Superintendent Bagula’s Leadership Affirmed with Evaluation by San Diego Unified’s Board of Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:              

 

Media Contact: 

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

Superintendent Bagula’s Leadership Affirmed with Evaluation by San Diego Unified’s Board of Education 

Trustees Credit District’s Continued Improvements in Student Achievement, Wellness, and Future Readiness to Dr. Fabi Bagula Student-Focused Leadership Approach  

 

SAN DIEGO (August 25, 2026) – Following its annual evaluation of Dr. Fabi Bagula, the Superintendent of San Diego Unified School District, the Board of Education has extended her contract, affirming its confidence in her leadership and commitment to advancing student achievement, educational equity, fiscal responsibility, and organizational excellence.

 

Superintendent Bagula since becoming the lead Administrator of the second-largest school district in California in September 2024 has guided San Diego Unified through a period of innovation, collaboration, and measurable progress, while maintaining a clear focus on ensuring all student graduates are prepared for college, career, and life.

 

"Superintendent Bagula has demonstrated exceptional leadership through her unwavering focus on students, meaningful engagement with staff and families, and commitment to continuous improvement," said Richard Barrera, President of the San Diego Unified Board of Education. "The Board's decision to extend her contract reflects our confidence in her vision, her leadership team, and the strong momentum that is moving San Diego Unified forward."

 

Advancing Student Success

Since taking the helm, Superintendent Bagula has championed initiatives designed to strengthen academic achievement, increase supports for students and families, build community partnerships, and improve organizational effectiveness. Some of the accomplishments the Board of Education highlighted in their evaluation of Superintendent Bagula include:  

• “Dr. Bagula has continued to demonstrate commendable initiative in fostering a culture of transparency, trust, and continuous improvement districtwide. She continues to infuse thoughtful, research-based steps to strengthen organizational culture, combining use of data and trusting relationships to drive improvements in student wellness and achievement.” 
• “Dr. Bagula’s leadership decisions are grounded in a clear focus on student outcomes and the strategic use of data to inform practice and monitor outcomes. These efforts reflect alignment with the district’s vision and represent a key step toward data-informed decision-making.”  
• “Dr. Bagula has taken important steps to address fiscal sustainability, as demonstrated by a balanced 2026-27 district budget.” 
• “Dr. Bagula has prioritized the implementation of essential safety measures on and around school campuses, proactively meeting with City of San Diego leaders including the mayor and council persons regarding school safety needs districtwide.”
• “We look forward to our continued work with Dr. Bagula, and are confident that under her leadership the San Diego Unified School District will continue to provide the experiences and outcomes worthy of our students.”  

 

Districtwide Accomplishments during the 2025-26 School Year included:

Student Wellness

• Expanded wellness centers that collectively served more than 19,000 students.
• Supported over 315,000 student health office visits, with 84% of students returning to class without requiring additional medical attention.
• Conducted approximately 45,000 vision screenings and 45,000 hearing screenings.
• Supported 36 schools recognized nationally with the 2025 America's Healthiest Schools Award.

 

Literacy

• Districtwide English Language Arts performance increased by 5.2 points according to the 2025 California School Dashboard (updated numbers expected later in 2026). 
• Students performed 12.4 points above the state standard in English Language Arts according to the 2025 California School Dashboard (updated numbers expected later in 2026).
• Significant growth among Latino students, English Learners, and Students with Disabilities helped narrow longstanding achievement gaps.

 

Mathematics

• Successful implementation of Eureka Math in elementary grades.
• Student proficiency increased to 45.3% meeting or exceeding standards in mathematics according to the 2025 California School Dashboard (updated numbers expected later in 2026).
• Mathematics Distance From Standard improved by 4.6 points, reflecting stronger progress toward grade-level expectations according to the 2025 California School Dashboard (updated numbers expected later in 2026). 

 

College & Career Readiness

• Achieved the highest graduation rate in District history at a projected 91%.
• Approximately 71.4% of graduates met California's College and Career Readiness Indicator according to the 2025 California School Dashboard (updated numbers expected later in 2026).
• Ranked second in California for FAFSA/CADAA completion, with a completion rate of 78.4%.

 

Building on the Momentum

As San Diego Unified enters the 2026-27 school year, Superintendent Bagula's leadership will continue to focus on four key priorities: Student Wellness, Literacy, Mathematics, and College & Career Readiness, while maintaining fiscal responsibility and strong stewardship of public resources.

