NEWS RELEASE: San Diego Unified Adopts Balanced Budget for 2024-25 School Year

NEWS RELEASE

 

San Diego Unified Adopts Balanced Budget for 2024-25 School Year

 Class Size, Arts Education, UTK and Summer Programs Protected

 

June 27, 2024

San Diego - The Board of Education adopted a balanced budget this week, approving a $1.1 billion (unrestricted) spending plan for the 2024-25 school year that keeps intact core student-centered initiatives and programs in the San Diego Unified School District. 

The Board unanimously approved the budget on Tuesday, ensuring that schools continue to provide students with a high-quality education that includes visual and performing arts, Universal Transitional Kindergarten for all four-year-olds, summer and after-school enrichment programs, and middle school sports. Current class-size ratios, free college courses at every high school, and no-cost breakfast and lunch for all students will also remain in effect.     

“Throughout the budget process, our Board has remained steadfast in its commitment to ensuring all students can reach their full potential. We have adopted a budget designed to measurably improve social-emotional and academic outcomes for our students, while reflecting the vision and values of our community,” Board of Education President Shana Hazan said. “We recognize the importance of providing opportunities for all students to pursue their passions in areas including arts, athletics, and leadership development, and are proud this budget funds these activities.” 

Like districts throughout California, San Diego Unified continues to be impacted by the loss of COVID funds, declining enrollment, and a reduction in state revenue. 

“Even under challenging circumstances, San Diego Unified will remain true to our unwavering commitment to prioritize students and ensure equity, while also maintaining fiscal responsibility and upholding the values of our district,” Superintendent Dr. Lamont Jackson said. “I am grateful to our entire San Diego Unified community for their collaboration as we uphold our shared responsibility to foster conditions that allow all students to thrive.”         

In an effort to maintain an open and transparent budget process, the district will issue its first report on the impact of the state’s final 2024-25 budget in August, and will kick off a series of budget workshops on the 2025-26 budget in October.  

“We have much work ahead to overcome a significant deficit in the 2025-26 School Year,” Board President Hazan said. “We are committed to maintaining an inclusive and transparent, year-round budget-development process.”

Included in the 2024-25 budget is a commitment to begin stabilizing teacher assignments before the start of the school year, to help curb disruptions that have historically occurred at campuses due to unexpected changes in enrollment.  

The school year starts Aug. 12, a week earlier than last year under a new academic calendar that takes into account student well-being, community college schedules, and AP exam schedules. Under the new calendar, the first semester will end before winter break, allowing students to enjoy their break free from the obligations of end-of-semester projects and exams. The school year continues to include 180 instructional days.

Media Contact: Communications Director Maureen Magee, mmagee@sandi.net.

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NEWS RELEASE: New Student Board Trustees Take Oath of Office

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

New Student Board Trustees Take Oath of Office

Joseph Cruz and Quinton Baldis Officially Begin Duties July 1

 

June 26, 2024

San Diego - Two new San Diego Unified Board of Education student trustees were sworn into office Tuesday night at the Eugene Brucker Education Center. 

The two student trustees, Joseph Cruz of Morse High School and Quinton Baldis of Scripps Ranch High School, will represent their peers throughout the district at board meetings, voting on agenda items and helping to shape San Diego Unified policy.

The incoming high school seniors have a lot in common – both now and regarding future ambitions. 

 

Cruz describes himself as service-oriented. He is a member of several campus clubs and organizations, including the mock trial team and JROTC, where he says student mentorship attracted him. A lifelong San Diego Unified student, he’d like to be a voice for all students across the district. 

 

“I’m going to do my best to be an accurate representation of who our students are, and what they want our district to focus on,” said Cruz, who added he’d like to attend West Point Military Academy and eventually become a lawyer. 

 

Baldis, like Cruz, has attended San Diego Unified schools since kindergarten. He, too, has been a leader on his school’s mock trial team and plans to pursue a law degree. 

 

In addition to volunteering at food banks, Baldis founded a not-for-profit organization called Equal Kicks, which collects soccer equipment and financial donations that are then supplied to under-funded communities. 

 

Mental health awareness, and early intervention, is something Baldis would like to focus on as a student board member. 

 

“I want to go after the root cause of mental health problems and work on preventative measures like getting students involved in clubs and communities on campus,” said Baldis. “Because once students are part of a home on campus, they’re going to have friends and common experiences and enjoy their academic career.” 

