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The San Diego Unified School District is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. Programs and activities shall be free from discrimination by reason of the following actual or perceived characteristics: actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnic group identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, mental or physical disability, nationality, age, creed, marital status, or on the basis of a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
“As the second-largest school district in California, San Diego Unified encompasses a wide variety of communities comprised of incredible teachers, staff, families, and of course – students. Our day-to-day mission is to ensure all students’ voices are heard AND listened to, no matter their geographical and/or sociocultural circumstances. This website includes information about internships, public forums, and other amazing opportunities to engage and inspire us, the students. We’re thrilled to see how you get involved!”
- Joseph Cruz and Quinton Baldis
Student Board Member Joseph Cruz was sworn into office on June 25, 2024, after being one of the top two vote earners in a May 2024 election wherre more than 3,000 San Diego Unified students cast their ballots.
Joseph Cruz, a senior at Morse High School, is a motivated, eager, and charismatic leader. Driven by a desire to bring positive change to his community and country, he ran for the position of Student Board Member as the sole candidate from Southeast San Diego.
Having been a student of San Diego Unified since kindergarten—first attending Bethune K-8 and then Morse—he understands the critical importance of fostering a strong bond between students and schools. He wishes to strengthen this bond by advocating for ALL students to ensure that his actions on the board can better the lives of every student in some way, shape, or form.
Fueled by an unwavering passion for public service and law, Joseph engages in a wide range of activities at Morse. He has served two terms on his School Site Council, started a Mock Trial Team, and is the president of the Model United Nations Club. Additionally, he is heavily involved in the JROTC program at his school, where he has participated in and secured multiple placements in regulatory, ceremonial, and fancy drill competitions. He currently serves as the Battalion Executive Officer and Commander of the Color Guard, Honor Guard, 50 States, honing his leadership skills with each passing day.
Joseph lives by the philosophy that “Leaders aren’t born; they’re made.” Inspired by his leaders of the past and present, he aims to continue the cycle of student leaders motivating and fostering their peers into seeking the mantle of leadership so they may one day lead lives of selfless service to others.
On the board, Joseph Cruz aims to bridge the gap for underprivileged communities, ensuring that all students across the district have equitable access to resources and opportunities to further their prosperity and success.
Student Board Member Quinton Baldis was sworn into office on June 25, 2024, after being one of the top two vote earners in a May 2024 election where more than 3,000 San Diego Unified students cast their ballots.
Quinton Baldis is a newly elected student representative on the San Diego Unified School Board. A San Diego native, Quinton attended Jerabek Elementary, Marshall Middle School, and is currently a senior at Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS). He has a deep passion for civics and the law, having been a dedicated member of the SRHS mock trial team for three years and serving as co-president for two of those years. His commitment and skill in mock trial earned him the title of "Best Prosecuting Attorney" during the 2024 San Diego County Mock Trial Competition. This summer, he will be interning at the City Attorney's office, where he looks forward to gaining practical experience in the legal field.
Quinton has played soccer for as long as he can remember and competes on the SRHS varsity soccer team. His athletic interests also extend to beach volleyball and track & field. In addition to his school and athletic commitments, Quinton co-founded Equal Kicks, an organization that unites soccer enthusiasts and runs an equipment and funding drive for under-resourced children. His dedication to this cause underscores his belief in ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to pursue their dreams, both inside and outside the classroom.
As a peer mentor at his high school, Quinton enjoys connecting with and supporting younger students, helping them navigate their academic and personal challenges. Quinton is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive school environment, offering guidance and encouragement to his mentees. Additionally, he has engaged with the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) and participated in business leadership programs, further developing his leadership skills and broadening his understanding of community service and professional development.
Quinton is the middle of three brothers; one is a sophomore at SRHS and the other is studying at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. In his free time, Quinton enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out, surfing, reading, and engaging in anything and everything mock trial-related.
On the school board, Quinton is excited to represent his peers and is committed to building a strong community of students across the district. He values hearing other students' stories and experiences and aims to ensure that every student feels supported and empowered to achieve their goals.
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