It’s back-to-school season for thousands of students across San Diego, and this year, the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) is ringing in the 2025–2026 school year with new policies, expanded resources, and plenty of first-day excitement.
The biggest change students will notice right away is the district’s new cell phone policy, which officially goes into effect Monday—the first day of classes. Designed to “minimize distractions, elevate academic performance, and prioritize students’ mental health and well-being,” the guidelines require that phones be turned off and out of sight during regular school hours. Students can still use them before and after school, during extracurricular activities, and—if they’re in high school—at lunch or between classes. Exceptions will be made for emergencies, teacher-approved instructional use, and students with special needs.
The policy was developed in accordance with California’s new Phone-Free School Act and shaped with input from parents, educators, and students. Enforcement will start with verbal reminders and counseling, escalating to phone confiscation for repeated violations. Chronic offenders could face restrictions from school events and activities.
While this change is getting plenty of attention, it’s just one part of SDUSD’s efforts to support student success this year. The district—California’s second largest—is also expanding its community schools program, adding 10 more campuses that serve as neighborhood hubs for academic, social, and family support. Community schools offer resources like wellness centers, food pantries, adult English classes, and specialized programs tailored to the needs of their communities.
At Lafayette Elementary in Clairemont, for example, a robust deaf and hard-of-hearing program draws students from across the district, supported by interpreters, audiologists, and speech specialists. “We’ve kind of become the hub of our little neighborhood,” said Community Schools Coordinator Tessa Wixon. “It’s about transforming the learning environment to reflect the students we serve.”
Teachers are also looking forward to a fresh start. Meera Ramanathan, SDUSD’s Elementary Teacher of the Year, says she’s ready to inspire her students through creativity, curiosity, and connection. “It gives me a lot of joy when I see students connecting those dots and feeling like, ‘Wow, now I get it!’”
With 175 schools welcoming students back, SDUSD Superintendent Dr. Fabi Bagula says her goal is to make sure every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to learn. From protecting immigrant students from ICE raids to distributing “Know Your Rights” cards and partnering with legal aid organizations, Bagula emphasized that safety and well-being are top priorities.
Whether your child is navigating the new phone rules, accessing community school resources, or simply reconnecting with friends after summer break, this school year is about creating environments where students can focus, feel supported, and thrive.