 

Baldis and Cruz replace Lincoln High School graduating senior Blessyn Lavender Williams and San Diego High School’s Matthew Quitoriano, who was term-limited after two years. The board paid tribute to the outgoing student trustees, and shared a video highlighting their tenures.

 

“Our student trustees offer a critically important perspective when it comes to shaping board policies and informing investments designed to improve academic and social emotional outcomes for students. Their voices remind us to center the needs and experiences of our diverse learners, and help our school board make thoughtful and strategic decisions,” Board President Shana Hazan said. “We’d like to thank Matthew and Blessyn for their meaningful contributions over the past year and look forward to working alongside Joseph and Quinton as we continue to build a school district where all students can reach their potential.”

 

As student board members elected to one-year terms, Baldis and Cruz will officially begin their duties on July 1, 2024. 

 

Media Contact: Public Information Coordinator Mike Murad, mmurad@sandi.net.

 

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Post Agendas

PLEASE NOTE:

• Closed Session Meeting Agenda: Board of Education— Tuesday, June 25, 2024, 3:30 p.m., Eugene Brucker Education Center; Room 2249, 4100 Normal St., San Diego, CA 92103   
  • Closed Session Agenda: https://www.sandiegounified.org/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=185717292
  • Open and Closed Session Meeting Information: https://sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/meeting_information
  • Closed Session Public Testimony: https://sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/public_testimony_request

• Board Meeting Agenda: Board of Education – Tuesday, June 25, 2024, 5:00 p.m., Eugene Brucker Education Center; Auditorium, 4100 Normal St., San Diego, CA 92103  
  • BoardDocs Agenda Link: https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/sandi/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CQFREQ689AAC
  • Open and Closed Session Meeting Information: https://sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/meeting_information
  • Link to YouTube Livestream: https://sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education   
  • Open Session Public Testimony: https://sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/public_testimony_request 
• Committee Meeting Agenda: Charter School Facilities Committee (CSFC)— June 27, 2024; 11:30 a.m., Physical Plant and Operations Center; Training Rooms A & B; 4860 Ruffner St., 92111
  • Committee Meeting Information:  https://www.sandiegounified.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=27732478&pageId=28375850
  • BoardDocs Agenda Link:  https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/sandi/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=D5RUAS7B2930

 

Please forward to staff and as appropriate, print agenda and post in a prominent publicly accessible location at your site.

 

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Additionally, please refer to the below links for upcoming meetings, agendas, and minutes of the board advisory committees:

• Audit and Finance: https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/committees/audit_and_finance_committee 
• CTEAC: https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/committees/CTEAC/2023-24_meeting_schedule_and_information
• CAC: General Membership— https://www.sandiegounified.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=27732478&pageId=28355520 and Executive Board—https://www.sandiegounified.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=27732478&pageId=28355539
• DAC: General Membership— https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/committees/DAC/2023-24_general_meeting_schedule_and_information; and Executive Board—https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/committees/DAC/2023-24_executive_meeting_schedule_and_information
• DELAC: General Membership and Executive Board— https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/committees/DELAC/2023-24_meeting_schedule_and_information
• RJEICOC: https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/committees/racial_justice_icoc
• CSFC: https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/committees/CSFC/meeting_schedule
• ICOC: https://www.sandiegounified.org/departments/facilities_planning_and_construction/bond_programs/independent_citizens_oversight_committee/icoc_meeting

 Thank you.

 

Melissa Hudson Hamilton

Confidential Administrative Assistant II

Board of Education

mhamilton@sandi.net

"The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives." - Robert M. Hutchins

P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY: Students to Raise Juneteenth Flag at District Headquarters

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

Students to Raise Juneteenth Flag at District Headquarters

 

Monday, June 17, 2024

 

WHAT: Students from San Diego Unified School District will celebrate Juneteenth with a special flag-raising ceremony at district headquarters. District staff, educators, students, and members of the Board of Education will attend the ceremony. 

 

The ceremony represents San Diego Unified’s commitment to uplifting the voices of Black students and teaching about important cultural historical events.

 

WHEN: Tuesday, June 18, 10 a.m.

