San Diego Unified Pushes for More Special Education Funding

District leaders lobby Sacramento as they face a $50 million deficit and growing student needs.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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San Diego Unified School District leaders traveled to Sacramento to push state lawmakers for increased special education funding as the district faces a significant budget deficit. Special education takes up about a quarter of the district's budget, but the state only covers about 30% of those costs, leading to a roughly $50 million budget deficit for the district.

Why it matters

San Diego Unified has a large and growing special education student population, but insufficient state funding is putting a strain on the district's resources and leading to budget deficits. The district is advocating for more state support to avoid potential cuts that could impact students.

The details

Almost 25% of San Diego Unified's budget is spent on special education, but the state only covers about 30% of those costs. The district currently faces a roughly $50 million budget deficit, down from $186 million last year. District leaders say they'll have to find places to cut, but they need more support from the state to adequately fund special education. The district is also calling on the state to release more funds that are currently being held.

  • In 2026, San Diego Unified leaders traveled to Sacramento to push for increased special education funding.
  • Around this time last year, the district's budget deficit was $186 million.

The players

San Diego Unified School District

The public school district serving the city of San Diego, California.

Sabrina Bazzo

Vice president of the San Diego Unified School Board.

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What they’re saying

“We have a large special education student population, but that is continuing to grow.”

— Sabrina Bazzo, Vice president of the San Diego Unified School Board (10news.com)

“The state is only putting in about 30% right now, so much of our budget deficit is because we have shortages in the area of special education.”

— Sabrina Bazzo, Vice president of the San Diego Unified School Board (10news.com)

“If we could have Sacramento paying their fair share to help support us in our special education area, we wouldn't have an issue with the deficit at this point.”

— Sabrina Bazzo, Vice president of the San Diego Unified School Board (10news.com)

What’s next

The district is calling on the state to release more funds that are currently being held, and if they receive additional funding, they plan to focus on professional development for transitional kindergarten teachers, a support system to give students help before special education referrals, and providing students with behavioral and emotional support early on.

The takeaway

San Diego Unified's budget deficit and growing special education needs highlight the ongoing challenge of securing adequate state funding for public schools, especially in supporting students with special needs. The district's advocacy efforts aim to secure more state resources to avoid potential cuts and ensure students receive the support they require.