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California
22nd September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

California schools face financial crisis

California's financial oversight of schools is under scrutiny as several districts, including Sacramento City USD and Pleasanton USD, struggle to meet their financial obligations. "If financial problems are not resolved, the county superintendent could assign a fiscal advisor to the district," said Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The process for school takeovers is outlined in Assembly Bill 1200, which mandates financial projections and audits. If a district requires an emergency loan exceeding 200% of its state-recommended reserve, it risks losing local control, with an appointed administrator making critical decisions. This oversight can be costly, as districts must pay interest on loans and submit annual fiscal reports to state lawmakers. The potential for losing governance raises concerns about the future of education in these struggling districts.

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ENROLLMENT

LAUSD faces enrollment crisis

Los Angeles USD is confronting steep enrollment declines while continuing a multibillion-dollar school modernization program. Enrollment has fallen nearly 50% from its early-2000s peak, reducing state funding and increasing the prospect of layoffs, program consolidation, and school closures. Meanwhile, projects backed by $9bn in voter bonds include nearly $820m in recently approved seismic-risk reconstructions, with current and upcoming seismic work expected to exceed $2bn. LA Times reporter Howard Blume called it “vitally important” to prioritize upgrades at schools likely to remain open, arguing that the district currently lacks a closure plan. Loyola Marymount associate professor Kyo Yamashiro said closures are “one of the most politically charged decisions that a school district can face,” while noting that shrinking enrollment leaves districts carrying substantial fixed operating costs.

STATE NEWS

California students shine in scholarship race

More than 2,150 students from California were named semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship, a prestigious competition recognizing academic excellence. A Chronicle analysis revealed that students from affluent Bay Area cities were more likely to achieve this status. The semifinalists are chosen based on their PSAT scores, which are taken during their junior year. Less than 1% of the nation's high school seniors qualify as semifinalists. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation emphasized that the number of semifinalists at a school does not necessarily reflect its quality. Factors such as community wealth and education levels significantly influence these numbers. Cities like Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto, and Cupertino had the highest shares of semifinalists, while San Jose led larger cities with 2.7% of its juniors qualifying. To advance to the finalist stage, students must submit an application, including an essay and recommendation letter, and achieve high scores on the SAT or ACT.

Vaccination rates drop in schools

A concerning trend is emerging in the San Joaquin Valley, where vaccination rates among kindergarten students are falling below the critical 95% threshold needed for herd immunity against measles. In the 2023-24 school year, 64 schools reported vaccination rates under this level, and by the following year, this number increased to 81 schools. Kern County, which has confirmed the Valley's only two measles cases in 2026, has consistently remained below the herd immunity threshold since 2017-18. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported that “vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergarteners has decreased from 95.2% during the 2019-2020 school year to 92.4% in the 2025-26 school year.” The agency emphasized the importance of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, stating: “When more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated … most people are protected through community immunity (herd immunity).”

FINANCE

Tax showdown: California's wealthy face new measures

California voters will face significant tax propositions in November, particularly Proposition 3 and Proposition 40, which target the wealthy. Proposition 3 aims to make a tax on the top 2% of earners permanent, warning that its expiration could lead to a "$10bn annual shortfall" affecting schools and teachers. In contrast, Proposition 40 proposes a one-time 5% tax on billionaires' wealth, with funds directed towards healthcare. This measure has sparked controversy, with supporters like Sen. Bernie Sanders and critics including Gov. Gavin Newsom. The Legislative Analysts Office has indicated that while Prop. 3's revenue is variable, Prop. 40 could generate "tens of billions," but uncertainties remain regarding its long-term impact on state finances.

Measure V: funding for education at stake

Measure V, a parcel tax measure that has funded essential services in the West Contra Costa USD since 2004, is set for renewal this November. Advocates argue that the tax, which costs homeowners approximately $127 annually, is crucial for maintaining educational and athletic programs, with about $10m raised each year. Leslie Reckler, a trustee, said: “Even though you're hearing in the press there's record funding in education... these are all restricted funding streams that are not giving us what we need.” However, opponents, including the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association, question the district's financial management, citing past fiscal struggles. Union President Francisco Ortiz supports the measure, emphasizing the need for continued funding to avoid detrimental cuts. As voters prepare to decide, Ortiz expressed hope for a favorable outcome, stating: “We really want to ensure voters know this will be detrimental to our schools if we're not able to renew the funding.”