 

WHERE: Eugene Brucker Education Center Flagpole, 4100 Normal St., San Diego, CA 92103

 

VISUALS: Students speaking; students raising the Juneteenth flag

 

BACKGROUND: Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when remaining slaves in Confederate-controlled territory learned they were now free. 

 

In June 2020, the San Diego Unified Board of Education passed a resolution recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday, “to be observed every year, as a day of celebration of the past, present, and future of Black resilience, culture, and liberation.” 

 

In 2021, President Joe Biden officially recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. That year, San Diego Unified raised the official Juneteenth flag for the first time with the support of many community members. 

 

In honor of Juneteenth, all district schools and offices are closed on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.

 

MEDIA CONTACT: San Diego Unified Communications, Tara McNamara, 619-559-6596

 

This event is for professional journalists. Please confirm attendance in advance: communications@sandi.net

 

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Post Notices and Agendas

PLEASE NOTE:

• Notice of Special Meeting: Board of Education, Governance Workshop – Monday, June 17, 2024, 10:00 a.m., De Portola Middle School, Media Center
  • Special Meeting Notice: https://www.sandiegounified.org/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=184593109
  • Open and Closed Session Meeting Information: https://sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/meeting_information
• Special Meeting Agenda: Board of Education, Governance Workshop – Monday, June 17, 2024, 10:00 a.m., De Portola Middle School, Media Center

·       BoardDocs Agenda: https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/sandi/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=D58RLT6B900A

• Governance Workshop Public Testimony: https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/public_testimony_request

• Closed Session Meeting Agenda: Board of Education— Tuesday, June 18, 2024, 3:30 p.m., Eugene Brucker Education Center; Room 2249, 4100 Normal St., San Diego, CA 92103   
  • Closed Session Agenda: https://www.sandiegounified.org/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=184630643
  • Open and Closed Session Meeting Information: https://sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/meeting_information
  • Closed Session Public Testimony: https://sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/public_testimony_request

• Board Meeting Agenda: Board of Education – Tuesday, June 18, 2024, 5:00 p.m., Eugene Brucker Education Center; Auditorium, 4100 Normal St., San Diego, CA 92103  
  • BoardDocs Agenda Link: https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/sandi/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CQFR6N685C92
  • Open and Closed Session Meeting Information: https://sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/meeting_information
  • Link to YouTube Livestream: https://sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education   
  • Open Session Public Testimony: https://sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/public_testimony_request 
• Notice of Change of Date: Audit and Finance Committee – from Wednesday, June 26, 2024, to Monday, July 15, 2024, 2:00 p.m., Eugene Brucker Education Center, Room 2249
  • Notice of Change of Date: https://www.sandiegounified.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_27732394/File/About/Board%20of%20Education/Committees/Audit%20and%20Finance%20Committee/AuditFinance%207-15-2024%20change%20of%20date.pdf
  • Committee Meeting Information: https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/committees/audit_and_finance_committee
     

Please forward to staff and as appropriate, print agenda and post in a prominent publicly accessible location at your site.

 

---

Additionally, please refer to the below links for upcoming meetings, agendas, and minutes of the board advisory committees:

• Audit and Finance: https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/committees/audit_and_finance_committee 
• CTEAC: https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/committees/CTEAC/2023-24_meeting_schedule_and_information
• CAC: General Membership— https://www.sandiegounified.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=27732478&pageId=28355520 and Executive Board—https://www.sandiegounified.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=27732478&pageId=28355539
• DAC: General Membership— https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/committees/DAC/2023-24_general_meeting_schedule_and_information; and Executive Board—https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/committees/DAC/2023-24_executive_meeting_schedule_and_information
• DELAC: General Membership and Executive Board— https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/committees/DELAC/2023-24_meeting_schedule_and_information
• RJEICOC: https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/committees/racial_justice_icoc
• CSFC: https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/committees/CSFC/meeting_schedule
• ICOC: https://www.sandiegounified.org/departments/facilities_planning_and_construction/bond_programs/independent_citizens_oversight_committee/icoc_meeting

 Thank you.

 

Melissa Hudson Hamilton

Confidential Administrative Assistant II

Board of Education

mhamilton@sandi.net

"The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives." - Robert M. Hutchins

P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

 

 

NEWS RELEASE Local Organizations Team Up to Alleviate Food Insecurity During the Summer Months

B-Roll of the event can be found here

NEWS RELEASE

Local Organizations Team Up to Alleviate Food Insecurity During the Summer Months

San Diego Unified joins forces with public libraries, parks & recreation centers, Feeding San Diego, and other community partners to ensure kids have access to healthy food when school’s out. 

