Dr. Fabi Bagula Appointed as Permanent Superintendent of San Diego Unified Schools
SUPERINTENDENT BAGULA IS FIRST LATINA & JUST 3RD WOMAN TO LEAD 2ND LARGEST SCHOOL DISTRICT IN CALIFORNIA
SAN DIEGO (JUNE 18, 2025) – The San Diego Unified School District Board of Education today unanimously appointed Dr. Fabi Bagula to be the permanent Superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District.
“I am honored and excited to lead the school district where I began my teaching career,” said Superintendent Bagula. “I care deeply about this city and our schools. Education became my passion at a very young age, and I want to make sure we provide students with opportunities to joyfully learn. No matter what is happening in their neighborhood or at home, our students should be able to walk into our classrooms, and immerse themselves in learning and gaining the tools they need to build the life they envision for themselves.”
Superintendent Bagula is the first Latina to hold the post of the second largest school district in the state of California, which has nearly 50 percent latino student population. She takes personal pride in the distinction, but recognizes that to be the first Latina and just the 3rd woman in an educational institution's nearly 200 year history, broader systemic change is needed to ensure students can experience representation in the classroom and when they see the leaders of institutions. Superintendent Bagula is a native San Diegan.
Since taking the helm last September, Superintendent Bagula has ushered in a new approach to how the district is led. She has leaned on data and analytics to drive decision making on how to educate students; been a driver of the District’s firm commitment to upholding the values of equity and belonging for all students and families; and taken a hands-on approach with supporting schools, never losing sight of her passion for teaching.
Some of Superintendent Bagula’s accomplishments since she began leading the District have included:
- Forming Partnerships with Institutions of Higher Learning: Established a partnership with CSU San Marcos to provide students a direct bridge to a university.
- Implementing Data Dashboard Student Learning: Created dashboard for educators to track student achievement progress in literacy, math and college and career readiness.
- New Math Curriculum Adoption: Secured Board of Education approval for a new Districtwide Kindergarten through 8th grade math curriculum.
- Newcomer Welcome Centers: 656 students and adults were provided with services at five newly opened Newcomer Welcome Centers during the 2024-25 School Year.
- Opening New Student Wellness Centers:Expanded from three to 12 student wellness centers to offer self-regulation support, tailored Care navigation, along with peer engagement and programming.
- Improved Relationship Building with Parents and Families: Working with the PTA to develop a framework for their involvement and participation in the critical work District does.
- Fighting for San Diego Unified’s Fair Share in Washington, D.C. & Sacramento: Lobbied elected leaders at least a half of dozen times on different occasions to ensure the District received proper funding support for special education funding, transitional kindergarten, etc.
As the permanent Superintendent, she will also be focused on:
- Fiscal Responsibility
- Centering students and classrooms in the decisions we make about limited resources
- Aggressively advocating for all the funds we know our students need and deserve
- Implementing new ways of doing the work that enhances student learning and well-being, and improves organizational efficiency
- Growing philanthropic partnerships and actively pursue grants to sustain the programs that we know are making a difference
- Continuous Academic Achievement for Students
- Launch of new Attendance Module
- Launch of newCollege & Career Readiness dashboard for students and families
- Community Building (Inside and Outside of San Diego Unified)
- Strengthening relationships and collaboration with our Spanish-speaking community
- Launch of Collaborative Impact Teams to better support schools and leaders
“Fabi has been building for decades to this moment. She has the character that is appropriate for this work,” said Cody Petterson, President, Board of Education for San Diego Unified School District. She is kind, compassionate, curious, and has conviction. She has the wisdom. She has done decades long work that is the real baseline for leadership.”
Superintendent Bagula in September 2024 was elevated from Deputy Superintendent to Interim Superintendent after her predecessor was relieved of his duties after allegations of misconduct. The Board of Education at the time made it clear that it was confident in Dr. Bagula’s leadership and she had the experience and skills to lead San Diego Diego Unified School District. Today’s permanent appointment validates the Board of Education’s initial decision.
Richard Barrera, the Vice President of the Board of Education for San Diego Unified School District said, “I have known and worked closely with Dr. Bagula for nearly seventeen years, when she was the principal at Balboa Elementary school. What struck me then about her leadership - high expectations for every student, an environment where teachers and staff looked forward to coming to work every day because they were empowered to make a difference - is what I recognize now in the way Fabi leads the entire district. Nobody has ever started in the role of permanent superintendent in our district with more qualifications than Dr. Bagula - teacher, principal, area superintendent, a leader at the County Office of Education, deputy superintendent and interim superintendent. And Dr. Bagula brings to the job an additional, and historic qualification. She has lived the experience of the majority of our students - first generation American, Border Citizen, English Learner, the daughter of hardworking parents determined to create a brighter future for their children. Our parents can trust that Fabi loves and cares about their children as if they were her own. Our educators can have confidence that Fabi is one of them, and deeply respects their work. And our students can see themselves in Fabi, and recognize the leaders they will become.”
Superintendent Bagula previously was adjunct faculty for the Graduate Program in Educational Leadership and Emancipatory School Leadership at California State University San Jose, the School of Leadership and Educational Sciences (SOLES) at the University of San Diego (USD), and RISE San Diego, an organization that teaches adaptive leadership and equity-action research to aspiring leaders in the community. Dr. Bagula was faculty for school administrator credential programs for both San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) and USD- teaching classes for future principals such as Finance, Budgets and Taxpayer Stewardship, Ethical Decision Making, Family and Community Engagement and Evaluation and Assessment.
Her work at SDCOE allowed her to coach county superintendents and their cabinets on leadership, education, equity, and group dynamics. She worked closely with the following districts and superintendents: Poway, Encinitas, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Ramona, Coronado, Lakeside. Superintendent Bagula also previously led learning for Superintendents across the state of California. She holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego.
“The time and the season is for a Latina, and not just anyone. It is Dr. Fabiola Bagula’s turn and we are with you. She has done a wonderful job moving the district forward. She is the one we want to work with to move this district forward,” said Trustee Sharon Whitehurst-Payne, Board of Education for San Diego Unified School District.
“It is with deep gratitude and great optimism that I support the appointment of Dr. Fabiola Bagula as Superintendent. Dr. Bagula stepped into this role during a time of uncertainty and brought not just stability, but renewed purpose. She leads with heart, humility, and a deep commitment to conscious accountability and student success. As our district’s first Latina superintendent, she brings a powerful and important perspective that reflects and honors the students and families we serve. I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure every child in San Diego Unified reaches their full potential,” said Trustee Shana Hazan, Board of Education for San Diego Unified School District.
“Dr. Bagula came into her role during a turbulent time and has consistently demonstrated strong and steady leadership. She has worked tirelessly with board members and staff to balance the budget despite significant funding shortages,” said Trustee Sabrina Bazzo, Board of Education for San Diego Unified School District.
“Your unwavering passion and devotion is truly one of a kind,” said Student Trustee Quinton Baldis, Board of Education for San Diego Unified School District.
“Dr. Bagula has done such an excellent job at empowering student voices. Working with her as a student leader has been nothing short of incredible and I have great confidence that she will bring great improvements to our district,” said Student Trustee Joseph Cruz Board of Education for San Diego Unified School District.
What Others Are Saying:
“Congratulations to Dr. Bagula on her appointment to lead San Diego Unified School District—California’s second-largest school district,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with her over the years and know firsthand her deep commitment to students, families, and educators. With Dr. Bagula at the helm, San Diego Unified has a superintendent who will work tirelessly to help young San Diegans succeed—and the City has a true partner who is committed to improving our communities.”
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