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California
24th September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Schools weigh AI risks carefully

AI poses significant risks in education, prompting calls for caution from experts. Justin Reich, executive director of MIT's Teaching Systems Lab, emphasized: "You don't have to speculate about future harms," highlighting current concerns such as student data privacy and deepfakes. Dario Amodei, chief executive of Anthropic, advocated for a slowdown in AI development, stating that "fully addressing the risks requires even more prudence." The growing anxiety surrounding AI may lead school districts to reconsider the adoption of AI tools, with some, like Florida's state board of education, suggesting parental opt-in for generative AI use. Rebecca Winthrop from the Brookings Institution noted that a pause could allow districts to evaluate AI's benefits and risks more effectively. As educators navigate these challenges, they must prepare students to use AI responsibly while fostering critical thinking skills.

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TECHNOLOGY

Revolutionizing classroom AI

The Learning Commons, a nonprofit supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, has launched an open AI platform aimed at helping educators and developers integrate state standards and curricula into educational technology. Sandra Liu Huang, president of Learning Commons, expressed excitement about the collaboration with over 70 partners, stating: “What I’m really excited about is the number of partners we’ve been able to collaborate with.” The platform includes a Knowledge Graph and a Durable Skills Evaluator, which provide essential data and evaluation tools for K-12 education. While many educators see the potential for improved access to evidence-based materials, concerns remain about the influence of a private organization on educational standards. Helen Crompton, executive director at Old Dominion University, noted, “If Learning Commons can help bridge that gap, that could be very beneficial.” The initiative aims to enhance the quality of AI in classrooms while addressing the challenges of integrating complex datasets.

AI: the new leader's ally

In the realm of school leadership, the true value of AI lies not in saving time but in enhancing clarity and presence in decision-making. A principal from Virginia emphasized that AI reduces cognitive load, allowing leaders to be more engaged in classrooms and coaching. By utilizing tools like ChatGPT during commutes, leaders can reflect on priorities and prepare for challenging conversations. The principal noted, "When AI helps offload low-value administrative friction, we reclaim the mental bandwidth required to notice the small human elements." This shift from viewing AI as a mere productivity tool to a means of fostering deeper relationships and presence marks a significant evolution in educational leadership.

LEGAL

Cover-up allegations rock education officials

Former California Secretary of Education David Long is pushing for the unsealing of audit records related to Val Verde Unified's partnership with a Chinese boarding school, alleging a cover-up by Riverside County education officials. In a writ filed on September 3, Long claims that Superintendent Edwin Gomez and the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) suppressed findings from the state Fiscal Crisis Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) audit, which cost taxpayers $145,000. The FCMAT investigation, which began in June 2021, found no wrongdoing by Long, leading him to believe that Gomez sought to conceal the reports due to their implications. The RCOE has since commissioned a separate audit that implicated Long and others in potential fraud and misappropriation of funds. Long said: “This action concerns an elaborate cover-up scheme by an elected public official.” The case raises significant concerns about transparency and accountability in educational governance.

GOVERNANCE

Redlands school board votes for balance

The Redlands USD school board has voted 3-2 to amend policies regarding library materials to ensure a balanced representation of viewpoints. Board President Michele Rendler and trustees Jeannette Wilson and Candy Olson supported the changes, emphasizing the need for neutrality in educational content. Olson said: “This thing has gone so far off the rails in our libraries... What if it was all right-wing content in the library?” The revised policy mandates that school libraries provide age-appropriate materials that reflect diverse perspectives on U.S. history and civic life. Concerns were raised about the potential for bias in library collections, with discussions on how to maintain balance in educational resources. The new policy will be finalized at the next board meeting on October 13.

Turlock school board elections heat up

Three trustee seats for the Turlock USD are up for election on Nov. 3. Area 4 incumbent Mary Jackson faces challenger Jayden Betbabanta, while Area 6 incumbent Patrick Shields runs unopposed. Sal Loera is vying for the Area 2 seat currently held by Lori Carlson.

