San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) is asking Subdistrict D families to help shape who will fill the school board seat being vacated by Richard Barrera.
Barrera, who represented Subdistrict D for 18 years, won the Nov. 3 election for California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, according to the district's board vacancy page. The Board of Education is now preparing to appoint his replacement and wants community members to weigh in before a decision is made.
The district is collecting feedback through an online survey and a town hall meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Hoover High School Library. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the town hall begins at 6 p.m. A livestream will be available for those who cannot attend in person. Interpretation services in Spanish, Filipino, Somali, Vietnamese and American Sign Language will be provided, along with childcare.
The Board plans to formally declare the vacancy at an open meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 17. The candidate application period runs Nov. 18 through Dec. 11, and the district will collect community feedback through Dec. 18. All dates are subject to change, according to the district.
After a winter break, the Board plans to hold special meeting(s) on Jan. 6 and/or Jan. 7, 2027, to review applications, interview candidates and select a replacement. A swearing-in is proposed for Jan. 26, 2027.
Superintendent Fabi Bagula said in a news release that the Board would seek to appoint someone from Subdistrict D "who understands the unique needs, strengths, and diversity of the community," as Fox 5 San Diego reported.
Board Vice President Sabrina Bazzo said the process aims to let residents share what they want in a trustee before the Board decides. Fox 5 also reported that Director of Board Services Marty Stultz told the Board a special election would have cost the district $250,000.
The district's vacancy page asks residents: "What should the next trustee understand about your community? What experience, perspectives and leadership qualities would help that person advocate effectively for students?"
Residents who want to submit feedback online can find the survey on the district's vacancy page. Those interested in serving as trustee can watch for application materials, which the district says will be posted when available during the Nov. 18–Dec. 11 application window.
