FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: James Canning
313-580-2845 / jcanning@sandi.net
SAN DIEGO UNIFIED LAUNCHES PETITION DEMANDING FEDS FULLY FUND IDEA
SAN DIEGO (DECEMBER 15, 2025) — Responding to strong, immediate interest from families and community members, San Diego Unified School District announced today it has launched a petition calling on Congress to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The petition, titled “Demand Congress Fully Fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act” can be signed at this link.
The district last week shared its plan to strengthen special education services and step up federal advocacy – link to press conference video here. Within hours, parents reached out asking how they could support the effort. San Diego Unified Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D. said the response made it clear that the community is ready to take action.
“We heard from parents right away asking what they could do, how they could stand with us, and how they could advocate for their children,” Superintendent Bagula said. “This effort is quickly growing into a powerful coalition of parents, educators, and community members united in the belief that every student deserves fully funded, high-quality special education services.”
What the Petition Demands
The petition urges Congress to meet its long-standing obligation to fully fund IDEA. When Congress passed IDEA in 1975, it committed to covering 40% of the additional cost of educating students with disabilities. That commitment has never been fulfilled.
At San Diego Unified, federal IDEA funding covers only 6% of special education expenditures. The district spends more than $400 million each year on special education but receives just $28 million from IDEA.
“Local school districts have been left to make up the difference for decades, and it is simply not right,” said Sabrina Bazzo, Vice President of the Board of Education, San Diego Unified. “Our students with disabilities deserve the resources they were promised. Fulfilling IDEA funding is not optional—it is a moral and legal obligation.”
Members of San Diego Unified’s Congressional Delegation have taken meaningful steps by cosponsoring the IDEA Full Funding Act, which would establish a 10-year glide path toward meeting the original 40% federal funding level. The petition calls on Congress to pass this legislation immediately.
“Every child deserves the services and support that allow them to reach their full potential, and that requires full federal funding of special education,” said Trustee Shana Hazan. “By signing and sharing this petition, our community can send a clear message to Congress: We expect you to keep your promise to our students with disabilities.”
Sign the Petition
“This petition is a tool for collective action—a way for us to walk arm-in-arm into conversations with legislators backed by thousands of voices,” Superintendent Bagula said. “Please join us in this critical fight to secure the federal support promised nearly fifty years ago.”
The petition can be signed 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
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