News Summary
The San Diego Unified School District has appointed Fabiola Bagula as its first Latina permanent superintendent, following her role as interim since August. Her leadership has been embraced by the community, and she pledges to address educational equity and enhance academic achievements. With over 95,000 students and a budget exceeding $2 billion, she aims to navigate challenges such as funding cuts and a teacher shortage while maintaining high standards set by the district.
San Diego, CA – The San Diego Unified School District Board of Education has made history by unanimously appointing Fabiola Bagula as their new permanent superintendent, marking her as the first Latina to hold this vital position. The decision, reached on Wednesday, comes after Bagula has been serving as the interim superintendent since August 2024, following the dismissal of Lamont Jackson due to credible accusations of inappropriate conduct.
Bagula’s appointment was met with enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation from audience members, indicating strong community support for her leadership. As superintendent of California’s second-largest school district, Bagula will oversee more than 95,000 students and 15,000 staff across over 200 schools, operating with a budget that exceeds $2 billion.
In her acceptance speech, Bagula expressed deep gratitude for the support received from the board and her education partners. A native of San Diego and a first-generation college graduate, she holds degrees from the University of California, San Diego, and the University of San Diego. Her extensive background in education includes roles as a teacher, principal, area superintendent, and district deputy superintendent, positioning her as a well-rounded candidate for the role.
Bagula highlighted the significance of equity in education, asserting that public education is an essential platform for every child, regardless of their background. She noted that the San Diego Unified School District has achieved notable success, recognized as the highest-achieving large urban school district in the nation for two consecutive years. With this recognition, Bagula aims to uphold and further develop the high standards already established by the district.
In outlining her vision for the district, Bagula emphasized the need to address community-specific needs, indicating the diverse challenges faced by different areas, such as Point Loma, Scripps Ranch, and Hoover. She recognizes that while there is much to celebrate, there are also significant challenges ahead, including potential federal funding cuts and a nationwide teacher shortage. To combat these issues, she proposed the implementation of recruitment fairs and other innovative strategies to attract talented educators to the district.
Members of the board have praised Bagula’s qualifications and her ability to provide stability during her interim position, noting her courage and clarity in addressing the challenges faced by the district. Board President Cody Petterson remarked positively on the atmosphere surrounding the meeting, contrasting it with the usual tensions often felt in board interactions. Public speakers also expressed strong support for Bagula, asserting the community’s need for a robust leader during challenging times.
Bagula’s new contract will extend through June 2029, with a salary of $440,000 along with a car expense allowance and additional benefits. In her new role, she intends to enhance academic achievements while maintaining fiscal responsibility and increasing engagement with Spanish-speaking communities.
This appointment of Fabiola Bagula marks a significant milestone for the San Diego Unified School District, symbolizing a commitment to accountability and a strong connection to the community. With her leadership, stakeholders are optimistic about the direction of the district as it continues to serve one of the most diverse student populations in the state.
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Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego
- American School and University
- Axios San Diego
- Wikipedia: Education in San Diego
- CBS 8 San Diego
- Google Search: Fabiola Bagula
- Times of San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Education
- San Diego Union-Tribune
- Google News: San Diego Unified School District
