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California
2nd September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

California schools: a funding paradox

California's public education system is facing significant challenges, with 5.7m students showing poor academic outcomes in reading and math. Despite increased funding, including a $151bn budget for 2026-27, achievement gaps persist, particularly among Black and Latino students. Dan Walters, a CalMatters columnist, noted that "California's poor record on academic achievement in its public schools should be treated as an emergency." The governance structure complicates accountability, as multiple officials share responsibility, leading to finger-pointing when issues arise. Recent legislative efforts to enhance accountability have stalled, with three out of four proposed bills failing to pass the state Senate. The ongoing financial strain on local school systems raises concerns about the sustainability of funding amid multibillion-dollar deficits.

DIGITAL CURRICULUM

Choose the Right Digital Curriculum

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STATE NEWS

Top high schools in California revealed

Stacker has compiled a list of the best high schools in California, utilizing data from Niche, which considers seven weighted factors for its rankings. These factors include academics, culture and diversity, sports, clubs and activities, resources, and surveys from parents, teachers, and students. The top-ranked school is The College Preparatory School in Oakland, with an enrollment of 374 and a Niche grade of A+. "A majority of the score is based on academics," the report noted, highlighting the importance of educational quality in these rankings.

NATIONAL NEWS

Trump's lawsuit targets Kansas City schools

The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against Kansas City schools, claiming they are facilitating gender transitions for students without parental consent. The U.S. Department of Justice argues that the school district's policy violates federal laws that protect parents' access to their children's records. Harmeet Dhillon, head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, said, "The department will not tolerate school districts playing fast and loose with federal law in the service of radical gender ideology." This lawsuit marks the first time the Justice Department has accused schools of aiding transitions without parental involvement, amidst ongoing threats of federal funding cuts for non-compliance with transgender policies.

GOVERNANCE

New leadership at Sacramento County Office of Education

Jacqueline White has been appointed as the new superintendent of the Sacramento County Office of Education, succeeding David Gordon, who will serve as a special adviser until his retirement in June 2024. On her first day, White emphasized that Sacramento City USD (SCUSD) cannot simply rely on short-term cash solutions to address its $222m structural deficit. “The bottom line is that SCUSD's immediate cash problem must be addressed, but getting through the next several months is not enough,” White said. She aims to assist SCUSD in restoring financial health while ensuring the protection of students and educational programs. White brings over 20 years of experience in education, having previously served as an assistant superintendent at the county office.

DISTRICTS

Trees face removal amid soil crisis

Pasadena USD (PUSD) has announced the removal of six protected trees at Longfellow Elementary School to address contaminated soil, igniting protests from local advocates. "If there were a safe and workable alternative that allowed us to preserve these trees... we would take it," PUSD stated, explaining that previous remediation attempts, including air knifing, were unsuccessful. Jessica Richards, a local tree advocate, expressed disappointment, saying, "to hear last night that it failed on all trees is heartbreaking." The district's decision follows a letter from the Department of Toxic Substances Control, which indicated that significant contamination remained in the trees' root zones. Longfellow is currently closed for construction, with students relocated to Allendale campus. Over the summer, PUSD removed more than 100 trees as part of ongoing soil remediation efforts.

Redrawing school boundaries: a fresh start

The Woodland School District is set to redraw boundaries for its elementary, middle, and high schools for the first time in over 25 years to address enrollment disparities. Rob Murray, a demographic consultant for Woodland Joint Unified, stated: "The changes are prompted by uneven growth around the city and a downward trend in enrollment." The district has proposed three options, with a decision expected during the school board meeting on September 10. The new boundaries aim to alleviate overcrowding at Douglass Middle School and Pioneer High School, which currently exceed capacity, while shifting students to Lee Middle School and Woodland High School, which are underutilized. The changes will take effect in the 2027-28 school year, impacting only new enrollees and seventh graders. Current students will have the option to remain at their existing schools.

