The Recent Turmoil at San Diego Unified: A Closer Look
Over the past six days, San Diego Unified has been embroiled in controversy following the sudden firing of Superintendent Lamont Jackson due to substantiated allegations of sexual harassment. In a surprising move, Deputy Superintendent Fabiola Bagula was promoted to acting superintendent in his place.
The board’s decision to potentially make Bagula the permanent superintendent has raised some eyebrows. If she secures the position, it would mark the district’s third consecutive homegrown superintendent. Board member Richard Barrera confirmed that Bagula is expected to be appointed as the interim superintendent at the upcoming meeting on September 10.
A Closer Look from a District Employee’s Perspective
While the board seems to have confidence in Bagula’s abilities, not all district employees share the same sentiment. Following a meeting with staff members, one employee, speaking anonymously, expressed concerns about the lack of clear communication and empowerment from district leadership.
A Word from a District Parent
Parent Bernard Mauricia, in an email to the board, criticized their handling of the crisis and the decision to fire Jackson without cause, allowing him to receive a significant payout. Mauricia also linked the recent events to a troubling report from the U.S. Department of Education regarding the district’s handling of sexual misconduct allegations, highlighting a perceived failure in leadership.
Although some board members acknowledge ongoing challenges within the district, they refute claims of a deeper cultural issue, pointing to improvements made since the federal investigation.
Mauricia’s concerns echo those of many deeply troubled parents, questioning the district’s values of transparency and accountability. He posed three challenging questions for the board to address regarding the superintendent’s misconduct, systemic issues, and child safety.
Looking Ahead
In other news, San Diego City College recently introduced its first bachelor’s program after a lengthy battle. The district now looks to implement a new bachelor’s degree, facing resistance from state regulations and public universities.
