The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) Board of Education has officially confirmed Fabiola Bagula as its permanent superintendent.
This decision follows her role as interim superintendent since August 2024, after the dismissal of the previous superintendent, Lamont Jackson, due to a misconduct investigation.
Bagula’s appointment was met with applause and a standing ovation from the audience during the board meeting.
Bagula’s Journey and Qualifications
Fabiola Bagula, a San Diego native, has an extensive background in education. She began her career as a teacher and later served in leadership positions as a principal, area superintendent, and deputy superintendent.
She holds degrees from the University of California San Diego and the University of San Diego, reflecting her commitment to education.
Bagula’s leadership is seen as a symbol of hope and inspiration, especially given her own background as a first-generation college graduate.
She believes in the power of collective effort, emphasizing that public education is a crucial part of society where every child, regardless of background, deserves the chance to succeed.
Key Goals and Focus Areas
As the new permanent superintendent of SDUSD, Bagula is focused on several important areas:
- Fiscal Responsibility and Student-Centered Approach: Bagula aims to ensure that the district maintains fiscal responsibility while prioritizing student and classroom needs. This includes advocacy for funding and grants, as well as improving organizational efficiency to enhance student learning and well-being.
- Academic Achievement and Support Systems: She plans to continue driving academic success with initiatives like a new attendance system and a college and career readiness dashboard for students and their families.
- Community Building: Bagula is also committed to strengthening relationships with the Spanish-speaking community and improving support for schools and district leaders.
Recent Achievements
Bagula has already made significant contributions during her time as interim superintendent. Some of her key accomplishments include:
- Establishing a partnership with California State University San Marcos to provide students with a direct path to university education.
- Developing a district-wide mathematics curriculum for kindergarten through eighth grade.
- Introducing an educator’s dashboard to track student progress in literacy, math, and college readiness.
- Working with the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) to enhance parent involvement in district activities.
Board Support and Public Reception
During the board meeting, several board members praised Bagula’s leadership. Sharon Whitehurst-Payne noted that the board had seen many candidates but chose Bagula because of her deep understanding of the district.
Other board members, including Shana Hazan and Cody Petterson, spoke highly of Bagula’s approach, describing her leadership style as compassionate, transparent, and focused on student success.
Petterson also humorously recalled his first concert with Bagula and praised her as a wise and compassionate leader, emphasizing the strong support she has received from both the board and the community.
Looking Ahead
With Bagula now officially appointed as superintendent, she will continue to navigate the challenges facing the district, including fiscal management and improving student outcomes.
The district, which serves more than 95,000 students and employs around 15,000 staff members, is facing significant responsibilities but is optimistic about the future under Bagula’s leadership.
Fabiola Bagula’s appointment as permanent superintendent marks a new chapter for the San Diego Unified School District. Her dedication to education, focus on equity, and leadership qualities make her a strong fit for this role.
As SDUSD continues to move forward, Bagula’s vision of supporting both students and the community will be key to ensuring long-term success and growth for the district.
