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California
15th September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Superintendent turnover starts to stabilize

U.S. school districts are seeing superintendent turnover fall toward pre-pandemic levels, while research suggests that leadership stability is associated with stronger student outcomes. An ILO Group analysis of the 500 largest districts found turnover fell to 17%, from 20% to 23% over the previous five years, with only 78 districts maintaining consistent leadership since the pandemic. Students in districts without leadership changes between 2019 and 2025 recorded at least one additional month of learning in reading and math, while separate research found that repeated turnover in high-poverty districts was associated with students falling roughly two months behind in math and six weeks behind in reading. Financial pressures may also be discouraging leadership changes, given the cost of superintendent searches, while women now account for 34% of superintendents across the 500 largest districts.

RESEARCH-BASED INSTRUCTION

Support California’s Multilingual Learners with Research-Based Math Instruction

Fostering success for multilingual learners in mathematics starts with instruction that recognizes and builds on the strengths each student brings into the classroom. 

Whether you're looking to improve math instruction, foster meaningful classroom conversations, or create more inclusive learning experiences, discover strategies aligned to the instructional model of California Reveal Math that support every learner. Explore the playlist filled with professional learning designed to help multilingual learners thrive.

Watch the Playlist. 

 

STATE NEWS

California schools face cash crisis

California's school districts are facing severe financial challenges, particularly the Sacramento City USD, which may run out of cash by April or May. Michael Fine, CEO of the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team, said: “I was worried that the school district... would wait till the last minute to realize that they were in trouble.” A proposal to expedite emergency funding stalled in the legislature, which could have allowed districts to access funds more quickly. The district is grappling with a structural deficit of approximately $221.8m and a cash shortfall of about $60m. If SCUSD cannot meet payroll, it may have to consider Chapter 9 bankruptcy, which could jeopardize its financial stability and obligations. Experts stress the need for a long-term fiscal plan to address these issues.

NATIONAL NEWS

E-rate funding faces uncertainty

Education and technology groups are raising concerns that the Federal Communications Commission’s review of the $3bn E-rate program could restrict or potentially end a critical source of broadband funding for schools and libraries. Established in 1996, E-rate provides discounted connectivity that now supports not only classroom technology, but also essential operations, including security systems, HVAC controls, and school bus tracking. Advocates argue that concerns about student screen time should be addressed through curriculum decisions rather than changes to connectivity funding. Schools and libraries received more than $13bn through E-rate between 2021 and 2025, with higher discounts going to lower-income communities. Aldine Independent School District in Houston, where nearly all 50,000 students are economically disadvantaged, has received about $11m from the program over the past five years.  

AI bans spark educational debate

Recent bans on generative AI in schools, particularly in New York City and Los Angeles, reflect a shift towards cautious evaluation of educational technology. The American Psychological Association (APA) released a report emphasizing the need for thorough analysis of edtech tools, highlighting generative AI as a potential risk. Nicole Barnes, APA’s executive lead psychologist for education, said: “Schools do not need to let the market or outside forces set the speed of childhood.” As educators navigate these changes, they recognize the importance of engaging students in discussions about AI's benefits and drawbacks. Dan Clark, a middle school teacher, noted that restrictions can foster critical dialogue, turning limitations into educational opportunities. The consensus among educators is clear: a blanket ban without meaningful conversation is a missed opportunity for learning.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Families sue school over shooting tragedy

The families of four children are suing the organizations running Feather River Adventist School following a tragic shooting incident. The lawsuit, filed by attorney Mary E. Alexander, claims that Principal Kathy Spiva allowed Glenn Litton to roam the campus unaccompanied, leading to the shooting of two kindergartners. “By allowing Litton to wander the Feather River campus unaccompanied... defendants and Principal Spiva provided the opportunity for Litton to open fire,” Alexander stated. The lawsuit highlights the school's failure to implement adequate security measures. Litton, a convicted felon, used a ghost gun to carry out the attack before taking his own life. The plaintiffs include John Doe R.M., who suffered critical injuries, and John Doe E.W., who is now paralyzed. The case raises serious concerns about school safety and the responsibilities of educational institutions to protect their students.

