Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes....
Education Slice Logo
California
28th October 2026
Together with

THE HOT STORY

Falling immigrant enrollment threatens California school funding

California school districts are experiencing a sharp decline in newly arrived immigrant students, prompting program closures, staffing adjustments, and concerns about further enrollment-related funding losses. The decrease follows reduced border crossings since early 2025 amid changes in federal immigration policy. Oakland USD enrolled just 498 new immigrant students in 2025–26, compared with more than 1,300 annually in most previous years, and recorded only 212 new arrivals by October 7 this school year. The district has consequently reduced its middle and high school newcomer programs from 17 to six. Los Angeles USD has also experienced a substantial decline, with newcomer enrollment falling from 20,755 in 2024–25 to 11,103 in 2026–27. Statewide, the newcomer population decreased from 236,958 to 228,780 between 2024–25 and 2025–26. Education leaders warn that continued declines could further reduce school funding, weaken bilingual programs, and threaten specialized language support services that may be difficult to rebuild if enrollment rebounds.

DIGITAL CURRICULUM

Choose the Right Digital Curriculum

How do you determine which digital courses will meet your students’ and teachers’ needs best? Get expert answers to your digital curriculum questions in the free Digital Curriculum Buyer’s Guide from FlexPoint. While you learn how to identify quality digital courses, you’ll complete worksheets that will offer a clear path toward your goals. These insights, tips, and more are vital to making the right purchasing decisions for your school or district.

Download Free Guide

 

STATE NEWS

California's education system set for change

California is poised for a significant transformation in its K-12 education governance, largely dependent on the next governor's actions. Michael Kirst, former head of the State Board of Education, emphasized the shift in authority, stating: "Now we know. It's the governor." Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed changes include appointing an education commissioner to oversee the California Department of Education, aiming to streamline responsibilities and improve accountability. Researchers Heather Hough and Jason Willis highlighted the need for clearer goals and stricter oversight to enhance student outcomes. Hough noted: "Right now, if a district is performing badly, there's not a lot of clarity about what should happen." The new commissioner will face pressure to produce a draft report by June, outlining strategies for reform. Education leaders express hope that this overhaul will lead to better educational experiences for students, with a focus on reducing bureaucratic burdens.

Rural schools face uphill battles

California's rural school districts face significant challenges, including chronic absenteeism, high suspension rates, and limited internet access. These issues mirror those in urban areas but often lack public awareness. EdSource highlights the education divide and ongoing efforts to support students in achieving college degrees. “Rural California: An Education Divide,” a mini-documentary, won national and statewide awards for its portrayal of these pressing needs. Over 500,000 students in rural regions contend with barriers that hinder their educational success, such as transportation difficulties and inadequate college preparation. The interactive maps provided by EdSource illustrate the enrollment rates in higher education and the chronic absenteeism rates across California's rural districts, emphasizing the urgent need for attention and resources.

GOVERNANCE

Education crisis in Paso Robles

In Paso Robles, a heated debate is unfolding over the state of public education, with Trustee Kenney Enney and former yearbook editor clashing on social media about protests and free speech. Clive Pinder highlights the alarming academic performance of students, noting that "56% of students tested across Paso Robles Joint Unified failed to meet state English standards." Despite recent investments in school infrastructure, such as a new $22m campus, academic results have not improved, with many students struggling in core subjects. As voters prepare to decide on an additional $205m in school bonds, concerns grow over the district's priorities. Pinder argues that the focus should shift from building facilities to ensuring students receive a quality education, stating: "The most important infrastructure in any school sits between its pupils' ears." Trust between schools, parents, and taxpayers is eroding, raising questions about the effectiveness of current leadership and educational strategies.