 

Student Wellness

San Diego Unified will:

• Launch information campaigns promoting healthy sleep, hydration, and physical activity.
• Improve student access to nutritious meals and reduce wait times during meal service.
• Increase connections to community-based resources supporting student well-being.
• Continue expanding coordinated supports that help students remain healthy, connected, and ready to learn.

 

Literacy

San Diego Unified will:

• Implement a new preschool curriculum focused on early language and literacy development.
• Expand professional learning aligned with the Science of Reading.
• Prepare educators for the implementation of a new reading curriculum in 2027-28.
• Continue accelerating literacy achievement while closing opportunity gaps.

 

Mathematics

San Diego Unified will:

• Strengthen mathematical fluency and student discourse across classrooms.
• Relaunch the 6th-grade mathematics program with enhanced blended learning and hands-on experiences.
• Launch a High School Math Lead Program focused on real-world and project-based learning.
• Continue building students' confidence and success in mathematics.

 

College & Career Readiness

San Diego Unified will:

• Strengthen implementation and alignment of College & Career Readiness curriculum in grades 6-12.
• Expand internships, apprenticeships, and job-shadow opportunities.
• Increase access to pathways connecting students to higher education and workforce opportunities.
• Provide additional tools and resources for students and families planning for postsecondary success.

 

In addition, the District will continue prioritizing fiscal responsibility by centering students and classrooms in budget decisions, improving organizational efficiency, and advocating at the state and federal levels of government aggressively for the resources students need and deserve.

 

"I am deeply grateful to the Board of Education for its trust, partnership, and continued confidence in our collective work on behalf of students," said Superintendent Dr. Fabi Bagula. "Most importantly, I want to thank our wonderful teachers, school leaders, support professionals, classified employees, and central office staff whose dedication has made every accomplishment possible. 

 

“Over the last two years, we have strengthened systems, expanded opportunities, improved outcomes, and deepened our commitment to serving every student. While I am proud of what we have achieved together, I am even more inspired by what lies ahead. Together, we will continue building a school district where every student feels healthy, welcomed, challenged, and fully prepared for college, career, and life."

 

To learn more about the evaluation and contract extension, click here for the details. 

 

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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 Prepared for High Heat, Plans in Place to Protect Students and Staff

EDITOR NOTE: On Wednesday, August 26 between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. we will have Jennifer Alfonso, RN, MSN, Program Manager for Nursing & Wellness at San Diego Unified School District available for interviews to speak about what our schools and district do to keep staff and families safe from the heat, and to share tips with families. Let me know if you are interested, and we will schedule you a slot. Thanks.  James  

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                   Media Contact: 

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

San Diego Unified Prepared for High Heat, Plans in Place to Protect Students and Staff 

SAN DIEGO (August 25, 2026) – San Diego Unified School District schools are prepared to help keep students and staff safe during periods of high heat this week, with air conditioning available in all educational spaces and Hot Weather Plans in place at schools across the district.

When temperatures rise, schools will closely monitor weather conditions and adjust activities as needed. Hot Weather Plans may include modifying instructional activities or schedules, limiting or rescheduling strenuous physical activities and recess, utilizing shaded and air-conditioned spaces, providing additional access to drinking water, and monitoring students and staff for signs of heat-related illness.

“Our schools are prepared to respond when temperatures rise, and our priority is always the health, safety and well-being of our students and staff,” said Deputy Superintendent W. Drew Rowlands. “We have plans in place to adjust activities and schedules when needed, while keeping our schools open and learning moving forward whenever it is safe to do so.”

Adjusting Outdoor and Indoor Athletic Activities

Teachers, coaches, and staff supervising outdoor activities – including athletics, physical education, cheerleading, recess, and other programs – closely monitor weather conditions and students throughout the day. Staff provide additional water, rest breaks, and make adjustments to outdoor activities when necessary.

All San Diego Unified high school coaches are trained in district hot weather procedures and certified through the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) on heat illness prevention and school sites receive guidance from the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) for emergency action plans. 

Through NFHS’s “Heat Illness Prevention Course,” coaches learn both preventative and emergency measures, such as adjusting intensity and rest and ensuring all participants stay hydrated, as fundamentals of a strong heat acclimatization plan to help recognize signs early.

In addition, San Diego Unified Registered Nurses (RN) and trained health office staff prevent, recognize and manage heat illness.

Athletic practices and competitions are monitored in accordance with State legislation, district protocols and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) rules, including daily WetBulb Globe Temperature readings through the newly installed Perry Weather monitoring and alerting systems when appropriate. Based on those conditions, schools may modify, relocate or reschedule outdoor activities.