 

June 14, 2024

 

San Diego – Today, local leaders announced a joint effort to connect the community with nutrition assistance programs to help ease the burden of rising food prices during the summer months.

 

“When school is out for summer break, a large number of kids lose access to the healthy meals they rely on during the school year,” said San Diego Unified’s Food and Nutrition Services Director Alicia Pitrone Hauser. “Summer meals ensure all children have consistent access to the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow — and this makes children be better prepared to start another school year.”

 

This summer, schools, YMCAs, military sites, public libraries, parks & recreation centers, and other neighborhood organizations are turning into meal and nutrition hubs, offering free breakfast and lunch to children and teens in the community along with nutrition education resources, reading activities for children, and food benefits for families to purchase groceries, all helping San Diego youth stay active and thriving.

 

The Summer Meals Program began June 10 and runs until August 2 at convenient locations across San Diego. Children do not need to be San Diego Unified students to participate, and there are no registration requirements or forms to complete.

 

While the traditional summer meal sites remain incredibly vital to local youth, we need more strategies that bring together resources and expertise to reach families who need summer nutrition support.

 

“Public libraries are neighborhood hubs, and the San Diego Public Library is proud to work with our partners to bring these much-needed food resources to the community,” said San Diego Public Library Director Misty Jones. “SDPL meal sites will hold free programs, activities, storytimes and shows around lunchtime, nourishing children’s minds and bodies and providing vital information for their parents and caregivers.”

In addition to nourishing meals and reading programs, Feeding San Diego School Pantry Program will be offering fresh produce and pantry items at 30 sites this summer. These food distributions are hosted in partnership with school districts, recreation centers and libraries across the county.

 

“Summer can be the hungriest time of year for families experiencing food insecurity,” said Bob Kamensky, CEO of Feeding San Diego. “Our summer meal programs aim to get nutritious food out into the community where it’s needed most. We rely on strong partnerships with schools, libraries and rec centers – all fundamental gathering places for parents across the county – to ensure that parents have access to no-cost groceries and meals.”

 

Combined with the traditional summer meals, the new California SUN Bucks program is helping families buy food during the summer break. Families will receive $40 for each eligible child to buy groceries for June, July and August ($120 total).

 

Eligible families will receive SUN Bucks on a card mailed to their home. Families can use SUN Bucks just like a debit card to buy fruits, vegetables, meat, whole grains, and dairy at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other places that accept CalFresh EBT benefits. SUN Bucks does not affect immigration status.

 

The Summer Meals Program is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and run by school districts and local organizations.

For a complete list of summer meal locations and hours, visit sandiegounified.org/food. To find food distributions hosted by Feeding San Diego, visit feedingsandiego.org/find-food.

 

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Local Organizations Join Forces to Increase Access to Healthy Food During the Summer Months

   

 

MEDIA ADVISORY 

 

Local Organizations Join Forces to Increase Access to Healthy Food During the Summer Months 

 

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

 

What: In a remarkable display of community collaboration, the San Diego Unified School District, City Public Libraries, Parks & Recreation Centers, Feeding San Diego, and the United States Department of Agriculture have joined hands to connect local families and students with free, healthy and delicious food during the summer months. 

 

Schools, libraries, parks, and other community centers are turning into meal and nutrition hubs this summer, offering free breakfast and lunch to children and teens in the community. In addition to nourishing meals, some sites offer fresh produce and pantry items for families, nutrition education resources, reading activities for children, and food benefits for families to purchase groceries, all helping San Diego youth stay active and thriving.  

 

On any given school day, tens of thousands of students rely on the Universal Meals program at San Diego Unified, which is critical in providing the nourishment that students need to learn, play, and grow. Through the joint effort of these organizations, families now have more ways to get their children the nutrition they need during the summertime when school meals aren't available.

 

This partnership underscores a shared commitment to supporting the San Diego community and addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity.

