San Diego Unified School District has appointed Nicole DeWitt as the Interim Deputy Superintendent, a move confirmed at last night's Board of Education meeting. According to the district's announcement, this appointment builds upon her two-decade journey through various educational roles and leadership positions.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Fabi Bagula recommended DeWitt, and in a testament to DeWitt's track record, Bagula highlighted her success in improving outcomes for underrepresented students. Having joined the district in 2017, DeWitt went from being a principal at Scripps Ranch High School to a pivotal figure in the administration overseeing San Diego Unified's Thriving School Communities program, and Bagula praised her focus on supporting the wellness needs of the students, stating, via San Diego Unified "She is a qualified, dedicated and compassionate educator. Nicole has earned the respect of her peers, and over the last two decades has demonstrated the leadership qualities that will help us uphold our commitment to educational excellence," as published on the district's news center.
Under DeWitt's guidance, the district has formed partnerships with local community organizations to extend social-emotional and mental health services on school grounds for students regardless of financial means, boasting that since 2022, the initiative has touched the lives of over 8,000 students by providing them with crucial therapy and support group access, possibly easing the burdens of their young minds.
DeWitt expressed her heartfelt intent to serve via the San Diego Unified School District website, "I am deeply committed to our students and the mission of this district." With her promotion, other shifts in the district's leadership structure unfolded, paving the way for Marissa Allan to take over DeWitt's previous role. At the same time, Veronika Lopez-Mendez assumed Allan's prior position. At the same time, the district welcomed Sandra McClure as principal of Ross Elementary School and Ami Shackelford as Senior Executive Director of Finance as part of this cascade of appointments announced by the district.
