CALSA Applauds Dr. Fabiola Bagula for Centering Student Wellness, Academic Success at San Diego Unified School District

April 15, 2025 12:30 PM

SACRAMENTO, CA – San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD), one of California’s largest and most diverse public education systems—where nearly 50% of students identify as Latino—is making measurable progress in academic achievement through a unified vision grounded in collective efficacy. Under the leadership of Interim Superintendent Dr. Fabiola Bagula, the District has improved performance outcomes, prioritized student wellness, and aligned its work around clearly defined goals and values.

In February, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a reconvening of his “Moving the Needle on Test Scores” initiative, where Dr. Bagula joined education leaders from across the state to discuss strategies to accelerate academic growth and close opportunity gaps.

During her presentation, Dr. Bagula emphasized San Diego Unified’s commitment to its Student Outcomes Focused Governance, which centers every decision on improving student achievement. The District’s four goals—student Wellness, Literacy, Mathematics, and College and Career Readiness—guide this work, supported by board-adopted guardrails that ensure alignment, accountability, and equity across the system.

“Our Board of Trustees and I are aligned—wellness and joy is our top priority,” Dr. Bagula said. “When students feel safe, supported, and connected, they’re ready to learn and thrive. This focus reflects the voices of our community and a shared commitment to putting student well-being at the center of everything we do. True progress happens when schools lead and the system aligns around their needs.”

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), SDUSD students made gains across multiple grade levels and subject areas. In math, fourth-grade proficiency rose from 34% in 2022 to 41% in 2024, while eighth-grade proficiency increased from 28% to 31%. In reading, fourth-grade proficiency improved from 37% to 39%, and eighth-grade proficiency rose from 34% to 37%. These improvements stand out amid national trends of stagnation or decline.

San Diego Unified has also strengthened its commitment to educator development and data-driven support through expanded partnerships with local universities. Last fall, 26 participants entered the District’s TEACH-LEAD San Diego Teacher Residency Program (TRP), a growing pipeline for aspiring educators. On February 12, the Board of Education approved new contracts with San Diego State University (SDSU) and the University of San Diego (USD), following an earlier agreement ratified with the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) in late 2024. While UCSD and USD are supporting broader data and system alignment efforts, SDSU is also working with the District to help measure Student Wellness across school sites.

In addition to her contributions to the District, she has played a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) through her leadership within the San Diego chapter. Her contributions to the organization have been wide-ranging—most notably, she helped support the chapter’s 2024 scholarship campaign, which raised $70,000 to uplift the next generation of Latino leaders and advance CALSA’s mission of equity, advocacy, and community-rooted leadership.

“There are still far too few Latina superintendents in California,” Dr. Bagula said. “By raising scholarship funds and furthering opportunities in education, we’re not just investing in students—we’re showing them what’s possible. Representation matters. Just as we strive to connect with every student, we want them to know: you can be anything you want to be—including superintendent. Sí Se Puede.”

Culminating her continued commitment to service, Dr. Bagula delivered a keynote poem during the annual Las Mañanitas Breakfast hosted by the César Chávez Service Clubs—an event that brought together hundreds of “Chavistas,” civic leaders, and educators to honor community leaders advancing the values of the late labor rights icon. Held in advance of César Chávez Day, the celebration featured students from 15 San Diego Unified schools, and Dr. Bagula’s poem echoed the spirit of the day—centered on leadership, cultural pride, and the belief that every student has the power to lead with voice, purpose, and corazón.

“Dr. Bagula embodies everything CALSA stands for,” CALSA Executive Director Ofelia Ceja-Lariviere said. “She leads with advocacy, authenticity, and corazón. Her work not only uplifts her District—it inspires a generation of Latina leaders to lead with pride, purpose, and deep community connection.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

CALSA_BAGULA1: Dr. Fabiola Bagula speaks at annual Las Mañanitas Chavistas Club event on March 28.

CALSA_BAGULA2: San Diego Unified School District Interim Superintendent Dr. Fabiola Bagula and CALSA San Diego Chapter Board members celebrate during a Spring Mixer on March 6.

CALSA_BAGULA3: Dr. Fabiola Bagula visits students during San Diego Unified’s Your Story Matters Student Journal Delivery on Feb. 14.

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