 

When: Friday, June 14 at 9 a.m. (visuals available earlier, see details below)

 

Where: Rosa Parks Elementary, 4510 Landis St., San Diego, CA 92105

 

Who:

• San Diego Unified School District Board Trustee Dr. Sharon Whitehurst-Payne
• San Diego Unified Food and Nutrition Services Director Alicia Pitrone Hauser
• San Diego Public Library Director Misty Jones
• USDA Food and Nutrition Service Western Region Administrator Jesus Mendoza, Jr.
• Feeding San Diego Chief Executive Officer Bob Kamensky
• Rosa Parks Elementary Principal Christina Prado
• Rosa Parks Elementary Parent Center Volunteer Berenice Ocampo 

 

Visuals: 

• 7:30-8 a.m. – Nutrition professionals prepping breakfast and lunch meals for children
• 8-9 a.m. – Feeding San Diego School Pantry volunteers filling up bags with fresh and canned food items and distributing to families
• 9 a.m. – Press conference

 

Media Contacts:

San Diego Unified Communications: Tara McNamara, 619-559-6596, tmcnamara@sandi.net

San Diego Unified's Food & Nutrition Services: Leslie Luna, 858-717-2499, lluna1@sandi.net

Feeding San Diego: Carissa Casares, 619-994-3596, ccasares@feedingsandiego.org

 

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San Diego Unified Summer Meal Program

Through the Summer Meals Program, children and youth (ages 18 & under) can eat free breakfast and lunch during the summertime at schools, libraries, parks & recreation centers, YMCAs and other neighborhood locations. Last summer, nearly 500,000 meals were served through the Summer Meals Program. It is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service.

 

USDA Sun Bucks

SUN Bucks is a new grocery benefit available across most of the United States. Families with eligible school-aged children can get $120 per child to buy groceries during the summer.

 

Feeding San Diego

Feeding San Diego is a non-profit organization on a mission to connect every person facing hunger with nutritious meals by maximizing food rescue. Established in 2007, Feeding San Diego rescues surplus food from local and national food donors before it goes to waste and gets it to people facing hunger in San Diego County. It is the only Feeding America partner food bank in the region. 

 

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MEDIA ADVISORY: San Diego Unified and San Diego Foundation Kick Off the Fourth Summer of Level Up, a Free Program for San Diego Unified Students

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

San Diego Unified and San Diego Foundation Kick Off the Fourth Summer of Level Up, a Free Program for San Diego Unified Students

 

June 7, 2024

WHAT: The San Diego Unified School District celebrates its fourth year of Level Up, a summer  enrichment program offered to San Diego Unified students. In collaboration with San Diego Foundation, the free, top-tier programs include sports camps, STEAM- and arts-based experiences, and accelerated learning opportunities. Nearly 50 local nonprofits provide students with enrichment opportunities, as well as week-long camps throughout the city, at no cost to San Diego Unified families. This year’s participating nonprofits include Zoological Society of San Diego, La Jolla Playhouse, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and Ocean Discovery Institute, among others. Various enrichment sessions will run from June 12 through August 9.  

WHEN: 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 11, 2024

WHERE: Clark Middle School, 4388 Thorn Street, San Diego, CA 92105

SPEAKERS AVAILABLE:           

• Kevin Martin, Principal, Clark Middle School
• Dr. Lamont Jackson, Superintendent, San Diego Unified
• Shana Hazan, President, Board of Education 
• Dr. Sharon Whitehurst-Payne, Member, Board of Education, San Diego Unified 
• Tobie Pace, Senior Director, Extended Learning Opportunities, San Diego Unified 
• Danielle Elenes Reyes, Eighth Grade Student, Clark Middle School, San Diego Unified
• Pamela Gray Payton, VP, Chief Impact & Partnerships Officer, San Diego Foundation
• Arthur Soriano, Founder & CEO, Youth Empowerment’s Finest
• Liz Ramírez, CEO, Chicano Federation 

VISUALS: Trinity One Theatre Troupe Inc. students will perform a musical number from one of their summer 2024 productions. 

BACKGROUND: Level Up was created in 2021 by the San Diego Unified School District in partnership with San Diego Foundation, thanks to a multi-million dollar commitment by the San Diego Unified Board of Education. The Level Up program features summer activities offered by nearly 50 local nonprofits in communities across the county. Level Up is part of a comprehensive effort by San Diego Unified to help provide district students with meaningful summer experiences to enhance their academics and provide social and emotional supports for the fall.

