Tuesday, July 8, 2025

San Diego Unified Welcomes New Student Trustees for 2025-26 School Year

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                        

 

Link to High Resolution Photos & Videos of Student Trustees 

 

Media Contact:

                                                  

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

Mike Murad, mmurad@sandi.net, 619-925-4790

                                                                                  

San Diego Unified Welcomes New Student Trustees for 2025-26 School Year,
Continues Commitment to Uplifting Student Voice During Board of Education Meetings
New trustees will represent 90,000-plus students in district governance

SAN DIEGO (JULY 8, 2025) — San Diego Unified School District continued its commitment to student voice. Two new student trustees who will represent more than 90,000 students in district governance were sworn in on June 24, 2025, and will participate in their first Board of Education meeting on Aug. 26.  

Alina Nguyen of Hoover High and Ashley Ordaz of University City High will serve one-year terms, and they replace outgoing trustees Joseph Cruz of Morse High and Quinton Baldis of Scripps Ranch High. Their terms began July 1.

Nguyen, a rising senior at Hoover High, is an active member of the Cesar Chavez Service Clubs, the National Honor Society and the Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program. She has contributed to community efforts including food drives, blood drives and beach cleanups while developing her interests in health care.

Her dedication to ethical leadership extends beyond local service. Nguyen worked on a policy initiative that addressed worker welfare violations in the Southern African diamond mining industry. As an alumna of the School for Ethics and Global Leadership, she explored diplomacy, equity and global justice in London and Washington, D.C. She has also expressed her voice through a winning podcast on capitalism and creative outlets like poetry, music and writing. A pianist for more than 12 years, she shares music as a gift to her community.

"I'm committed to ensuring every student feels seen and heard, and I carry that mission forward with pride," Student Trustee Nguyen said. "Whether through policy work, community service or advocacy at the board level, I lead with authenticity and care for the most vulnerable in our community."

Ordaz, an Afro-Cuban student born in Las Vegas and raised in San Diego, has been known from a young age for her curiosity and strong opinions. She has embraced trying new things, from playing sports and instruments to learning new languages. While involved in many programs, she values living in the moment, enjoying simple pleasures such as going to the beach, visiting museums and traveling. She plans to pursue international relations.

"Time is limitless, so speak your words forever," Student Trustee Ordaz said. "I see this role of leadership not just as one that I won, but as a responsibility to uplift underrepresented diverse voices and act on real issues that must be fixed."

Student trustees have preferential voting rights, meaning their votes are recorded in meeting minutes but do not count toward the final numerical outcome of board decisions. They can make motions, second motions and place items on the agenda with support from another board member.

The board recognized the contributions of the outgoing student trustees Joseph Cruz and Quinton Baldis during the June 24 ceremony (See Video Here). Board President Cody Petterson told Cruz and Baldis that they "brought us back to the fundamental experience of what it is to be a student and for us it really did bring home how important it is to always keep the student first and foremost in our minds."

Superintendent Fabiola Bagula, Ph.D., praised the departing trustees for "continuously elevating the conversation reminding us how important it is to center student voice and student needs in every single thing you do."

Cruz reflected on his service, saying, "Throughout my life I've learned that a life worth living is one where you're serving others, that my happiness stems from the joy of those around me."

Baldis said he was "deeply humbled and honored to represent the almost 95,000 students of the San Diego Unified School District."

San Diego Unified created student trustee positions in 2019 to ensure authentic student voice in board decision-making, adding a second position in 2022. Under district policy, at least one student trustee must attend a high school with 60% or higher free and reduced lunch program eligibility. Nguyen and Ordaz will be the 10th and 11th students to serve since the program began.

The student trustees receive the same $1,736 monthly compensation as adult board members and vote on agenda items alongside the seven-member board. Their role aligns with the district's Student Outcomes Focused Governance approach, which prioritizes transparency, accountability and keeping students at the center of all decision-making.

About two-thirds of California's school districts serving high school students have student board members.