LEGAL

Judge orders Oakland schools to act

Oakland USD (OUSD) has been ordered by Alameda County Superior Court Judge Jenna Whitman to comply with state mandates addressing antisemitism in schools. The ruling comes after the California Department of Education (CDE) found that OUSD had not fully implemented corrective actions to combat alleged discrimination against Jewish and Israeli students. Judge Whitman emphasized the need for OUSD to conduct training for all employees on preventing antisemitism, stating: “Both CDE and OUSD presumably share a common interest in the effective and efficient education of students in the OUSD in an environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment.” The court's decision follows a lawsuit filed by California education officials in March, highlighting the district's failure to address pervasive antisemitism. Oakland attorney Marleen Sacks noted that it took a court order to ensure the implementation of necessary remedies.

GOVERNANCE

Avery Wang takes on Palo Alto USD

Avery Wang is running for a position in Palo Alto USD to address issues of bullying, excessive spending, and lack of transparency. He stated: “Students are not being heard,” highlighting his concerns about the district's treatment of students. Wang previously sued PAUSD for allegedly violating the 2015 Math Placement Act, resulting in his son being placed in a more advanced class and the district paying him $5,000. He criticized the district's decision to cancel Multivariable Calculus and its approach to grouping students in middle school, which he believes demotivates advanced learners. Wang also expressed concern over the district's handling of recent suicides among transgender students and criticized its spending on unnecessary items. He aims to hire an independent auditor to investigate wasteful expenditures and improve the district's practices. Wang is a co-founder of Shazam and currently works at Apple as a research scientist.

Val Verde Board opts for reconciliation

The Val Verde School Board has decided against the potential discipline or firing of Superintendent Gordon Amerson, opting instead to hire a consultant to "repair the relationship with Amerson, and help clarify the board's concerns and expectations," said board President Melinda Young. This decision follows concerns raised about communication issues and alleged retaliation against district employees. Young expressed her frustration, stating: "It baffles me that the community believes we're getting all this information, but in reality we're not even getting half." The board aims to improve transparency and accountability moving forward, with Young suggesting a forensic audit to track district funds. Amerson acknowledged the need for high expectations and continuous improvement within the district, emphasizing the importance of accountability coupled with empathy.

TECHNOLOGY

AI revolutionizes student assessment

Artificial intelligence is set to transform how teachers assess students' academic and soft skills through innovative report cards that move beyond traditional A-F grading. Legend.org, which acquired the Mastery Transcript Consortium, is developing AI tools to provide immediate feedback on various student works, including papers and presentations. Co-founder Matt Sornson emphasized that the AI will assist teachers by evaluating technical aspects of student work, while the final grading will remain in teachers' hands. “It does the first pass of assessing (their) rubric and what (they're) trying to grade,” Sornson said. The initiative aims to streamline grading processes and enhance the evaluation of soft skills, with the potential for students to submit work for AI feedback before final submission.

INTERNATIONAL

Mexico moves to restrict phones and tablets in schools as teachers back tighter rules

Mexico is set to introduce a nationwide ban on cell phone and tablet use in primary and secondary schools, with the restrictions expected to take effect at the end of October. Federal and state education authorities have agreed to the measure, which will become effective 30 days after President Claudia Sheinbaum approves and promulgates it. Education Minister Mario Delgado said the policy is intended to protect students’ mental health, learning, and development, while strengthening attention spans, human interaction, and community. At the high school level, individual institutions will determine their own limits to ensure devices are used responsibly, safely, and for educational purposes. The move follows a survey in which 81% of more than half a million teachers supported guidelines and rules governing the safe use of devices for educational purposes.

Meloni's bold move on foreign students

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced plans to introduce a measure that would limit the number of foreign students in classrooms and prohibit the wearing of burqas and niqabs in schools. Speaking at the Gioventù Nazionale national festival, Meloni emphasized the importance of language and cultural integration, stating: "For us, anyone who comes to Italy and wants to build their future here must learn our language, understand our culture, and respect our rules." The proposed measure will require parliamentary approval within 60 days after government approval. Meloni's administration, which has become Italy's longest-serving uninterrupted government since World War II, aims to boost her popularity ahead of the upcoming general election.
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