Schools may also relocate students from non-air-conditioned areas , such as gyms,  when needed and will make use of shaded and air-conditioned spaces whenever available.

Air Conditioning in Educational Spaces

All educational spaces in San Diego Unified schools are air conditioned. Gyms, kitchens, restrooms and locker rooms are not equipped with air conditioning. Proper ventilation is available in these spaces, including operable windows to support air flow.       

Air conditioners are working overtime during extreme heat, and San Diego Unified’s Physical Plant Operations (PPO) team members are standing by ready to take action if an air conditioning unit malfunctions. The district has dedicated HVAC technicians and contracted support. Repair orders are triaged and prioritized based on student impact. For example, a large unit servicing an entire building would be prioritized rather than a single unit serving one classroom.

How Families Can Help Students Prepare

Families can help students stay comfortable and safe during warmer weather by encouraging them to:

• Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing.
• Bring extra water to school and stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Wear sunscreen when appropriate.
• Immediately tell a teacher, nurse, coach or other staff member if they feel overheated, dizzy, or unwell.

“Keeping students safe during hot weather is a shared responsibility,” said Jennifer Alfonso, RN, MSN, Program Manager for Nursing & Wellness at San Diego Unified School District.  “We encourage families to send students to school prepared with water and appropriate clothing, and we encourage our students to speak up if they are not feeling well. Our staff will continue to closely monitor conditions and make adjustments when necessary.”

For additional information, families can review the district’s Administrative Procedure 4032 (Link), which outlines procedures and precautions for periods of hot weather.

The district will continue monitoring weather forecasts and conditions throughout the week and will communicate any changes to the school schedule or outdoor activities as needed.

Schools will remain open as long as a safe learning environment can be provided. 

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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

 

 

LEWIS MIDDLE SCHOOL REIMAGINES THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL TO BOOST STUDENT BELONGING AND ACADEMIC SUCCESS

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

LEWIS MIDDLE SCHOOL REIMAGINES THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL TO BOOST STUDENT BELONGING AND ACADEMIC SUCCESS

 

WHAT: During the first week of school, Lewis Middle School will implement its student-centered Welcome Week, highlighting an innovative approach that prioritizes student belonging, relationship-building, and confidence before academic instruction begins. 

 

Welcome Week includes community-building activities, student-teacher connections, and opportunities for students to learn school expectations before academic instruction begins. Lewis Middle also celebrates the opening of the school's newly completed two-story, 14-classroom learning complex and music building following three years of modernization. 

 

WHEN: Tuesday, August 11, 2026

• 10:30 a.m. Tour the New Buildings 
• 11 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Visit a classroom

 

WHERE: Lewis Middle School, 5170 Greenbrier Ave., San Diego, CA 92120

 

WHY: Lewis Middle believes students learn best when they first feel connected, supported, and like they belong. Instead of a traditional first week, students participate in a structured Welcome Week that helps them:

• Build meaningful relationships with teachers and classmates.
• Learn school routines and expectations in a supportive environment.
• Develop confidence before rigorous instruction begins.

 

The results speak for themselves. Following last year's Welcome Week:

• 80% of students strongly agreed they understood what was expected in their classes.
• 70% strongly agreed their teachers cared about them and wanted them to succeed.
• Nearly 50% said they made a new friend during the first week of school.

 

VISUALS: 

• Students 
• New 2-story 14 classroom learning complex & music building
• LINK to Photos of New 2-story 14 classroom learning complex & music building

 

WHO:

• Justin Phillips, Principal, Lewis Middle
• Educators and students 

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

 

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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

 

 

FIRST DAY OF NEW SCHOOL YEAR ON MONDAY FOR SAN DIEGO UNFIED STUDENTS

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

FIRST DAY OF NEW SCHOOL YEAR ON MONDAY FOR SAN DIEGO UNFIED STUDENTS

 

WHAT: Media Availability & Welcoming Students Back  

 

WHY: 95,000 students from across San Diego will attend their first day of the new school year at 175 San Diego Unified Schools on Monday. San Diego Unified officials will visit schools across the District, and the media is invited to join them at Patrick Henry High School to do interviews, and welcome the students back!     

