San Diego Schools Name Bagula Superintendent

Updated June 19, 2025
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The ‍San Diego Unified School​ District (SDUSD) Board of Education unanimously approved Dr. Fabiola Bagula as superintendent‍ Wednesday. Bagula had been serving in the interim role since ⁤August 2024, after Lamont ​Jackson’s firing following an investigation into inappropriate conduct.

The appointment of Bagula to this critical role was met with a standing ovation. A san Diego native, Bagula’s career ⁢includes roles as‍ a‍ teacher, principal, area superintendent, and district deputy ⁤superintendent. She now leads ​the state’s second-largest school district.

Bagula expressed gratitude for the prospect. She emphasized the district’s commitment to academics, ⁢wellness, safety, housing,‍ and nutrition. She also highlighted the importance of ⁤equity and excellence ⁣in public education, ‌calling it a vital democratic space​ where every child can thrive.her grandmothers inspired her to stand⁣ up against injustice.

Bagula noted SDUSD’s high achievement ⁤among large urban school districts for two⁢ consecutive years, alongside gains in state categories. She said courage, ‍accountability, and protecting humanity⁤ will be essential for the district’s future work.⁢ The ‌San Diego Unified School District,⁢ with a budget exceeding $2 billion, serves over ⁣95,000 students ⁢and employs 15,000 individuals across more than 200 schools. Bagula’s recent accomplishments include‌ establishing a partnership⁤ with⁣ California⁤ State University San Marcos, ​an⁣ educators’ dashboard to⁢ track student achievement, a districtwide mathematics curriculum, and a framework for Parent​ Teacher Association involvement.

Bagula ⁣takes on‌ the role ⁢at a time when the district is focused on plans to get out of a budget deficit. Board⁤ members praised Bagula before the vote.

“If we appoint you, then get ready for the real deal,” said Sharon Whitehurst-Payne, adding the‍ board is going ⁣to move​ forward with⁢ plans.

Shana ⁤Hazan voiced her strong support ⁢for Bagula, praising ⁢her courage, clarity,‍ and ‍compassion during her interim period. Hazan⁤ said Bagula provided⁢ stability and led with humility and clarity, working with the board‌ to improve⁤ student achievement and wellness.

“Dr. Bagula has made meaningful progress‍ in aligning our work with⁣ the long-term success and ‍well-being‍ of every child we serve,” she added.

Board President Cody ​Petterson ⁣described Bagula ⁢as kind, ‌loving, wise, and compassionate. Student board member quinton Baldis expressed excitement for Bagula’s future leadership.

Linda LeGerrette of⁤ Cesar Chavez Service Clubs and Mel Katz, a ⁣civic leader, also⁢ endorsed Bag