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California
8th October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Superintendent turnover returns to pre-pandemic levels

Superintendent turnover among the nation’s 500 largest school districts has fallen to its lowest level since the pandemic, with just over 17% of districts changing leaders during the last school year, according to ILO Group’s Superintendent Research Project. The rate is similar to pre-pandemic levels, following a 45% increase in superintendent turnover nationally between 2020 and 2023. Despite the recent stabilization, the pandemic has left a lasting impact on district leadership. Of the 500 superintendents leading the surveyed districts when schools closed during the pandemic, only 78 remain in the same positions today. ILO Group chief executive Julia Rafal-Baer warned that frequent leadership changes can disrupt strategies, reset priorities, and prevent initiatives from producing results. The research also found that women now account for 34% of superintendents, an increase of 0.8%.

SYSTEM-LEVEL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

New partnership! HMH and UnboundEd

HMH and UnboundEd have partnered to help districts achieve successful implementation of Into Math California through coordinated support for leaders, coaches, and teachers. HMH's curriculum and classroom practice expertise combined with UnboundEd's focus on leadership systems and instructional coherence help keep classroom instruction and district priorities aligned.

By combining HMH curriculum expertise with UnboundEd's implementation support, districts can strengthen implementation consistency and reduce the risk that instructional initiatives lose momentum over time. 

Learn about Into Math California

 

WORKFORCE

Santa Monica-Malibu seeks salary waiver

The Santa Monica-Malibu USD Board of Education unanimously voted on October 1 to request another waiver from the state’s requirement to allocate 55% of its expenditures to classroom salaries and benefits. The district fell short by 7.66%, amounting to $16.1m, due to one-time state and federal funds that cannot be used for teacher pay. Gerardo Cruz, the district's assistant superintendent of business and fiscal services, mentioned that the county has approved similar exemptions for the past six to seven years. He noted, "The short answer is no," regarding the expectation that these waivers would end by the 2028-29 school year, indicating they may extend for an additional five to six years. Cruz emphasized that many districts face similar challenges, stating, "This is a phenomenon not specific to us, but it's pervasive throughout the state."

Union fights back against pay cuts

Maria Saldana de Salazar, a janitor at Petaluma City Schools, is embroiled in a dispute with the district over alleged illegal paycheck deductions totaling $2,318 due to a claimed overpayment for sick leave. The California School Employees Association (CSEA), representing her, argues that the deductions violate the California Education Code, stating: “The employee did nothing wrong.” Saldana de Salazar, who has faced financial strain due to these deductions, expressed her frustration, saying: “I just need them to resolve this and listen to me.” The union is concerned that this issue may extend beyond her case and has requested payroll records from the district to investigate further. CSEA labor relations representative Calum Weeks noted that without intervention, the total deductions could have reached $3,501.  

LAUSD moves forward with housing project

The Los Angeles USD has selected Affirmed Housing Group/HA Builders to develop a 391-unit workforce housing project on the former Collins Street Elementary School site in Woodland Hills. This initiative aims to address the high housing costs faced by district employees. Board member Nick Melvoin described the proposal as “one of the more exciting things that I get to vote on in this seat,” emphasizing its potential to benefit the community. The project will include various amenities and a preference for LAUSD employees, with rents structured to ensure affordability. However, concerns were raised by local residents regarding the project's size and impact on the neighborhood. The development is part of LAUSD's broader strategy to convert underutilized properties into affordable housing for its workforce.

DISTRICTS

Bonta demands change in Natomas schools

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced an agreement requiring Natomas USD to revise its discipline policies after an investigation revealed that Black students and students with disabilities were disproportionately disciplined. Bonta stated: “Ensuring all of California's children have a fair and equal opportunity at success in school is a top priority — and we're committed to taking action.” The investigation found that from 2018-19 to the first half of 2024-25, Black students faced exclusionary punishments at about four times the rate of White students. The district must now train staff on equitable discipline and review outcomes annually by demographic group. Natomas Unified has pushed back against these findings, claiming that some reforms were already in progress and highlighting the district's diversity and support programs. Deidra Powell, a spokesperson for the district, mentioned, “The challenges facing Natomas Unified are not unique to our District.”

Scottsdale schools face closure crisis

The Scottsdale USD governing board has voted to close Copper Ridge School and Laguna Prep at the end of the 2026-27 school year, affecting between 700 and 900 students. This decision, made during a heated meeting on October 6, aims to save approximately $2.7m. The district has seen a steady decline in enrollment since 2010, losing over 6,000 students, attributed to an aging population and competition from charter and private schools. The board's decision follows previous closures of Pima and Echo Canyon elementary schools.

