San Diego Unified Reaffirms Commitment to Community Schools, Announces Next Cohort Ahead of 2025-26 School Year

10 Additional Schools Joining District's Community Schools Program, Bringing Total to 35

SAN DIEGO (APRIL 24, 2025) - San Diego Unified's Community Schools program continues its expansion with the addition of 10 schools set to launch for the 2025-26 school year.

Community Schools are existing public schools that organize school and community resources around holistic student success. While each Community School is different based on the unique needs and input of its students, families, and surrounding neighborhoods, examples of current services and supports the District has provided to various existing Community Schools include:

• Additional tutoring services
• Rooms converted into wellness centers
• Food markets and pantries
• Clothing closets consisting of new and gently-used clothing
• Sports teams
• Campus meeting spaces
• Adult English classes for non-native speakers
• Dental clinic

"The wonderful thing about a Community School is that it represents what students, parents, and the larger community see as important additions," said Dr. Fabi Bagula, Superintendent (Interim), San Diego Unified School District. "Through feedback from those most closely associated with a particular school, we know Community Schools are already having a positive impact, and we're committed to sustaining and expanding that progress."

In addition to San Diego Unified Board Trustee Dr. Sharon Whitehurst-Payne, who represents Lincoln High School from District E, a parent and student from Lincoln High School were part of a group that shared their perspectives on Community Schools at a press conference held Thursday at the school.

Sophomore Makayla Day Jimenez joined the school's Community Schools Committee to be part of the collaborative process to help shape the school's future.

"I speak up about the challenges students face and help develop ideas that make Lincoln a more welcoming and supportive environment," said Day Jimenez. "Whether we're analyzing data or giving input on new initiatives, I make sure youth voices are part of the decision-making process."

Beatrice Ruttagah is a parent representative on the Committee, and works as a liaison between the school and other families.

"I facilitate open lines of communication between families and school staff, ensuring parents are informed about school initiatives, policies, and events," said Ruttagah. "This Committee has allowed students and families to access on-site services, mental health counseling, and behavioral support to address students' physical and emotional well-being workshops, seminars, and resources to help parents support their children's education and development."

The upcoming school year will include the District's fourth cohort of Community Schools since San Diego Unified began its initiative in 2022. List of 2025-26 San Diego Unified Community Schools:

• Chesterton Elementary
• Hamilton Elementary
• Kimbrough Elementary
• Marshall Elementary
• Penn Elementary
• Ross Elementary
• Rowan Elementary
• Washington Elementary
• Webster Elementary
• Whitman Elementary

Although the Community Schools model has existed for decades in some parts of the country, it was funded widescale in California three years ago through a State grant totaling more than $4 billion, with supplemental investment from individual districts. Each Community School is funded through five years, with the District providing supplemental funding.

On Tuesday, April 29, the San Diego Unified Board of Education will vote to extend the grant award dates for the latest cohort of Community Schools to June 30, 2030.

San Diego Unified's Community School strategy is based on four pillars, which include integrated student support, expanded and enriched learning time and opportunities, active family and community engagement, and collaborative leadership and practices.

"Our robust Needs and Assets Assessment process has yielded a minimum of 75% engagement rate from students, families, staff, and community partners, in all of our Community Schools," said Jason Babineau, Senior Director, Community Schools. "With the active participation of all educational partner groups, including local organizations, there's a collective understanding in the power of authentic collaboration to uplift our students, families, and school communities."

Over 23,000 students currently attend a Community School in San Diego Unified.

To learn more about San Diego Unified's Community Schools initiative, click here.

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