San Diego Unified School District students outperformed their peers nationwide and in California in math and reading last year, according to the results of a federal test known as the nation's report card released Wednesday.

Why it matters: Local fourth and eighth graders didn't see much improvement, but their standardized test scores didn't continue to tumble like in other districts.

The big picture: Students across the country had record-low reading comprehension scores last year in a learning loss trend amplified by the pandemic, Axios' April Rubin reports.

• The gaps between high- and low-achieving students also widened.
• Fourth grade math was the only area that saw slight growth.

Zoom in: San Diego Unified continues to be a top-performing large urban school district in the U.S., and most of its 2024 scores were not significantly different from 2019.

• The average reading and math scores rose slightly from 2022 to 2024, except for eighth grade reading, which dropped one point.
• One big improvement was in fourth grade math, where scores have almost returned to pre-pandemic levels after a drastic drop.
• Eighth grade math scores rose slightly, but stayed significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels.

Between the lines: In both reading and math for fourth and eighth grade, economically disadvantaged students on average scored far lower than their peers who weren't low income.

What they're saying: "I couldn't be prouder of progress we have made as a team, but there is more work to be done," interim superintendent Fabi Bagula said in a statement.

State of play: Overall, California fourth graders and eighth graders scored lower than the national average in math, while their reading scores were on par.

• There weren't major changes from 2022 in either subject for either grade.

The intrigue

Two influential labor groups this week backed Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre's special election bid for the County Board of Supervisors.

Why it matters: The decisions — along with a construction union's decision last week to back San Diego Councilmember Vivian Moreno — set the stage for a bruising contest on the left ahead of the April primary.

State of play: Wednesday night, the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council, a collective of regional unions, endorsed Aguirre, a day after SEIU Local 221, which represents 10,000 county workers, did the same.

What they're saying: Brigette Browning, leader of the Labor Council, recalled asking elected officials to write to the Port of San Diego in support of a push to retain workers during the pandemic — Aguirre instead showed up in person.

• "She goes the extra mile to support workers in a way that is not common among electeds," Browning said. "She had done that for so many unions, that we felt we should stand with her."

Last week, Moreno secured the backing of the well-heeled LiUNA Local 89, a construction workers' union that cited her support for pro-housing policy as key to its decision.

• Chula Vista Councilmember Carolina Chavez, a Democrat, is also running, as is Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, the lone Republican.

Between the lines: Disagreements among labor groups are not uncommon, particularly during primaries in which multiple Democrats face off before a presumed runoff against a Republican.

How it works: The top two vote-getters will advance to a July runoff, unless one candidate surpasses 50% support.

The bottom line: "Turnout is going to be very low. It's the most dense supervisorial district among union members — we intend to have a communication program to make sure they vote for Paloma," Browning said.

What's next

🏗️ San Diego officials are aiming to repeal a policy allowing at least four homes on any single-family lot, which had been praised by pro-housing groups. (KPBS)

🧘 A yoga instructor is suing the city over citations for streaming classes, in a continuation of a dispute over a ban of donation-based classes in city parks. (CBS 8)

🍴 Up to seven restaurants could fill a new food hall in downtown La Jolla in 2026. (Union-Tribune)

More than 70 San Diego museums are offering 50% admission throughout February, as Museum Month 2025 kicks off Saturday.

How it works: Pick up a free printed Museum Month pass at one of more than 80 public libraries, or download the pass to your phone.

• 17 Balboa Park locations, nine in and around downtown, 12 North County spots and six destinations in Tijuana are among the participants.

Zoom in: Check out these spots across the county — and the border.

⚓️ Maritime and USS Midway museums on the waterfront

🛝 The New Children's Museum downtown

🏄🏼‍♀️ California Surf Museum in Oceanside

🪷 Botanic Garden in Encinitas

🦖 Museum of Natural History in Balboa Park

🐠 Birch Aquarium in La Jolla

🎨 CECUT - Tijuana Cultural Center and El Cubo

Tell a friend

👏🏼 Congrats to Maya R. for recognizing the visitors center at Mission Trails Regional Park – one of the largest urban parks in the country.

Zoom in: The park, about 10 miles from downtown, has about 60 miles of hiking trails, boating and fishing at Murray Reservoir and acres of protected habitats.

• Trekking up Cowles Mountain will take you to the highest point in San Diego.

Driving the news: The city announced this week it's adding 15 acres of land to the park, expanding the Multiple Species Conservation Program to help protect endangered wildlife.