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California
10th July 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

California schools get a power shift

California is set to undergo a significant change in its education governance, with a new law allowing the governor to appoint an education commissioner to oversee the state's education department. This shift, initiated by Governor Gavin Newsom, will diminish the powers of the elected superintendent, who will now serve as a nonpartisan member of the state board of education. Newsom stated that this move aims to “improve school support and accountability.” The change reflects a broader trend, as California joins 19 other states where governors appoint top education officials. Critics, including David Goldberg, president of the California Teachers Association, argue that this shift undermines democratic processes, stating: “When people have a right to vote on some things, you can't willy-nilly take that right away.” The new commissioner will be responsible for managing a budget of nearly $150bn for over 6m students and will need to propose recommendations for the future role of the elected superintendent by October 2027.

STATE NEWS

Shaw accuses newsom of power grab

In a recent Fox News interview, Sonja Shaw, a candidate for California's state superintendent of public instruction, accused Governor Gavin Newsom of executing the "biggest power grab" in the state's history. This accusation follows Newsom's decision to transfer oversight of the California Department of Education from the state superintendent to a governor-appointed education commissioner. Shaw criticized the move as a "backdoor deal" that voters have previously rejected. "I have not backed down from Newsom’s cabal," Shaw said, vowing to challenge the overhaul in court. As president of the Chino Valley USD board, Shaw has garnered support from conservative parents concerned about various educational issues. Current Superintendent Tony Thurmond also opposed the changes, stating: "This proposal has been created, and it has not offered a single outcome or metric for how it will improve student performance."

California boosts special education funding

Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 126, which allocates a $2.4bn increase for special education programs in California schools. During the signing event at Willett Elementary School in Davis, Newsom emphasized that these investments are crucial for improving services for students, stating: "The investments now are about to take place and shape to answer the concern that these are dollars moving forward." The funding aims to address rising special education costs that have strained districts like Sacramento City Unified, which faces a significant deficit. California Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond highlighted the importance of preparing and recruiting teachers to meet students' needs, while Assembly member Darshana Patel pointed out the necessity for local education agencies to ensure resources reach the students who require them.

GOVERNANCE

LAUSD faces severe insolvency crisis

Los Angeles USD is facing a dire financial situation, with projections indicating a $231m cash shortfall by November 2027. County education officials have appointed fiscal expert Octavio Castelo to assist the district in addressing its budget issues, giving the school board 45 days to rectify the situation or risk losing control over financial decisions. Superintendent Debra Duardo stated: “They have some serious financial concerns that they need to address.” The crisis stems from costly union contracts, stalled budget cuts, and declining enrollment, which have eroded confidence in the district's financial management. If LAUSD fails to resolve its budget issues, it may face state intervention, jeopardizing its autonomy.

Inglewood schools set for local control

Inglewood USD is set to regain local control next year, marking the end of California's longest state takeover, which began in 2012 due to financial crises. The district faced significant challenges, including layoffs and school closures, but has shown progress, with Superintendent Debra Duardo stating: “It is a huge accomplishment.” Despite improvements, critics argue that inequities persist, particularly affecting vulnerable students. Enrollment has drastically declined from nearly 18,000 in 2003-04 to under 6,000 today. The district's financial reserves are dwindling, raising concerns about sustainability. The community is eager for local governance, as many feel that state control has lasted too long, with teacher Cicely Bingener noting: “State control was top-down and unresponsive.” Overall, while achievement levels remain low, there are signs of recovery and hope for the future.

New superintendent aims for stability

Monica Thomas, the new superintendent of Santa Rosa City Schools, has begun her tenure by actively listening to parents, students, and community leaders. "There is still a huge amount of work to do to implement those reductions," she said, referring to the painful cuts made during the district's financial crisis. With over 20 years of experience in the Oakland USD, Thomas aims to ensure fiscal stability amid declining enrollment and rising costs.

NATIONAL NEWS

Court rules on religious school funding

A federal appeals court has determined that private religious schools in Maine receiving public funds must adhere to state anti-discrimination laws. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled that these schools cannot discriminate based on gender identity or sexual orientation. This decision followed challenges from Saint Dominic Academy and Bangor Christian Schools, which sought exemptions from the Maine Human Rights Act. The court upheld a lower court's ruling, stating, “Just as combatting religious discrimination qualifies as a legitimate governmental pursuit, so too combatting sexual-orientation and gender-identity discrimination rises to that level.” The ruling emphasizes that while religious schools can maintain their religious identity, they must not discriminate against students based on these criteria. The case may influence future rulings, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a related case this fall.

