San Diego Unified School District News Releases: 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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