Grant Union High earns historic honor

Grant Union High School, established in 1932, has received a historic landmark designation, affirming its significance in Del Paso Heights and Sacramento. Kelvin Lee, president of the Grant Union High School Alumni Association, expressed pride in the recognition, stating: “It anchors our high school buildings in the community as a representative of an important element in the cultural history of our community.” The school has produced notable alumni, including Grantland Johnson, a former Sacramento City Council member, and Leron Lee, a pioneering figure in Japanese professional baseball. Currently, it serves about 2,100 students, with a graduation rate exceeding 90%. Lee emphasized the school's role, saying: “It is the axle upon which the feel of our community puts almost all of our accent.”

TECHNOLOGY

Schools scramble to set AI rules as Google opens Gemini to all K-12 students

Google has expanded access to its Gemini AI chatbot through Google Classroom to K-12 students of all ages in districts that had already enabled Gemini, prompting concerns about whether schools had sufficient time to assess, monitor, and establish appropriate rules for its use. Gemini can help students create flashcards, quizzes, and study guides, assist with math and writing assignments, and generate images, but educators and experts have raised questions about age-appropriate use, student safety, AI literacy, and teacher preparedness. Google says districts can disable Gemini at any time and that the tool includes educational and safety measures, while some school leaders are holding back access until staff receive appropriate training. The rollout comes as schools increasingly develop AI policies and grapple with how to integrate rapidly evolving technology without undermining student learning or teachers’ professional judgment.

Unlocking the power of AI in education

In a recent reflection, an educator shared their transformative experience with GenerationAI, an AI-driven program aimed at enhancing teaching practices. Initially skeptical about AI's role in education, the educator discovered that "AI didn’t diminish my role; it amplified it." Through the program, they learned to leverage AI tools to improve writing skills among English learners, ultimately viewing AI as a collaborator rather than a replacement. The educator emphasized the importance of experimentation in teaching, stating, "We don’t need educators who know every tool. We need educators who are willing to ask better questions." This journey highlights the potential of AI to support authentic teaching while addressing the equity gap in education.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Gun shop restrictions gain momentum

The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to implement a 45-day moratorium on new gun shop approvals, responding to concerns about Goodland Guns relocating near schools. Supervisors Laura Capps and Joan Hartmann proposed new regulations to establish a 1,000-foot buffer around preschools, K-12 schools, and other child-centric locations. “It’s about acting now before we find ourselves asking why we didn’t,” Capps said. The proposed ordinance will also require firearms retailers to obtain a conditional use permit, allowing public input on new stores. While some board members supported the measures, Board Chair Bob Nelson expressed his belief that having a gun shop nearby would not pose a danger, stating: “I for one would… have no problem having my kids go to a preschool next to a gun store.” The board plans to revisit the proposed ordinance in March.

Cat in the Hat trend sparks school lockdowns

The viral trend involving AI-generated images of the Cat from the "Cat in the Hat" has raised significant safety concerns, prompting school districts nationwide to enhance security or cancel classes. The Louisville Metro Police Department stated: "While there is currently no information indicating a credible threat associated with these posts, we take all reports involving school safety seriously." The trend, which began as a prank, has led to arrests, including a Florida teen linked to threats against McCracken County High School. Authorities are actively investigating the origins of these posts, which have spread across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, causing anxiety among students and parents alike.

INTERNATIONAL

Former U.S. teacher urges revival of China-U.S. education exchanges

Retired U.S. educator Ronald Sakolsky has called for renewed, adequately funded teacher exchange programs between China and the United States, arguing that education and sustained people-to-people engagement can help rebuild relations between the two countries. Sakolsky participated in the U.S.-China Teachers Exchange Program, which ran from 1996 to 2014 and sent 116 American teachers to China and 332 Chinese teachers to the United States. He said governments should take the initiative in restoring exchanges, while ordinary citizens must maintain relationships and promote greater understanding by considering perspectives from both countries.
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