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California
30th June 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

California education overhaul gains momentum

California's education system is on the brink of significant change as lawmakers advanced legislation to transition the role of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction into the executive branch. Sponsored by Democrats David Alvarez and Darshana Patel, the bill proposes the creation of a new director of education who will report directly to Governor Gavin Newsom starting in 2027. Alvarez emphasized the need for reform, stating: “For nearly a century, reports have called for fixing California's fragmented and inefficient governance system.” The bill also expands the state Board of Education from 11 to 13 members. Despite opposition from education unions, the legislation received strong support from Democrats, with only a few Republicans voting against it. Superintendent Tony Thurmond, who has expressed disagreement with the governor's plan, did not comment following the vote. The bill now awaits Newsom's approval.

GOVERNANCE

LAUSD faces turmoil after Carvalho's exit

With the resignation of Los Angeles USD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho amid an FBI investigation, Andrés Chait has been appointed as his successor. Parents and taxpayers hope Chait will prioritize students over unions and address the district's declining enrollment and financial issues. LAUSD spends over $30,000 per student and plans to allocate more than $20bn in 2027, which includes laying off 1,000 staff members. However, nearly half of the district's 4th graders are reading below the basic level. Research from the Reason Foundation highlights that LAUSD's spending has drifted from its core mission, with enrollment dropping by 34.7% from 2013 to 2023, while compensation for non-teaching staff surged. Maria D. Fitzpatrick, a professor at Cornell University, noted: “Instead of viewing schools as places focused on reading, writing, math, and other academic subjects, these models also prioritize children's physical, mental, and emotional health.” To improve outcomes, LAUSD must focus on hiring effective teachers and reducing non-teaching staff.

STATE NEWS

California's education crisis revealed

According to a new report by WalletHub, more than half of the nation's 10 least educated cities are located in California. The report ranks the 150 largest metropolitan areas based on education levels, school quality, and educational attainment. Notably, Visalia ranked last nationwide with a score of 12.32 out of 100, followed by Bakersfield and Modesto. WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said: “Higher education doesn't guarantee better financial opportunities in the future, but it certainly correlates with it.” The findings highlight the need for improved educational equality, particularly concerning race and gender. California and Texas dominate the list of least educated metro areas, with six California cities making the top ten.

WORKFORCE

Teachers rally for better contracts

On the first day of mediation between the Pajaro Valley USD and the Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers, a large crowd gathered outside Rio Del Mar Elementary School to support the union's efforts for a new labor contract. The union has been negotiating since November 2025, advocating for smaller class sizes, higher wages, and better support for special education teachers. Emily Halbig, a member of the negotiations team, expressed optimism, stating: “There are more people here than RSVP'd.” The district has declared an impasse, and over 90% of union members are prepared to strike if negotiations fail. District spokesperson Alejandro Chavez emphasized the district's commitment to bargaining in good faith. Mediation will continue, with the possibility of moving to fact-finding if no agreement is reached.

Salary boost for educators approved

The Newman-Crows Landing USD Board of Trustees approved a 12% salary increase for five groups, including Superintendent Justin Pruett and various staff associations. Despite facing a projected $2.6m deficit in the 2026-27 budget, Pruett expressed optimism about future revenue, citing Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget revision. The revised state budget allocates $127.1bn for TK-12 and community colleges, with significant funding for special education and cost-of-living adjustments. Pruett's salary will rise from $214,262 to a potential $256,994, while teachers' salaries will also increase based on experience and education. “We want to make sure we stay competitive and be able to hire quality staff in all areas,” Pruett said.