DISTRICTS

Test scores reveal stark disparities

The Goleta USD's recent test results for the 2025-2026 year highlight significant disparities between white and Hispanic/Latino students. While 84% of white students met English proficiency, only 40% of Hispanic/Latino students achieved the same standard. In math, 76% of white students were proficient compared to just 32% of their Hispanic/Latino peers. Mary Kahn, the Goleta Union superintendent, emphasized the importance of understanding the context of students' backgrounds, stating: “If we don’t consider the context from which kids are coming to school, and what that might mean, we’re missing part of the story.” The district plans to address these gaps by aligning data analysis among teachers and enhancing partnerships with after-school programs to support student success.

Palo Alto seniors shine in scholarship

Many seniors from Palo Alto High School have been recognized as semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship, a prestigious award celebrating academic excellence. This year, over 2,150 students from California achieved this distinction, with affluent areas like Palo Alto showing higher rates of semifinalists. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation emphasized that the number of semifinalists from a school does not solely reflect its quality, as factors such as community support and educational standards also play a role.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

New buildings welcome students back

Students in the Santa Monica-Malibu USD began the fall semester in newly completed buildings, with district officials reporting on ongoing projects worth approximately $480m. Bond program manager Steven Massetti highlighted five major projects, including a $33.5m administration and classroom building at McKinley Elementary School and a $58.5m modernization at Ocean Park School. However, not all projects are on schedule; the $24.4m Grant Elementary classroom building is delayed, with Massetti stating: "It doesn't sound like a lot when you say it's a few weeks behind schedule, but when that few weeks means you can't start the semester there, it's actually kind of a lot." The district aims to improve community visibility of these projects, with board member Maria Leon-Vazquez emphasizing the need for public awareness of tax dollar usage.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Petaluma schools consider cell tower ban

The Petaluma City Schools Board of Trustees is deliberating a resolution to prohibit cellular towers on school campuses and district property. Proposed by trustee Caitlin Quinn, Resolution 2627-06 aims to ensure that “new wireless communication facilities are not installed on the district's property.” Quinn emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe environment for students, stating, “This is part of the larger conversation about how we keep our kids safe.” The board's discussions reflect concerns over potential health risks and the impact of technology on education. The resolution is set to be voted on during the upcoming board meeting on October 6.

FURTHER EDUCATION

Reviving arts education in the Bay Area

The Bay Area's arts education landscape is undergoing a transformation as artists respond to the closure of institutions like the San Francisco Art Institute and California College of the Arts. Lindsey White and Jon Rubin co-facilitated Present Company, an “experiment in arts education” that emphasized community and creativity, attracting 11 artists from 250 applicants. Rubin, a professor at Carnegie Mellon School of Art, said: “Learning is something that happens best when you primarily recognize each other's presence as the main element of the curriculum.” Additionally, Southern Exposure will launch two new programs: the Emerging Curator's Lab and Night School, aimed at providing professional development and mentorship opportunities. Executive Director Julio César Morales said: “As traditional pathways become less accessible, nonprofit arts organizations are increasingly called upon to provide professional development opportunities.”  

HIGHER EDUCATION

Transformative tales from UC Berkeley

Miriam Pawel's new book, California Dreams: The Making and Remaking of the University of California, explores the transformative impact of the UC system on students and society. Pawel highlights the university's evolution from "two buildings on rolling hills" to a "$60-billion-a-year behemoth" serving 300,000 students. She emphasizes the importance of balancing "excellence and access," as the demand for quality education continues to rise. Notable figures like Milicent Shinn and Clark Kerr illustrate the diverse experiences within the UC system. Jesse Rothstein, a public policy professor at UC Berkeley, remarked: "You can count on one hand the number of world-class universities that have been founded the previous 75 years," underscoring the UC's unique status. Despite challenges, Pawel remains optimistic about the university's ability to adapt and uphold the value of education.
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