Student Board Member Candidate Forum, April 18, 2026

The San Diego Unified School District held a Student Board Member Candidate Forum on April 18, 2026, where candidates introduced themselves and discussed key issues affecting students, including mental health, communication, safety, sustainability, and equity in programs like GATE. The forum focused on how candidates plan to represent the diverse student body of over 100,000 students across 22 high schools and numerous educational facilities. Candidates emphasized the importance of improving communication channels between students and the district, expanding mental health resources, addressing school facility concerns such as vandalism and bathroom maintenance, and increasing access to career technical programs and college preparedness opportunities. While no direct procurement or contracting decisions were made, candidates discussed budget considerations, such as the district's $47 million deficit, in relation to funding priorities. The forum concluded with information about the upcoming student board member election process and contact details for election administrators.