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James Canning (He/Him)

Executive Director, Strategic Communications & Information

San Diego Unified School District

jcanning@sandi.net | www.sandiegounified.org

Mobile Phone: 313-580-2845

4100 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103

 

 

Note: I may send and respond to emails outside of my normal workday or workweek. Please do not feel obligated to reply outside of your normal work schedule. Thank you.

 

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

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Tuesday, June 24, 2025

SD UNIFIED REMOVES “INTERIM” FROM TITLES OF SEVERAL LEADERS ON SUPERINTENDENT’S TEAM

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                           

(Downloadable High-Resolution Pictures of Appointments)                                                                                          

 

Media Contact:

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

Mike Murad, 619-925-4790, mmurad@sandi.net

 

SD UNIFIED REMOVES "INTERIM" FROM TITLES OF SEVERAL LEADERS ON SUPERINTENDENT'S TEAM  

 

SAN DIEGO (JUNE 24, 2025) – Following a unanimous vote last week by the Board of Education Trustees to name Dr. Fabi Bagula as Superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District, a number of executive positions were solidified as several leaders serving "interim" roles were appointed to the permanent position. Several appointments were announced at this evening's Board of Education meeting.  

"With the level of experience, education, and background each person brings to their respective leadership roles, I'm confident these team members are committed to the direction our District is headed as we build upon the foundation we've already established," said Superintendent Dr. Fabi Bagula. "They've already shown they are incredibly capable of flourishing in their roles. I congratulate each of them on their well-deserved advancements."

Nicole DeWitt has been named Deputy Superintendent, effective June 25, 2025. She has been serving in the role of Interim Deputy Superintendent since December 2024. DeWitt began working in public education in 2002, spending 15 years in the Grossmont Union High School District before joining San Diego Unified in 2017 as the Principal of Scripps Ranch High School. Since then, she has served as an Instructional Support Officer, Executive Director of Student Services, and currently as the Senior Executive Director, Thriving School Communities. 

DeWitt brings successful experience improving outcomes for historically underrepresented students, such as strategically partnering with her colleagues at Granite Hills High School to increase access to college preparatory coursework for English Learner students through the use of bilingual classroom assistants and differentiated supports. This approach led to significant gains in the Academic Performance Index score for the English Learner population and contributed to Granite Hills receiving the California Distinguished School award for the first time in school history. 

Marissa Robledo Allan has been appointed Senior Executive Director, Thriving School Communities, effective June 25, 2025. Allan brings over 25 years of experience in public education across various roles, with a focus on enhancing student outcomes and providing comprehensive support for students, educators, and families. She currently serves as the Senior Director of the Multilingual Education Department and has also been serving as the Interim Senior Executive Director, Thriving School Communities.

Allan has been recognized with the 2024 Leadership in Biliteracy Award by the San Diego County Office of Education, the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators for exceptional leadership in 2023, and the 2019 & 2020 Leadership Award from the Chula Vista Elementary School District. She also spearheaded the establishment of the District's Dual Language Department and Newcomer Welcome Centers.

Veronika Lopez-Mendez has been named Executive Director, Multilingual Education Department, effective July 1, 2025. Lopez-Mendez brings years of experience in public education, including a background as Principal, Vice Principal, Program Manager, and currently as the Director of Dual Language Programs. Lopez-Mendez has been serving in the role of Interim Senior Director, Multilingual Education Department.

Lopez-Mendez oversees 25 dual-language programs, ensuring alignment with district goals and equitable implementation. Lopez-Mendez has led professional learning initiatives for educators, developed leadership capacity, and used program evaluations to improve student outcomes. As Principal of Rosa Parks Elementary, she led a diverse community school, implementing bilingual and English language programs, enhancing instruction, and establishing a comprehensive multi-tiered system of supports. At Language Academy, she oversaw Pre-K–8 Spanish Two-Way and French One-Way immersion programs, driving academic growth and boosting enrollment through innovation and community engagement.

Brian Spry has been named Executive Director, Due Process Hearings & Mediation, effective July 1, 2025. Spry has worked for the District as Director of Due Process and Mediation. 