 

WHEN: Monday, August 10, 2026 

• Welcoming Students & Families to School 
• 8:30 a.m. Students enter gates for schedules, classroom assignments 
• 9:20 a.m. Students start school

 

WHERE: Patrick Henry High School, 6702 Wandermere Dr. San Diego, CA 92120

 

NEW @ SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOLS 

• Goals for 2026-27
• Summer Enrollment
• Learner-Centered Technology  

 

WHO:

• Dr. Fabi Bagula, Superintendent, San Diego Unified School District
• Richard Barrera, President, Board of Education San Diego Unified School District
• Sabrina Bazzo, Vice President, Board of Education San Diego Unified School District
• Sharon Whitehurst-Payne, Trustee, Board of Education San Diego Unified School District 
• Shana Hazan, Trustee, Board of Education San Diego Unified School District
• Cody Petterson, Trustee, Board of Education San Diego Unified School District  
• Principal Melanie Kray, Patrick Henry High School, San Diego Unified School District

 

ABOUT PATRICK HENRY HIGH SCHOOL 

• 2,600 students. The largest comprehensive high school in San Diego Unified 
• A top performer academically in San Diego County
• Championship athletic teams, visual and performing arts, college and career pathways There is something for every student at Patrick Henry High School. 
• California Dashboard Academic Ratings for Patrick Henry High School: 

 

 

Media Parking : park in the parking area immediately to the right, after you enter the parking lot. See image below.  (See Picture Below Parking Information) 

 

             

__________________________________________________________________________

Media Contacts: James Canning, 313-580-2845; Marisa Berumen, 619-847-6029

 

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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

 

 

SD Unified More Than Doubles Summer Enrollment Goal, Welcoming More Than 3,000 New Students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                        

 

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

 

San Diego Unified More Than Doubles Summer Enrollment Goal, Welcoming More Than 3,000 New Students  

Families continue choosing San Diego Unified Schools 

 

SAN DIEGO (August 07, 2026) — As San Diego Unified School District prepares to welcome students back for the 2026-27 school year, families continue choosing the district. During the month of July, 1,950 new students enrolled in San Diego Unified schools, building on the 1,083 students who enrolled during June and bringing the district's summer total to 3,033 new students.

 

The district's enrollment efforts have now far exceeded its original goal of welcoming 1,309 new students by the first day of school, demonstrating that making enrollment easier helps more families access high-quality public education. The goal of 1,309 new students held special significance because it matched the number of students who had left San Diego Unified since the 2024-25 school year.  Census day is scheduled for October 7, 2026, and that will determine if the new students amounted to a net-positive for enrollment compared to last school year. 

 

This summer marked San Diego Unified's most significant modernization of the enrollment process in recent years. For the first time, families could complete enrollment entirely online for all student groups while also receiving personalized support through 52 Enrollment Hubs located across San Diego. The district also expanded enrollment office hours, partnered with hundreds of community organizations, and launched its "Why Choose San Diego Unified?" campaign to connect families with their neighborhood schools.

 

"Every new student who joins San Diego Unified brings new dreams, talents, and possibilities to our schools, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome more than 3,000 new students and their families to our community this year," said Superintendent Fabiola Bagula, Ph.D. "Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and we are honored they chose San Diego Unified. From enrollment on, we want every family to feel they belong here. Our educators and staff are ready to welcome each student, provide exceptional learning opportunities, and support them as they learn, grow, and thrive." 

 

Families continue to choose San Diego Unified for its nationally recognized academic excellence and broad range of educational opportunities. 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.

 

"The momentum we saw throughout the summer reflects the dedication of employees across every part of our district," said Dr. Tracey Makings, Leader from Neighborhood Schools and Enrollment Options. "By combining the convenience of a fully online enrollment process with personalized support through our Enrollment Hubs and community partnerships, we created a more welcoming experience for families. We're thrilled to welcome the new students and look forward to helping them succeed from their very first day."

 

The milestone comes even as California and school districts across the nation continue to experience enrollment declines driven by lower birth rates, rising housing costs, and changing demographics. According to the California Department of Education, public school enrollment declined by nearly 75,000 students statewide, while the Education Commission of the States reports national public school enrollment has fallen by 1.18 million students over the past five years.

 

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

 

About San Diego Unified School District

Serving nearly 95,000 students in 175 schools, San Diego Unified School District is California's second-largest school district and is committed to ensuring every student graduates with the skills, motivation, curiosity, and resilience to succeed in college, career, and life.

