By SDCN Editor
San Diego, CA–The Board of Education named Fabiola Bagula, Ph.D., as Interim Superintendent, marking the first time a Latina has been at the helm of California’s second-largest school district.
Dr. Bagula brings state, county, and community experiences to lead the San Diego Unified School District. She previously served as Adjunct Faculty for San Jose State University and as a Senior Director of Equity and Executive Leadership Coach for the San Diego County Office of Education. As Executive Leadership Coach, Dr. Bagula worked with Superintendents and their Cabinets across California, helping them design teams for student success. Dr. Bagula, whose son attended a District school, has served as a teacher, principal, Area Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, and most recently, Acting Superintendent.
“It is an honor to serve as Interim Superintendent for this District that I love so much. At the core of who I am, and who I will be as Interim Superintendent, is accountability. There is too much at stake for our students and their families, and the communities we serve. Whether we are talking about student outcomes, our budget, or the culture of our school community, we need to be accountable,” Dr. Bagula said. “For example, we need data that is available within three clicks so that our educators and leaders can take action to improve student outcomes. Or a financial audit to ensure that we are maximizing and effectively spending taxpayer dollars.”
Board President Shana Hazan said the District will benefit from Dr. Bagula’s leadership and education experience.
“Dr. Bagula understands the vision and values of our community and is uniquely positioned to move the district forward as Interim Superintendent. She is a compassionate and outcome-oriented leader who brings the stability our students and staff need as we navigate this period of transition,” Hazan said. “Not only is Dr. Bagula an accomplished and award-winning educator, she is also an incredible role model for our students and educators.”
A first-generation college graduate raised on both sides of the border by a single immigrant mother, Dr. Bagula is a graduate of UC San Diego and the University of San Diego, where she earned her Ph.D. in leadership studies.
Dr. Bagula has been instrumental in the design of several District initiatives, including an agreement with Cal State San Marcos that offers eligible graduates of every district high school guaranteed admission to CSUSM; professional development opportunities to support educators and school administrators, such as adding a Middle School Area Superintendent; establishing the Office of Meaningful Graduation, the Equity Department, and the Data Insights and Systems Support Department; and district goals that help focus all work around student outcomes.
In the coming weeks, the Interim Superintendent will visit schools throughout the district to engage with students, staff, and families. Dr. Bagula is working with the District’s Office of Investigations, Compliance, and Accountability to ensure that all students, staff, and families have a safe and inclusive environment.
Dr. Bagula had been serving as Acting Superintendent since August 30, when the Board terminated its contract with former Superintendent Dr. Lamont Jackson.
San Diego Unified serves a diverse student population representing more than 163 countries, and 60 languages and dialects.