LEGAL

LAUSD faces lawsuit over teacher misconduct

In a recent lawsuit, a woman identified as Jane Doe claims the Los Angeles USD failed to protect her from sexual abuse by a biology teacher, Salvador Cano, at Esteban Torres High School over a decade ago. Doe, now 27, alleges multiple offenses, including sexual assault and negligent hiring. Christopher Fore, an expert in educational policies, stated, "The documents and testimony that I have reviewed in this case reflect that LAUSD and its employees did not meet the standard of care for school districts." He emphasized that the signs of Cano's inappropriate behavior were "open and obvious" and should have been noticed by LAUSD staff. Despite the allegations, LAUSD's attorneys argue that Doe lacks evidence to support her claims, noting that she did not report the abuse until 2018, nearly three years after graduating. Cano has since pleaded no contest to felony charges and received a two-year prison sentence.

DISTRICTS

Soccer watch party brings joy

Earlier this month, the San José USD hosted a Summer Soccer and Student Connection Event at The Plex, aiming to foster connections among students before upcoming school consolidations. “It's not only about the soccer game for us,” said Dámaris Cuffy, senior program analyst for San José Unified. The event featured soccer clinics, cultural performances, and a viewing of the Mexico vs. South Africa FIFA World Cup match, attracting around 900 students. Organizers, including Maria Cortes from the YMCA, designed activities to help students meet future classmates amid uncertainties about school closures. “There's a lot of uncertainty for the students who are going to the new school,” Cortes noted.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Empowering boys through vulnerability

At Oakland Unity Middle School, a unique program is fostering emotional growth among boys. During morning advisory sessions, students share personal stories, creating a supportive environment. "Growth happens through risk," said Austin Razavi, a humanities teacher and assistant principal. The Ever Forward program, founded by Ashanti Branch, aims to normalize male vulnerability and has reached over 30,000 educators since 2021. Experts like Ioakim Boutakidis emphasize the importance of belonging, especially for boys who often feel disconnected in academic settings. "Something happens over time so by the time they get to high school, boys don't feel like they belong in academic settings," Boutakidis noted. The program has shown promising results, with every participating student graduating high school and 93% transitioning to further education or training.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Ivy League gender gap exposed

Ivy League colleges are promoting fewer women to the rank of professor compared to state schools, according to data from Gender Fair. Despite their combined endowment exceeding $200 bn, these prestigious institutions have a lower percentage of tenured women professors than the national average of 32%. "Personally, I was shocked by the data," said Amy Willard-Cross, Chief Executive of Gender Fair. At Harvard, only 29.6% of full professors are women, with Yale and Princeton at 30.3% and 27.5%, respectively. In contrast, state systems like the City University of New York (CUNY) show higher rates, with 55.6% of full professors at Hostos Community College being women. CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez emphasized the importance of commitment to achieving gender balance, stating, "At CUNY, diversity isn't just a goal; it's our reality." Willard-Cross hopes the findings will prompt prospective students and alumni to demand better from these institutions.

INTERNATIONAL

China expands AI education

China has unveiled a five-year plan to integrate artificial intelligence education across every stage of its school system, reinforcing President Xi Jinping's strategy to strengthen the country's leadership in advanced technologies. Under the new blueprint, AI will become a core competency for students, with schools expected to improve AI literacy and equip learners with the skills to identify and solve problems using the technology. Regional governments have been instructed to implement the policy nationwide. The initiative forms part of Beijing's broader effort to develop domestic technology champions and reduce reliance on foreign technology amid tighter Western export controls. At the same time, policymakers are seeking to balance greater AI adoption with employment stability, particularly as youth unemployment remains elevated. 

AND FINALLY......

Artist of the year

Merry Miller-Gass has been honored as the 2026 Tulare County Artist of the Year by the Arts Consortium, the county's designated arts council. Along with this prestigious title, she will showcase her work at the Peter N. Carey Gallery and participate in the Taste the Arts Festival. Miller-Gass, a children's book illustrator and art teacher, expressed her artistic philosophy, saying: “My art is inspired by the things that connect us and the things that bring us joy.” After a diverse career path, she returned to art, influenced by her children's bedtime stories. Currently, she teaches art at various local organizations and manages the MyVoice Media Center program, which combines mental wellness and art. Her recent projects include illustrations for "Rover Rolled Over" and upcoming books like "Duck, Duck, Groove" and "No Love Potion.
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