Spry has successfully led Due Process and Mediations since his promotion from Program Specialist to Director in August 2021. Spry has developed and implemented complex strategies to reduce litigation exposure while improving student services, including both litigation strategies and by providing leadership to our broader special education community through development of training programs and increased inter-departmental integration.

Additional appointments announced at the District's Regular Board of Education meeting include:

  • Stacey McGee to the position of Principal, Roosevelt International Middle School, effective July 1, 2025.
  • Isaiah Hilton to the position of Associate Principal, Clark Middle School, effective July 1, 2025.
  • Eveline Torres to the position of Associate Principal, Montgomery Middle School, effective July 1, 2025. 
  • Randee Matuk to the position of Associate Principal, Dana Middle School, effective July 1, 2025.
  • Janelle Aleksic to the position of Associate Principal, University City High School, effective July 1, 2025. 
  • Raquel Huerta to the position of Associate Principal, Logan Memorial Educational Complex High School, effective July 1, 2025. 

###

 

 

James Canning (He/Him)

Executive Director, Strategic Communications & Information

San Diego Unified School District

jcanning@sandi.net | www.sandiegounified.org

Mobile Phone: 313-580-2845

4100 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103

 

 

Note: I may send and respond to emails outside of my normal workday or workweek. Please do not feel obligated to reply outside of your normal work schedule. Thank you.

 

Monday, June 23, 2025

SD Unified Seeks to Strengthen Restorative Discipline Policy for 2025-26 School Year

Hello, if you are interested in doing interviews about San Diego Unified’s updated Restorative Discipline practices, we can help arrange interviews today (6/23) or tomorrow (6/24 with Ebonee Weathers, Executive Director of Equity and Belonging and/or Farshad Talebi, Executive Director of Investigations, Compliance, and Accountability. Thanks, James

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                        

 

Media Contact:

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

Tara McNamara, tmcnamara@sandi.net, 619-559-6596

SD Unified Seeks to Strengthen Restorative Discipline Policy for 2025-26 School Year
Board of Ed to Vote Tuesday on Updates that Prioritize Safety, Accountability and Community

SAN DIEGO (June 23, 2025) — The San Diego Unified School District Board of Education will vote Tuesday to approve updates to its Restorative Discipline Policy (Board Policy 5144), to further strengthen an evidence-based approach that research shows is an effective method for student discipline and support. 

Restorative practices are research-based, proactive, and responsive tools that build strong school communities through relationships, responsibility, and mutual respect, resulting in environments where harmful behavior is less likely to occur. When conflicts do arise, we prioritize safety of our students and staff in addition to implementing restorative practices to address what happened and plan for moving forward, focusing on four key principles: holding students accountable for their actions, repairing harm, supporting the healing process for those affected, and helping students reconnect with their school community.

Since adopting the original Restorative Discipline Policy in October 2020, San Diego Unified has seen positive results and gathered invaluable insights from the school community. Expulsions have reduced over the years using Restorative Discipline practices: 21/22 = 111, 22/23 = 49, 23/24 = 35 and 24/25 = 29

According to the 2024 California School Dashboard released in November, San Diego Unified School District suspension rate was just 2.5% of students suspended for one day, a lesser suspension rate than Long Beach Unified and Fresno Unified, which are among the five largest urban school districts in the state.

"The reduction of our suspension and expulsion rates are not indicative of a sacrifice to student safety and accountability. The changes we’ve made give administrators a wide spectrum of tools to address problematic behavior before punitive measures are necessary, which include proactive interventions and placements in smaller learning environments or specialized programs that can better support their individualized needs,” said Farshad Talebi, Executive Director of Investigations, Compliance, and Accountability

“Ultimately, success is measured by consistent outcomes and equity across the system. All of our school communities should be safe and welcoming learning environments, and all students should be equally supported, protected and held accountable regardless of their race, socioeconomic status or neighborhood."

