The San Diego Unified School District Board of Education on Wednesday unanimously approved the appointment of Fabi Bagula as superintendent.
Bagula had served as interim leader following the 2024 firing of her predecessor. Audience members broke out in applause at the board’s vote Wednesday and gave Bagula a standing ovation.
A native San Diegan, Bagula also has served as a teacher, principal, area superintendent and district deputy superintendent.
The Board of Ed has appointed Dr. Fabiola Bagula as Superintendent.She is the first Latina to serve as permanent superintendent at SD Unified, bringing deep experience, heart & a clear vision for the future.Read more: t.co/larg4g0KE0 pic.twitter.com/hfirM6Qnvn
— San Diego Unified (@sdschools) June 19, 2025Bagula said Wednesday she felt gratitude and appreciated the board and her education partners.
“I stand here before you as a first-generation college graduate, said Bagula, who earned degrees from UC San Diego and University of San Diego. “I benefited from the promise of the American dream.
“We live in a time of extraordinary promise and extraordinary responsibility,” Bagula said, adding that public education is one of the last remaining democratic spaces, where every child, regardless of background, still has the right to thrive.
“We must center equity through excellence,” she added.
Bagula cited her grandmother – who urged her to write letters to former President Reagan on vital issues – as a source of inspiration. “She taught me to stand up, to notice injustice,” Bagula said.
Bagula noted that based on national standards, SDUSD has been the highest-achieving large urban school district in two years in a row, and is also making gains in state categories.
The district’s work ahead will require courage, grace under pressure, accountability and a willingness to protect humanity, Bagula said.
“I’m devoted to this city,” she said. “I love our children, I love education.”
The district, the state’s second largest, has more than 95,000 students and 15,000 employees across more than 200 schools. It also has a budget topping $2 billion.
According to a SDUSD news release, Bagula will focus on fiscal responsibility, funding and grant advocacy, along with organizational efficiency, continuous academic achievement, including a new attendance module, and college and career readiness dashboard for students and families, and building community, including stronger relationships with Spanish-speakers and teams to better support schools and leaders.
Before voting, board members heaped praise on Bagula. “If we appoint you, then get ready for the real deal,” said Sharon Whitehurst-Payne, adding that “Fabi is our person. She knows San Diego Unified.”
Shana Hazan said she “enthusiastically” supported Bagula as the official superintendent. “Despite the unsteady terrain below your feet 10 months ago, you stepped in with courage, clarity and compassion,” Hazan told her.
Board President Cody Petterson said that normally such a full house in the board chamber means a controversial, tense meeting – but not on Wednesday.
“I’m very moved by that,” said Petterson.
He described Bagula as kind, loving, wise and compassionate, and said jokingly that Bagula “had the longest job interview (of) any human being on planet Earth.”
Quinton Baldis, a student board member, said he is excited to see what Bagula would do in the future as the district’s official leader.
During public comment, numerous speakers endorsed her. Linda LeGerrette of Cesar Chavez Service Clubs said she was impressed watching Bagula speak to over 500 people.
“We are facing some very challenging times, and what our students need is a strong leader,” LeGerrette said.
Mel Katz, a longtime civic and business leader, said he has worked with eight different superintendents over the years, yet Bagula stood out.
“No one was more ready and qualified to be the next superintendent” than she was, he said.
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