San Diego Foundation: San Diego Foundation inspires enduring philanthropy and enables community solutions to improve the quality of life in our region. Our strategic priorities include advancing racial and social justice, fostering equity of opportunity, building resilient communities, and delivering world-class philanthropy to realize our vision of just, equitable, and resilient communities. Our Education Initiatives support K-12 and higher education programs to extend opportunity to San Diego students as they prepare for success in life and work. For more than 47 years, SDF and its donors have granted more than $1.4 billion to support nonprofit organizations strengthening our community. Learn more at SDFoundation.org. 

San Diego Unified School District: With nearly 100,000 students enrolled in Universal Transitional Kindergarten through high school, more than 13,000 employees, and 226 educational facilities, San Diego Unified is California’s second-largest school district. San Diego Unified serves a diverse student population representing more than 60 languages and dialects. Learn more at sandiegounified.org.

*This event is for professional journalists. Please confirm attendance in advance: communications@sandi.net 

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Marisa Berumen, Communications Department, mberumen@sandi.net, (619) 847-6029

 

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MEDIA ADVISORY: San Diego Unified and San Diego Foundation Kick Off the Fourth Summer of Level Up, a Free Program for San Diego Unified Students

 

MEDIA ADVISORY                             

San Diego Unified and San Diego Foundation Kick Off the Fourth Summer of Level Up, a Free Program for San Diego Unified Students 

 

June 7, 2024

WHAT: The San Diego Unified School District celebrates its fourth year of Level Up, a summer  enrichment program offered to San Diego Unified students. In collaboration with San Diego Foundation, the free, top-tier programs include sports camps, STEAM- and arts-based experiences, and accelerated learning opportunities. Nearly 50 local nonprofits provide students with enrichment opportunities, as well as week-long camps throughout the city, at no cost to San Diego Unified families. This year’s participating nonprofits include Zoological Society of San Diego, La Jolla Playhouse, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and Ocean Discovery Institute, among others. Various enrichment sessions will run from June 12 through August 9.  

WHEN: 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 11, 2024

WHERE: Clark Middle School, 4388 Thorn Street, San Diego, CA 92105

SPEAKERS AVAILABLE:           

• Kevin Martin, Principal, Clark Middle School
• Dr. Lamont Jackson, Superintendent, San Diego Unified
• Shana Hazan, President, Board of Education 
• Dr. Sharon Whitehurst-Payne, Member, Board of Education, San Diego Unified 
• Tobie Pace, Senior Director, Extended Learning Opportunities, San Diego Unified 
• Danielle Elenes Reyes, Eighth Grade Student, Clark Middle School, San Diego Unified
• Pamela Gray Payton, VP, Chief Impact & Partnerships Officer, San Diego Foundation
• Arthur Soriano, Founder & CEO, Youth Empowerment’s Finest
• Liz Ramírez, CEO, Chicano Federation 

VISUALS: Trinity One Theatre Troupe Inc. students will perform a musical number from one of their summer 2024 productions. 

BACKGROUND: Level Up was created in 2021 by the San Diego Unified School District in partnership with San Diego Foundation, thanks to a multi-million dollar commitment by the San Diego Unified Board of Education. The Level Up program features summer activities offered by nearly 50 local nonprofits in communities across the county. Level Up is part of a comprehensive effort by San Diego Unified to help provide district students with meaningful summer experiences to enhance their academics and provide social and emotional supports for the fall.

San Diego Foundation: San Diego Foundation inspires enduring philanthropy and enables community solutions to improve the quality of life in our region. Our strategic priorities include advancing racial and social justice, fostering equity of opportunity, building resilient communities, and delivering world-class philanthropy to realize our vision of just, equitable, and resilient communities. Our Education Initiatives support K-12 and higher education programs to extend opportunity to San Diego students as they prepare for success in life and work. For more than 47 years, SDF and its donors have granted more than $1.4 billion to support nonprofit organizations strengthening our community. Learn more at SDFoundation.org. 

San Diego Unified School District: With nearly 100,000 students enrolled in Universal Transitional Kindergarten through high school, more than 13,000 employees, and 226 educational facilities, San Diego Unified is California’s second-largest school district. San Diego Unified serves a diverse student population representing more than 60 languages and dialects. Learn more at sandiegounified.org.

*This event is for professional journalists. Please confirm attendance in advance: communications@sandi.net 

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Marisa Berumen, Communications Department, mberumen@sandi.net, (619) 847-6029

 

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