DISTRICTS

Ventura schools face potential closures

The Ventura USD is nearing a decision on potential school closures due to declining enrollment. The committee, consisting of 23 members from various community sectors, will meet on Sept. 17 to finalize recommendations. Currently, seven of the district's 17 elementary schools have been ruled out for closure. The district's enrollment has dropped by 19% since 2014, with projections indicating that by 2031, 17 of the 26 schools could be underutilized. "What we're trying to do here is give you the data in different ways to organize it for you," said Brianna Garcia, the district's consultant. The final decision will be made by the Board of Trustees, with closures potentially taking effect in the 2027-28 school year.

City council votes to preserve access

The Santa Monica City Council has voted to direct City Manager Oliver Chi to negotiate a new agreement with the Santa Monica-Malibu USD regarding public access to school facilities, including fields, gyms, and playgrounds. This decision comes as the current Master Facilities Use Agreement (MFUA) is set to expire in June 2027. Mayor Caroline Torosis emphasized the importance of using funds from Measure ES, a parcel tax on the November ballot, for this successor agreement, statingl: "We intend to use those funds for a successor agreement." The council aims to address community concerns over permitting, scheduling, and costs associated with facility use. Residents have expressed the need for continued access, with Ann Bowman noting that school campuses "belong to the people." The council's action is a proactive step to ensure public access remains intact.

GOVERNANCE

Transgender policies spark school board clash

The Elk Grove USD is witnessing a heated debate over transgender student policies as incumbent Michael Vargas and challenger Kirk Thomson vie for a board position. Vargas, who supports recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility, emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment for transgender students, stating: “It’s about illuminating those students and families that need our attention at this crucial moment in their lives.” In contrast, Thomson advocates for a resolution to ban transgender students from participating in girls' sports, labeling it “common sense” and criticizing the board's progressive stance as a “failing and dangerous agenda.” This clash reflects broader national tensions between progressive and conservative approaches to education.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Parents demand cooler classrooms now

Amid a record heatwave in Southern California, parents of students in the Torrance USD are demanding immediate action to cool down classrooms, as only 25% are equipped with air conditioning. Traci Yim, a parent, expressed concern, stating: “Every year has gotten hotter and hotter... This year, it's an emergency.” The district has acknowledged the issue and is exploring solutions, including creating cooling stations and considering a bond measure for future air conditioning installations. However, many parents report their children suffering from heat-related ailments, with Danielle Thomas noting: “The classrooms are still reaching temperatures in the 90s.” A recent report titled “Schools, Climate, and Health: Responding to Extreme Heat” highlights the public health risks posed by high classroom temperatures, emphasizing that “children and adolescents are uniquely vulnerable.” TUSD is working on long-term solutions but faces challenges in funding and implementation.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Top schools in California revealed

U.S. News & World Report has ranked West Campus High School, Umoja International Academy, and Stockton Unified Early College Academy among California's top 100 high schools. West Campus High School achieved an impressive 15th place in the state and 117th nationally, serving around 900 students with a 98% graduation rate. "93% of students met or exceeded the standard in English language arts," according to the California School Dashboard. Umoja International Academy ranked 26th in California, with a 100% graduation rate, while Stockton Unified Early College Academy secured the 40th position, boasting a 99% graduation rate. These rankings reflect various performance metrics, including Advanced Placement exam results and graduation rates.

AND FINALLY......

AI of the Tyga

Tyga's latest album, "$TARFACE," released in July, has received overwhelmingly negative reviews, with Pitchfork labeling it "smug and complacent and depressing." The criticism stems not from the music itself but from Tyga's use of generative AI, which has sparked a broader backlash against AI in the music industry. FSU business management major Tegan Sutton said: "If artists are just using AI for their scripts and editing their voices then it is not really true music anymore." While some students at Florida State University express skepticism about AI in music, FSU chemistry professor Oliver Steinbock believes generative AI will persist, stating: "I am fairly sure that generative AI is here to stay." The ongoing debate includes legal challenges, as companies like Suno face lawsuits over copyright issues related to AI-generated music.
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