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California
21st October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

California education faces major governance shake-up

The California Department of Education has been identified as a central priority for the state's next governor, with six prominent education leaders calling for governance reform, improved school funding, stronger academic outcomes, and reduced administrative burdens. Under legislation taking effect January 1, 2027, the governor must restructure the department under the governor's office and appoint an education commissioner by June 1. Recommendations include expanding affordable teacher credential pathways, improving math and literacy achievement, addressing declining enrollment, and streamlining regulations, with districts currently required to submit 103 state reports annually. California Teachers Association President David Goldberg has also called for full funding of public schools serving 6 million students, smaller class sizes, and expanded mental health services, while other leaders emphasized stronger accountability and more effective coordination across education agencies.

BLENDED LEARNING

An Administrator's Guide to Blended Learning

Online learning doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Explore blended learning with this comprehensive guide from FlexPoint®, which includes:
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  • Outline of blended learning classroom models
  • List of questions to ask curriculum providers
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  • Instructional strategies and tips
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Download the FlexPoint guide to find the right mix of face-to-face and online instruction for your school or district.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Only 10% of U.S. students have recovered from pandemic learning losses

Just 10% of U.S. students attend school districts where reading and math achievement has returned to pre-pandemic levels, according to the Center on Reinventing Public Education's 2026 State of the American Student report. The study highlights persistent learning gaps, chronic absenteeism, and inconsistent state education policies, with Louisiana the only state where both reading and math scores have surpassed 2019 levels. Just 13 states have established clear, accessible student learning goals, while no state has restored attendance to pre-pandemic levels. Although 43 states have enacted science of reading laws and 18 have introduced math instruction legislation, implementation and accountability remain uneven. The report also identifies shortcomings in career preparation and artificial intelligence policies, with only Maryland requiring artificial intelligence tools to be evaluated for academic outcomes. Researchers warn that widening achievement disparities and politically divided approaches could deepen educational inequality, urging states to prioritize evidence-based instruction, stronger accountability, and coordinated academic recovery strategies.

FINANCE

Sacramento schools face budget cuts

Sacramento City USD has requested its principals to reduce school budgets by 10% this year, as reported by the Sacramento Bee. The deadline for submitting these budget plans is today, with cuts focused on supplies and outside contracts, excluding salaries. The district is also launching a student attendance campaign aimed at boosting revenue by $2.5m to help address a $174.5m funding gap. So far, district leaders have managed to reduce this gap by $49.8m. Michael Fine, chief executive of the state Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team, warned that if the district cannot secure necessary funds, it may need to seek assistance from the state Legislature by early January, which could lead to significant changes in governance if an emergency loan is required.

New Santa Monica-Malibu tax proposal sparks debate

Measure ES proposes a permanent $495 annual tax on most Santa Monica properties to fund local schools, replacing current city payments to the Santa Monica-Malibu USD. This tax, which is expected to generate $12m annually, will increase with inflation and has no expiration date. Exemptions apply to seniors over 65, nonprofits, and certain religious organizations. The main debate centers on whether the measure represents new funding or merely shifts the financial burden from the city to property owners. Critics argue it does not provide new money for schools, while supporters claim it ensures stable funding amidst city financial challenges.

GOVERNANCE

Candidates clash for Garden Grove seats

In the upcoming 2026 election, four candidates are competing for two seats on the Garden Grove USD board. In Trustee Area 2, incumbent Lan Quoc Nguyen faces Charlene Cuellar, a community volunteer. Nguyen emphasized the need to address funding reductions due to declining enrollment, stating: “I'll open it for discussion and gather input from all stakeholders.” Cuellar highlighted the importance of engaging students and parents, saying: “I've seen firsthand how the district needs to improve with parents in our community.” In Trustee Area 4, Tracy La and Quan Vuong are vying for the seat previously held by Bob Harden. La aims to enhance mental health support and basic needs programs, while Vuong focuses on creating a sense of community and preparing students for their futures.  

Candidates vie for Saratoga school seats

Five candidates are competing for three open seats on the Saratoga USD Board of Trustees, with key issues including student retention and holistic support for students. Incumbents Eric Cao and Vidya R. Vineet are joined by candidates Anna Goldberg, Catalina Rupert, and Farnoush Drexel, as Trustee Cynthia Miller opts not to seek re-election. The district has seen a decline in enrollment from around 2,400 in 1999 to approximately 1,600 in 2024, but remains financially stable due to its basic aid status. During a candidate forum, Goldberg emphasized the importance of investing in classroom instruction and supporting teachers, stating: “Families are demanding... but let's make sure we can also support our teachers.” Rupert highlighted the need to understand why families leave the district, while Vineet advocated for a balanced education that includes STEAM programs. The election is set for November 3.

New superintendent brings local roots

Elaine Zuniga Galdos has been appointed as the new superintendent of the San Benito High School District, effective February 1, 2027. With 30 years of experience in the Hollister education community, Galdos currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Academics and Instructional Programs.

