. The district ranks No. 1 in the nation among large urban school districts in fourth- and eighth-grade literacy and is tied for No. 1 in eighth-grade mathematics. San Diego Unified graduates qualify for admission to University of California and California State University campuses at rates 16.4 percentage points higher than the California average.

Serving 175 schools from preschool through grade 12, San Diego Unified offers early learning, language immersion, International Baccalaureate, Career Technical Education pathways, STEAM magnet programs, visual and performing arts, athletics, dual enrollment college credit opportunities, and expanded learning programs that prepare students for success in college, career, and life.

Enrollment remains open for the 2026-27 school year. Families interested in enrolling can visit SanDiegoUnified.org/Enroll or call 619-260-2410 for assistance.

1,309 Students Enrolled by August 10

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.                                                                                                                     

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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 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TAKE THE LEAD AS TOMORROW’S EDUCATORS

MEDIA ADVISORY    

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TAKE THE LEAD AS TOMORROW’S EDUCATORS 

Student-lead Summit Showcases 400 Paid Teaching Interns Reflecting on Leadership, Learning, and Inspiring the Next Generation  

WHAT: Media availability.  

WHY: San Diego Unified students in grades 10 to 12 gained valuable experience this summer leading classroom lessons as part of the district's five-week Teach Lead Paid Internship Program. During the Teach Lead Reflective Summit students will share their experiences working as teachers and reflect on their leadership development.

WHEN:               Thursday, July 2, 2026

o   12:00p.m.-12:15: 1:1 Interview Opportunities with Students

o   12:15p.m.-12:30: Program Begins (Tobie Pace, Senior Director)

o   12:30-2:00 Student Presentations High School Students  

WHERE: Crawford High School Theater:4191 Colts Way, San Diego, CA 92115 

WHO:  400 high school students participating in the Teach Lead program. 

VISUSAL: 

• Video about Teach Lead Summer Internship. 
• Student-led Teach Lead Reflective Summit featuring 400 high school teaching interns reflecting on their summer teaching experiences and leadership growth.
• Students participating in presentations, engaging with peers, and sharing how the five-week Leadership Institute prepared them to lead in the classroom and beyond.

Background: 

Teach Lead is a collaborative partnership between the Franklin Covey Education Group, San Diego Unified’s Extended Learning Opportunities Department , TEACH/LEAD program, and the College Career and Technical Education Department. The program provides students with a paid teaching internship, leadership opportunities, MTS transportation pass, and two elective credits (credit acceleration) for interested high school students ages 16 and up. 

 

The program began Summer 2021 with 22 students from Mira Mesa and Canyon Hills high schools.  Now in its fifth year, Teach Lead has 400 students, from 20 different schools participating in the Teach Lead program. Their mission as Teach Lead interns is to teach in elementary summer classrooms. 

What makes this experience special is participants receive training and serve as assistant teachers, helping deliver Leader in Me social-emotional learning lessons in elementary schools throughout the district. Through this experience, interns develop leadership skills, gain practical work experience, explore careers in education, and strengthen their college and career readiness.

The program supports all four Student Achievement Goals by promoting student wellness, strengthening academic skills, and providing meaningful opportunities that prepare students for college, career, and life. 

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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