Key policy updates to strengthen successful practices include:

  • Focus on progressive discipline: The updates include a focus on discipline that progressively increases accountability based on severity, frequency, and duration of behaviors 
  • Increased consequences:  Harmful behaviors that threaten community safety and wellbeing will result in more serious consequences, like sexual misconduct (Title IX), harassment, bullying and threats of violence.
  • Enhanced organizational structure: The policy now features five defined behavior levels instead of four, with Level 3 specifically addressing suspendable behaviors and Level 4 covering permissive expulsion behaviors, providing clearer guidance for educators and administrators.
  • User-friendly formatting & language: Updated policy includes a new behavior level matrix-A 2-page at-a-glance guide designed to help staff quickly identify appropriate interventions for various behaviors, clickable links to California Ed Code references, and colors and icons that help to clarify levels of behavior and appropriate responses.
  • Expanded proactive supports & resources: Enhanced digital resources and strategies to support schools in implementing restorative practices effectively, while focusing on relationship building and prevention.

To see the updated Restorative Discipline Policy the San Diego Unified Board of Education will vote on Tuesday, click here.

This evolution represents San Diego Unified's continued commitment to evidence-based practices that create equitable, supportive learning environments where all students can thrive academically and socially. The policy updates reflect feedback from students, educators,  administrators, and families to ensure the district's restorative approach truly serves and protects every student.

Ebonee Weathers, Executive Director of Equity and Belonging, emphasized how the policy updates reflect years of commitment to balanced, student-centered approaches.

"The updated Restorative Discipline Policy represents our district's commitment to making sure our students experience strong foundations of caring relationships and positive school culture while upholding our responsibility to the safety, equity, and social emotional development of each and every child in our care," Weathers said. “Restorative practices, while focusing on fostering community and repairing harm, do not mean a lack of consequences; instead, they aim to make consequences more intentional and focused on learning pro-social skills and accountability for behavior.“

The updated policy will take effect for the 2025-26 school year, with comprehensive staff training beginning this summer to ensure seamless implementation of the refined approach.

For more information about Restorative Justice Practices in San Diego Unified School District, visit: https://sites.google.com/sandi.net/rjpdepartment/home

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James Canning (He/Him)

Executive Director, Strategic Communications & Information

San Diego Unified School District

jcanning@sandi.net | www.sandiegounified.org

Mobile Phone: 313-580-2845

4100 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103

 

 

Note: I may send and respond to emails outside of my normal workday or workweek. Please do not feel obligated to reply outside of your normal work schedule. Thank you.

 

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

PERMANENT APPOINTMENT OF DR. FABI BAGULA, PH.D. TO BE VOTED ON JUNE 18 - SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

 

MEDIA ADVISORY 

 

PERMANENT APPOINTMENT OF DR. FABI BAGULA, PH.D. TO BE VOTED ON JUNE 18 

If an appointment is approved, Dr. Fabi Bagula would just 3rd woman and 1st Latina Superintendent in the 171-year history of San Diego Unified School District  

 

WHAT: San Diego Unified Board of Education Meeting & Media Availability 

 

WHY: The San Diego Unified School District Board of Education will vote on the permanent appointment of Fabi Bagula, Ph.D. as Superintendent of the second largest school district in the state of California. Immediately following the meeting, a media availability will be held, followed by a community celebration

 

WHEN: Wednesday, June 18, 2025

  • 12:30 p.m. - Board of Education Meeting - Auditorium  
  • Followed by: Media Availability with Superintendent & Board of Education 
  • Followed by: Community Celebration - Lawn  

 

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

 

MEDIA RESOURCES

 

WHO: 

Dr. Fabi Bagula, Interim Superintendent, San Diego Unified School District 

District A - Trustee Sabrina Bazzo, San Diego Unified School District 

District B - Trustee Shana Hazan, San Diego Unified School District 

District C - Cody Petterson, Board President, San Diego Unified School District
District D - Richard Barrera, Board Vice President, San Diego Unified School District
District E - Trustee Sharon Whitehurst-Payne, San Diego Unified School District

Student Board Member: Quinton Baldis, San Diego Unified School District

Student Board Member: Joseph Cruz, San Diego Unified School District 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please RSVP: James Canning, 313-580-2845, jcanning@sandi.net and Mike Murad, 619-925-4790, mmurad@sandi.net 

###

 

 

James Canning (He/Him)

Executive Director, Strategic Communications & Information

San Diego Unified School District

jcanning@sandi.net | www.sandiegounified.org

Mobile Phone: 313-580-2845

4100 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103

 

 

Note: I may send and respond to emails outside of my normal workday or workweek. Please do not feel obligated to reply outside of your normal work schedule. Thank you.