DISTRICTS

Bay Area schools face honors debate

In the Bay Area, school board candidates are split on the future of honors and accelerated courses. Some districts, including Palo Alto USD, are merging honors with standard courses to address achievement gaps. Supporters argue this approach reduces stigma and ensures all students face high expectations. Elizabeth Brimhall, a biology teacher at Palo Alto High School, said: “Our honors classes look very different than our college prep-level classes. And as educators, this is a deep concern that we all share.” However, opponents criticize this strategy as a “one-size-fits-none” solution, fearing it may hinder high-achieving students and drive families to seek alternatives.  

Unlocking potential at Compton High

Compton High School has made significant strides in improving college access for its students through the CARPE Collaborative. By re-evaluating student data, counselors identified that many students were close to A-G eligibility, leading to a rise from 65% to 80% in just one year. "At the end of the day, it’s about opportunity," said counselor Guillermo Gutierrez, emphasizing the importance of personalized support. The school also increased the number of students applying to colleges, with 86% of A-G-eligible students completing applications. Additionally, the completion rates for financial aid applications remained high, ensuring more students received necessary support. Compton High's approach demonstrates that effective use of existing data can create new opportunities for students who might otherwise be overlooked.

LEGAL

Racism lawsuit hits Oaks Christian again

Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village is facing a new lawsuit filed by a Black student, whose father is Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson. The lawsuit, filed on October 15 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges that the student endured a "constant and pervasive campaign of racial harassment" during his sixth-grade year, including frequent use of the N-word by classmates. The suit claims that despite reporting these incidents to teachers and administrators, there were no meaningful disciplinary actions taken. Oaks Christian has stated that it disputes the allegations and is committed to the dignity of every student. The lawsuit seeks $4,000 per violation, along with additional damages for negligence and emotional distress. This case follows a similar lawsuit from 2024, highlighting ongoing issues of racism at the school.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Cameras in dance room raise alarms

In a troubling incident at Corona del Sol High School, emails reveal that staff were aware of surveillance cameras in dance rooms where students changed. Former assistant principal Monique Brandau warned in September 2024 that "these cameras run 24/7" and suggested alternative changing arrangements. Dance program director Elizabeth Pease expressed concerns about student privacy, stating, "I am concerned with the privacy of our students." Following the arrest of former surveillance officer Antony Cruz for voyeurism, parents voiced fears that footage may have been accessed by others. Tempe UHSD has not clarified who authorized the use of the dance room as a changing area, and an internal investigation is ongoing. Cruz faces multiple charges, including 98 counts of voyeurism.

LAUSD braces for super storms

Los Angeles USD (LASUD) is taking proactive measures in anticipation of potential “Super El Niño” storms that could disrupt schools and lead to closures. Superintendent Andrés Chait emphasized: “Preparing for severe weather starts well before the first raindrop,” highlighting the district's commitment to safeguarding students and staff. LAUSD is clearing drains, trimming trees, and inspecting facilities while also testing emergency equipment and stocking essential supplies. The district will monitor weather patterns with guidance from the National Weather Service and local officials. Families are encouraged to update their contact information to receive timely alerts and to stay informed about weather conditions.  

HIGHER EDUCATION

Federal student aid faces uncertain future

The Trump administration is reportedly considering separating the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) from the Department of Education and establishing it as an independent agency by October 2027, raising concerns about potential disruptions to federal student aid programs. FSA oversees more than $120bn in annual student grants and loans, and the proposed restructuring would come as the office implements major student loan policy changes and transfers certain responsibilities to the Treasury Department. Although the Education Department and the Office of Management and Budget have disputed the report, lawmakers, education advocates, and financial aid experts warn that restructuring could disrupt services for millions of borrowers and thousands of institutions, particularly following significant staffing reductions.

INTERNATIONAL

Japan's Education Ministry limits digital-only textbooks amid health and learning concerns

Japan's Ministry of Education has drafted guidelines establishing a hybrid model of paper and digital textbooks as the standard from the 2030 academic year, with digital content serving a supplementary role amid concerns about student health and learning outcomes. Fully digital textbooks would be prohibited for students in fourth grade and below, while older students could use digital-only materials in selected subjects, including English, music, and art. Artificial intelligence features would initially be excluded. The proposed framework would begin in elementary schools in 2030, expand to junior high schools in 2031, and reach high schools from 2032. A ministry survey found support for hybrid textbooks among 88.3% of elementary school decision-makers, 86.3% at junior high level, and 78.4% at high school level.

AND FINALLY......

Family of five-year-old Oregon school shooting victim calls for worldwide tribute through art

The family of Rhoam Summer, a five-year-old killed in a mass shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, has called on people worldwide to honor his memory through drawings and artwork. Rhoam is believed to be the youngest victim of a deliberate mass shooting at a U.S. school, according to researchers tracking school gun violence. The October 15 attack, carried out by a 16-year-old former student, killed three children and teacher Megan Lambert, while injuring two others. Rhoam's parents described their son as kind, generous, and passionate about drawing and storytelling. The tragedy, the 36th shooting on U.S. K-12 school grounds this year, has renewed concerns about school safety and gun violence, although researchers note that school shootings have declined from their 2023 peak.

 
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