Top schools in Stanislaus County revealed

Stanislaus County families seeking quality education can refer to Niche's 2027 Best Schools rankings, which evaluate over 93,000 public schools based on academics, diversity, and college preparation. Luke Skurman, founder and chief executive of Niche, said: “Families deserve a complete view of their options, whether they're evaluating schools in their area or exploring what's available elsewhere.” Paradise Elementary School in Modesto topped the list, serving 59 students with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, and achieving 71% proficiency in math and 63% in reading. Niche's rankings provide a comprehensive overview of educational options, helping families find the right fit for their children.

Woodside school gets a new home

The Woodside School Foundation is set to transfer a newly acquired property to the Woodside School District next year. This property, a century-old Victorian house on a 3.4-acre lot, was purchased for $9m thanks to donations from three local families. The foundation aims to enhance the school's grounds, potentially creating more outdoor or classroom space. Woodside Elementary School, which serves K-8 students, has seen a 13% increase in enrollment this year, welcoming 420 students. The property, previously owned by the Veliquette family, has been preserved in its original condition and is well-known in the community. 

GOVERNANCE

Contreras takes new role in 2027

Heather Contreras will transition from her position as Pajaro Valley USD superintendent to become the new superintendent of San Luis Coastal USD in July 2027. The board of San Luis Coastal unanimously approved her appointment during a recent meeting.  

SAFETY AND SECURITY

LAUSD parents demand return of school police following student's death

Los Angeles USD (LAUSD) parents are calling for police officers to return to school campuses following the death of 17-year-old Xavier Nungaray-Martinez at Franklin High School in Highland Park. The Los Angeles County medical examiner ruled Xavier's death a suicide after he fell from a fourth-floor corridor. Video footage showed him being physically attacked by another student before the fall, prompting concerns about bullying and campus safety. Police are investigating whether bullying contributed to his death but have not established a connection. The tragedy has renewed debate over LAUSD's 2020 decision to remove police from campuses and reduce its school policing budget by $25m. Some parents argue that restoring officers would improve security, while student advocates favor additional counselors, mental health professionals, and conflict-resolution programs. LAUSD has increased mental health support at Franklin High and maintains that student safety remains a priority.

POLICY

Students voice concerns over phone ban

Students at Aragon High School are expressing concerns about the district's new cell-phone ban policy, which aims to create a focused learning environment. Senior Francez Santos said: “I think American schools aren't safe enough to implement this policy during emergencies,” highlighting fears about communication during crises. The policy requires students to lock their phones in QuietCases, limiting access even during emergencies. Principal Peter Alvarez stated that the district has protocols for emergencies, but students remain anxious about their ability to contact parents during threats. The lack of clear communication during a recent shelter-in-place incident left students feeling vulnerable, with sophomore Ellie Blakely noting that texting her dad helped her stay calm.  

NUTRITION

Taste-testing for future school lunches

Saratoga UHSD is celebrating National School Lunch Week from October 12-16 by allowing students to vote on potential new menu items. The district provides free breakfast and lunch to all 1,525 students daily to support their academic, physical, and emotional well-being. This year, Redwood Middle School students participated as taste-testers, approving items like beef birria and banana bread. After voting, students enjoyed spinning a prize wheel for fun giveaways. Representatives from Integrated Food Service and Peterson Farms were present to support the initiative.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Trump administration proposes $70,000 fee for international student work permits

The Trump administration has proposed a $70,000 fee for international students seeking employment in the United States through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Under the Department of Homeland Security's proposal, universities would pay $70,000 for each student's initial application and $30,000 for each renewal. The OPT program allows international students to work in fields related to their studies for up to one year after graduation, with eligible STEM graduates receiving an additional two years. DHS argues that the fees would address fraud and prevent the program from being used to obtain inexpensive foreign labor. However, education advocates warn that the proposal could discourage international enrollment, increase financial pressure on universities, and undermine American innovation and workforce development. The proposal is subject to a 60-day public comment period and could face legal challenges before taking effect.

INTERNATIONAL

Students clash with police in Paris

Bally Bagayoko, the mayor of Saint-Denis, was evacuated during clashes between protesters and police amid a nationwide demonstration by students and teachers. The protests, which have been ongoing for over two weeks, highlight issues such as overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and poor school conditions, stemming from years of underinvestment. Bagayoko, who supports the students, said: "They had decided to charge and effectively go after the students, many of whom had shown no aggressive behaviour whatsoever toward the police officers." The protests have resulted in over 6,000 arrests and numerous injuries, with rights groups accusing police of excessive force. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced that the government would review student demands and present proposals by the end of October. 
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