                                                                 

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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 Launches New School Year Focused on Student Wellness, Literacy, Math, and College & Career Readiness

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

San Diego Unified Launches 2026–27 School Year Focused on Student Wellness, Literacy, Math, and College & Career Readiness

SAN DIEGO (AUGUST 06, 2026) – As students return to classrooms for the 2026–27 school year on Monday, August 10, San Diego Unified School District is building on its commitment to ensuring every student graduates prepared for the future by investing time and energy in four key priorities: Student Wellness, Literacy, Mathematics, and College & Career Readiness.

Throughout the coming school year, the district will introduce new programs, expand opportunities for students, and strengthen supports designed to help educators and every learner succeed academically, socially, emotionally, and beyond graduation.

They include:

• New information campaigns to focus on the importance of sleep, hydration and physical activity to student wellness and learning. 
• New preschool curriculum designed to nurture early language and literacy development through play, exploration, and meaningful interactions that prepare children for future reading success.
• Relaunching the 6th grade middle school math curriculum with a focused approach on integrating online, paper, and hands-on experiences. 
• Strengthening awareness and alignment of College & Career Readiness curriculum for students grades 6 - 12.

A more comprehensive listing of new actions that will be taken is listed in each section Student Wellness, Literacy, Mathematics, and College & Career Readiness are listed below.  

"Every new school year is an opportunity to reimagine what is possible for our students," said Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D. "This year, we are making meaningful investments in the whole child—strengthening student wellness, expanding literacy and mathematics achievement, and creating even more opportunities for students to discover their passions and prepare for college, careers, and life. When students feel healthy, supported, challenged, and connected, there is no limit to what they can accomplish."

Student Wellness

Student wellness is the central to learning and student success. At San Diego Unified, wellness means caring for the whole child—body, mind, relationships, and community. Whether a student receives care from a school nurse, enjoys a nutritious meal, participates in athletics, visits a Wellness Center, works with a behavior specialist, or connects with a counselor or trusted adult, each service is part of one coordinated system designed to ensure every student is healthy, connected, engaged, and ready to learn.

New in Student Wellness for the 2026–27 School Year

During the coming school year, San Diego Unified will strengthen student wellness through:

• Information campaigns to focus on the importance of sleep, hydration, and physical activity. 
• Enhance operational processes to improve meal access and reduce wait times to ensure students can receive breakfast and lunch efficiently during the school day. 
• Increase access to community-based resources that will support student well-being outside of the classroom.   

The new efforts for this school year builds on work from last year, which included:  

• 19,344 students supported the school district’s 12 Wellness Centers, which happened through drop-in visits for coping and self-regulation, connections to resources, one-on-one support, and health education presentations.
• 36 schools earned the 2025 America’s Healthiest Schools Award, which recognizes their commitment to creating healthier, more supportive learning environments for students. This national recognition reflects the dedication of our school communities to advancing student health, well-being, and academic success through sustainable, whole-child practices. 
• 315,000 health office visits resulted in 84% of the students returning to class without the need for further medical attention. 
• 45,000 vision screenings and 45,000 hearing screenings were performed by dedicated school nurses and a team of audiometrists (non-nurses). 
• Student surveys showed students who visited wellness centers had stronger improvements or consistently higher outcomes in student belonging, trusted adult relationships, and connections with school staff.

"Student wellness is not separate from academic achievement, it makes academic achievement possible," said Susan Barndollar, Executive Director of Nursing and Wellness. "Every investment we make in supporting students' physical health, mental health, nutrition, relationships, and sense of belonging helps create classrooms where students are ready to learn and able to reach their full potential. This year, we are excited to continue expanding opportunities that support the whole child and also support our educators and staff."

Literacy

Literacy is the foundation for learning across every subject and opens doors to future opportunities. San Diego Unified educators work hard to build confident readers, writers, thinkers, and communicators through evidence-based instruction, ongoing assessment, and targeted support that ensures every student continues to grow.

New in Literacy for the 2026–27 School Year

In preschool classrooms, educators are using Creative Curriculum designed to nurture early language and literacy development through play, exploration, and meaningful interactions that prepare children for future reading success.

Every day, teachers will intentionally create opportunities for children to develop language, vocabulary, comprehension, and a love of reading through engaging experiences such as:

• Interactive read-alouds that build listening comprehension, introduce rich vocabulary, and encourage children to predict, retell, and discuss stories.
• Print-rich classrooms where books, labels, names, signs, and writing materials help children understand that print has meaning and is part of everyday life.
• Storytelling and dramatic play that encourage children to create narratives, practice sequencing, and use new vocabulary in authentic ways.
• Phonological awareness activities, including songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and word games, that help children recognize sounds in spoken language—an essential building block for reading.
• Emergent writing experiences that allow children to experiment with drawing, scribbling, and early letter formation as they begin expressing their ideas through print.