 

SD UNIFIED TO USE INTERNATIONAL FIRM TO FILL HARD-TO-STAFF TEACHING POSITIONS, AMONG OTHERS

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            Media Contact:

                                                                                                Mike Murad, 619-925-4790, mmurad@sandi.net

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

                                                                                              

SD UNIFIED TO USE INTERNATIONAL FIRM TO FILL HARD-TO-STAFF TEACHING POSITIONS, AMONG OTHERS

First-Time Partnership with International Alliance Group Could Fill Hundreds of Open Spots

 

SAN DIEGO (JUNE 11, 2025) – The San Diego Unified School District Board of Education on Tuesday approved an agreement with International Alliance Group (IAG). The District is utilizing this new resource to attract highly qualified educators as it looks to fill remaining open positions for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. As of now, the District has more than 300 educator openings across varying fields.  

 

IAG will provide outreach recruitment to help the District fill typically hard-to-staff openings, including Special Education. 

 

According to the Education Department's National Center for Education Statistics, 72% of public schools with special education teacher vacancies reported difficulty filling those positions for the 2024-25 school year.

“Nationwide, we are dealing with the reality that there are not enough certified special education teachers to meet the needs of our students,” said Dr. Fabi Bagula, San Diego Unified Superintendent (Interim). “This staffing partnership will open up additional avenues as we look to add more highly qualified teachers to our District both now and in the future.”

In addition to global outreach with IAG, the District continues its efforts locally and regionally to attract and hire highly-qualified educators. San Diego Unified is in the last phases of the District’s internal transfer/hiring process known as “post and bid,” and the District continues its partnership with local universities to identify recent graduates. Meanwhile, the District has issued more than 60 early contracts to individuals to fill its hard-to-staff positions, including more than 50 early offers to special educators.    

 

San Diego Unified also provides a variety of other opportunities to build up its educator pipeline, including:

  

 

The IAG staffing partnership is the latest resource being incorporated into the District’s educator hiring practices. 


Teachers will be brought in for up to three years on a temporary visa to supplement open positions in hard-to-fill areas including Mild/Moderate Support Needs, Extensive Support Needs and Bilingual, Cross-Cultural Language and Academic Development (BCLAD). Teachers being considered must meet state and federal law for employment in California and will be properly credentialed in the state of California. 

 

Prospective recruits are current educators in their countries of origin and undergo an extensive screening process in order to be considered by IAG. San Diego Unified will conduct interviews with the applicants and make the final decisions on which international teachers are hired throughout the K-12 grade level. 

 

International teachers coming to the U.S. through the IAG are from various countries, with a strong presence from Latin America. Specifically, IAG works extensively with teachers from Guatemala, Mexico, and Nicaragua. They also facilitate placements for teachers from Great Britain, Venezuela, and other countries. 

“Regardless of the grade or subject being taught, we know from our own teachers and students that unique backgrounds and life experiences provide enrichment opportunities for everyone involved,” said Dr. Bagula. “We’re excited to welcome these passionate and dedicated educators as we continue our efforts to ensure every classroom is led by the most qualified teachers, this coming school year and into the future.” 

For their part, the teachers will get the opportunity to work in San Diego Unified schools learning valuable professional skills, while students will gain a better understanding of the world outside the U.S. as they interact with teachers from another part of the world.

 

To learn more about San Diego Unified School District, visit SanDiegoUnified.org

 

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James Canning (He/Him)

Executive Director, Strategic Communications & Information

San Diego Unified School District

jcanning@sandi.net | www.sandiegounified.org

Mobile Phone: 313-580-2845

4100 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103

 

 

Note: I may send and respond to emails outside of my normal workday or workweek. Please do not feel obligated to reply outside of your normal work schedule. Thank you.