SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — Trustee Shana Hazan announced Thursday that she is the only candidate to qualify for election to the San Diego Unified School Board District B seat, marking the first time there will be no primary election for a San Diego Unified School Board seat.
Facing no opposition, there will be no primary contest, saving the district approximately $150,000 in election costs and allowing those public funds to remain available for educational priorities and student support.
“I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence that families, educators, and our broader community have placed in me,” said Trustee Hazan. “This is not only a meaningful moment for our campaign, but also a real win for the district. Approximately $150,000 in public dollars can remain focused on the needs of students, classrooms, and the families we serve every day.”
Hazan first won election to the Board in 2022. Since taking office, she has helped lead a period of significant progress for San Diego Unified, including measurable academic gains, a 200% expansion in no-cost afterschool care, enhanced mental health and wellness services, and strengthened school transparency and accountability.
“I remain committed to building on the progress we have made and to ensuring that every student has access to the support, opportunities, and high-quality education they need to reach their full potential,” Trustee Hazan added. “There is still important work ahead, and I am ready to continue leading that work on behalf of San Diego’s students and families.”
The historic outcome underscores the momentum behind Hazan’s re-election campaign as she continues to focus on academic achievement, student wellness, fiscal responsibility, and long-term success for San Diego Unified students.
Since joining the Board, Hazan has been a leading advocate for accountability, student wellness, and efforts to accelerate academic achievement and strengthen college and career readiness. Her leadership has translated into measurable academic gains, expanded support for families, and a more transparent, student-centered approach to district governance.
Hazan is seeking re-election in 2026. She was first elected to the San Diego Unified School Board in 2022 with nearly 60% of the vote. She also serves as Vice Chair of the California Children & Families Commission (First 5 California).
Her re-election campaign has earned the endorsements of the San Diego County Democratic Party and elected leaders across San Diego, including Congressmembers Sara Jacobs and Scott Peters, former Congressmembers Susan Davis and Lynn Schenk, Assemblymembers Tasha Boerner, Chris Ward, and Darshana Patel, City Attorney Heather Ferbert, Mayor Todd Gloria, City Councilmembers Raul Campillo, Kent Lee, Sean Elo-Rivera, and Marni von Wilpert, and each of her colleagues on the San Diego Unified School Board.
Hazan began her career as a public elementary school teacher in underserved communities before leading initiatives focused on student safety, fitness, hunger, and leadership across San Diego and California, including the Learning Readiness Project in Barrio Logan and the Linda Vista Kindergarten Readiness Network. She also launched the Hunger Advocacy Network, a statewide coalition that advanced anti-hunger policy through coordinated advocacy.
Hazan was appointed by former Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins to the California Children & Families Commission (First 5 California) where she serves as Vice Chair and works with state leaders to bring positive change to schools. She delivered $18 million to launch a new statewide early literacy program.
As a parent, Hazan was instrumental in improving Franklin Elementary STEAM Magnet School and has held leadership roles on the school’s Site Council, the District Advisory Council, and the Friends of Franklin Foundation. She is a past chair of the City of San Diego’s Human Relations Commission and is a board member of Impact Cubed.
Hazan managed a multi-million annual fundraising program as Chief Philanthropy Officer for Jewish Family Service of San Diego, where she oversaw development, institutional giving, and public affairs. Under her leadership, the organization raised $30 million annually to support children, families, and older adults, and secured nearly $40 million through an innovative matching endowment campaign.
Today, as President of Hazan Strategies, she partners with mission-driven organizations to turn bold ideas into action.
In 2022, Hazan was overwhelmingly elected to the San Diego Unified School Board where she is working to build fiscally stable schools and better prepare every student to achieve their dreams.
Hazan holds a Master’s in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University, and has been recognized as a “Woman of the Year” by former Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins and a San Diego Metro “40 Under 40” honoree. Hazan and her husband live in Kensington where they’re raising their two daughters.
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Preceding provided by Shana Hazan
Congratulations Shana! All my best for continued success!