Also, the school district is:  

• Strengthening educator knowledge with new professional development that brings everyone in alignment with the science of reading – which centers professional learning on structured literacy, word recognition, and reading comprehension.   
• Preparing literacy educators for the implementation of a new reading curriculum in the 2027–28 school year. 

"Literacy gives students the ability to understand the world, express their ideas, and unlock opportunities throughout their lives," said Shawna Codrington, Ed.D., Director of Literacy. "This year, we are continuing to strengthen literacy instruction so every student develops the confidence and skills to read deeply, think critically, communicate effectively, and succeed in every subject."

The new efforts for this school year builds on strong results from last year. San Diego Unified students outperformed state standards in English Language Arts while achievement gaps continue to close for many student groups.

According to the 2025 California School Dashboard, districtwide English Language Arts performance increased by 5.2 points in one year, with students performing 12.4 points above the state standard—surpassing the district’s annual growth target and moving closer to its 2030 goal. Some of the strongest gains are among Latino students, English Learners, and Students with Disabilities, helping to narrow long-standing achievement gaps in literacy.

Mathematics

San Diego Unified educators believe math happens everywhere and every student is a math person.

The district is strengthening mathematics instruction through aligned-standards, problem-based learning that emphasizes conceptual understanding, critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world application.

In classrooms, students grapple with meaningful problems, explain their thinking, collaborate with peers, and persevere through challenges while developing the confidence to see themselves as capable mathematicians.

New in Math for the 2026-27 School Year 

During the coming school year, after a successful adoption of the new Eureka Math curriculum for students grades Transition Kindergarten through grade 5,  San Diego Unified will expand mathematics opportunities by:

• Strengthening students’ fluency and creating more intentional opportunities for mathematical discourse to improve problem solving. When students explain their reasoning, listen to others, and make sense of different approaches, they deepen their understanding of mathematics. 
• Relaunching the 6th grade middle school math curriculum with a  focused approach on integrating online, paper and hands-on experiences. All 6th grade teachers will be provided dedicated time to collaborate and understand how high quality, blended mathematics instruction improves engagement and learning.
• Launch a High School Math Lead program to deepen educators’ understanding of effective mathematics practices and create a common scope of work centered on project-based and real world applications. 

"We believe that every student is a mathematician, and deserves learning experiences that build both confidence and deepen understanding of mathematics," said Julie Garcia, Senior Director of Future Ready Learning. "This year, we are continuing to strengthen classrooms where students collaborate, reason, explain their thinking, and persevere through meaningful problems that prepare them for college, careers, and everyday life."

The new efforts for this school year builds on strong results from last year. According to the 2025 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress showed 45.3% of students met or exceeded standards in Mathematics, up 1.4 percentage points from 2024. In addition, the district saw significant gains in Distance From Standard (DFS), an indicator of how far students are progressing toward grade-level benchmarks, with Mathematics DFS advancing by 4.6 points. 

College and Career Readiness

Preparing students for life after graduation begins long before senior year at San Diego Unified schools. Beginning in elementary school and continuing through high school, students are challenged to think critically, solve problems, develop leadership skills, and connect classroom learning to real-world experiences.

The district's goal is simple: every student graduates with a plan, a purpose, and the confidence to build a future without limits.

New in College & Career Readiness for the 2026-27 School Year 

During the new school year, the team of educators focused on students being prepared for life after high school, will:   

• Strengthen awareness and alignment of College & Career Readiness curriculum for students grades 6 - 12  
• Expand work-based learning for students with more internships, apprenticeships, and Job Shadows.  

"College and career readiness is about helping every student discover what is possible and giving them the experiences to pursue those dreams," said Jen Roberson, Executive Director of the Office of Graduation. "Whether students choose college, career training, military service, or another pathway, we want every graduate to leave our schools with the skills, confidence, and experiences needed to thrive.

These new efforts will build on the strong results from last school year, which saw its highest graduation rate ever, a projected 91% with approximately 71.4% of graduates being college and career prepared as measured by the California College and Career Indicators  Additionally, San Diego Unified ranked #2 in the state with a 78.4% completion rate for the FAFSA/CADAA.

About San Diego Unified School District

San Diego Unified School District serves approximately 95,000 students in preschool through grade 12 and is committed to ensuring every student graduates with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in college, career, and life. 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