Education Department targets equity centers

The U.S. Department of Education has proposed eliminating the nation's Equity Assistance Centers (EACs), renewing efforts by the Trump administration to shut down the federally funded program despite previous legal challenges. The department argues that the regional structure created under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is no longer necessary and is considering transferring some services to the Department of Justice as part of a broader restructuring of civil rights enforcement. The proposal follows earlier attempts to end the program, including funding cuts and grant terminations that prompted lawsuits. Critics argue the centers remain in high demand, pointing to assistance provided to hundreds of school districts and schools, while warning the move comes as research shows racial and economic segregation in U.S. public schools has increased over recent decades. The public comment period on the proposal closes July 27.

DISTRICTS

Marysville High School fights for mascot

Marysville High School in Northern California is striving to retain its “Indian” mascot despite the California Racial Mascot Act, which prohibits derogatory terms for Indigenous Americans. Superintendent Jordan Reeves stated that the district has sought support from local tribal representatives but received a neutral response. The law allows schools to keep their mascots if they obtain written consent from a federally recognized tribe. Reeves emphasized that the district “will continue pursuing opportunities” to secure this permission. Other schools in California have already changed their mascots, with some transitioning to entirely different themes. As the football season approaches, Marysville High School faces a potential deadline to comply with the law if they cannot find support to maintain their mascot.

Glenoaks Elementary to host Armenian DLI

The Glendale USD Board of Education has unanimously approved Glenoaks Elementary School as the site for the Western Armenian Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program, set to launch in the 2027-28 school year. This decision follows extensive research and community engagement, highlighting strong local interest and the school's capacity for growth. The program aims to enhance educational opportunities while preserving Western Armenian, a language deemed endangered by UNESCO.  

ATTENDANCE

Attendance data reveals new strategies

School districts could identify students at risk of chronic absenteeism earlier by separating excused and unexcused absences rather than examining total missed days alone. An American Enterprise Institute analysis of Indiana attendance data from 2015-16 through 2023-24 found that each absence type revealed different patterns. Unexcused absences were more prevalent among historically disadvantaged students and accounted for most missed days among the 20% of students with the highest absence rates. The findings suggest unexcused absences disproportionately drive chronic absenteeism.

TECHNOLOGY

Revolutionizing education with VR

Melissa Morriss-Olson, CEO of the American University of Greece Global Campus, highlights an innovative EdTech initiative by Arizona State University (ASU) in collaboration with Dreamscape Immersive. This partnership has led to the development of avatar-based virtual reality experiences that immerse students in narrative-driven learning environments. The original concept, partly developed by Steven Spielberg, focuses on endangered animals and allows students to actively engage in problem-solving within a virtual world. Research from ASU indicates that students using Dreamscape Learn achieved higher grades and course completion rates compared to those in traditional classes. "Students become active participants in a virtual world where they investigate problems," said Morriss-Olson, emphasizing the transformative potential of this technology in education.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Snowline gets grant for electric buses

The Snowline Joint USD has received an $802,586 grant to fund two electric school buses and the necessary charging infrastructure. This funding comes from the Community Air Protection Program through the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District. The electric buses will provide operational benefits such as quieter operation, reduced maintenance, and zero emissions.  

HIGHER EDUCATION

New loan limits threaten education leaders

A recent analysis reveals that new federal borrowing limits for graduate-level education degrees will significantly impact aspiring administrators, such as principals and superintendents. Lennon Audrain, an assistant professor at Arizona State University, stated, “This has sweeping workforce implications” in education. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act imposes lower borrowing caps, which are particularly constraining for those pursuing administrative roles that typically require advanced degrees. Audrain's research indicates that while undergraduate borrowing limits may not hinder entry into teaching, the $100,000 cap for graduate loans will restrict advancement into administration. He noted, “Will we have the assistant principals and principals and superintendents that we need, or will that pool end up shrinking as a result of this?” The findings raise concerns about the future pipeline of educational leaders.
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