WORKFORCE

Teachers stand united for fair contract

The Modesto Teachers Association and Modesto City Schools concluded their final mediation session without reaching an agreement, prompting the union to prepare for an official strike vote on November 5. MTA President Jennifer McGrath said: "The preauthorization vote was in the 90th percentile," indicating strong support among teachers for a strike if necessary. The next step involves fact-finding, where a panel will review the dispute, including the district's finances and compensation comparisons. While the district has proposed a 3% salary increase, teachers argue that current compensation is unsustainable, with many paying significant amounts for healthcare. McGrath emphasized the importance of a fair contract, stating: "The conditions teachers work in are the conditions students learn in." Both sides hope to avoid a strike and reach a resolution that benefits students and educators alike.

LEGAL

Mountain View educators win $700k settlement

The Mountain View Whisman School District has agreed to pay $700,000 to two educators, Megan Pohlman and Heidi Galassi, who accused former Superintendent Ayindé Rudolph of sexual harassment and discrimination. Each educator will receive $350,000 as part of the settlement approved by the district's Board of Trustees. The settlement also includes a commitment to restructure the employee complaint process to ensure that harassment concerns are not reported to the alleged perpetrator. The settlement requires both educators to withdraw their complaints to the California Civil Rights Department and relinquish their rights to further legal action against the district. 

FINANCE

Lucerne Valley tops college readiness scores

Lucerne Valley USD has achieved the highest “College and Career Indicator” score in San Bernardino County, according to the latest San Bernardino County Dashboard data. Superintendent Peter Livingston said: “Our kids are leaving high school ready to enter careers and go to college if they wish.” The district also ranks seventh in graduation rates countywide, showcasing its strong performance among California's largest counties. Livingston emphasized that these results are due to the dedication of teachers, staff, and administrators who foster a supportive environment for students. He noted: “These results don't happen by accident,” highlighting the collective effort of the entire district.  

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Processed foods may influence childhood obesity

A study published in JAMA Network Open has found that children who consume more ultra-processed foods exhibit stronger brain reward responses to images of junk food, potentially contributing to weight gain. Researchers analyzed 46 children and found that greater activity in the dorsal striatum, a brain region associated with reward and motivation, was linked to higher body mass index (BMI) and increased body fat one year later. U.S. children obtain approximately 67% of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods, including packaged snacks, sugary cereals, and ready-made meals. Researchers emphasized that the observational study does not establish causation, and further research is planned to investigate whether healthier diets can alter brain responses and reduce obesity risk.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Santa Rosa Schools tackle special ed crisis

Santa Rosa City Schools recently acknowledged a significant oversight regarding the waiver process for special education teacher overages. Superintendent Monica Thomas said: “This should be an annual process that every district does annually when you have overages.” The district, which serves approximately 3,000 special education students, had around 7 teachers exceeding the state limit of 28 cases this fall. The oversight comes amid increased strain on the special education workforce due to budget-driven restructuring. The district is now working to ensure compliance with California's Education Code by submitting the necessary waivers, which had not been done previously. Trustee Jeremy De La Torre expressed “extreme concern” over the lack of compliance, emphasizing the importance of addressing the needs of students with high requirements. The district aims to standardize its procedures moving forward to prevent future issues.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Empowering students through CTE programs

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are proving essential in preparing students for post-secondary success and workforce readiness. Principal Wade emphasized their importance for students “situated farthest from opportunity” in the Analy community. Mickelson, a CTE instructor, shared a success story of a former student who secured a job after completing the Mechanized Agriculture program, stating: “‘If it wasn't for your class... I wouldn't have gotten this job.'” Gifford, another instructor, aims for 100% of his students to pass OSHA certifications, highlighting the practical skills gained. Weinzveg believes that college and careers should not be seen as competing goals, asserting: “College is always there.” CTE pathways continue to evolve, offering students valuable industry connections and experiences that enhance their future prospects. O'Donnell noted that his Advanced Construction students often find job opportunities, reinforcing the idea that skills learned in CTE classes hold lasting value.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Sacramento State earns top honor

Sacramento State University has been recognized as one of only 12 institutions nationwide that have consistently supported Latino student success for over six years. Janet Gomez Rios, a first-generation college student, shared her experience, stating: “I felt really welcomed and I felt that support.” The university received the “Intentionally Thriving Institution” certification from Excelencia in Education, which acknowledges schools that effectively enhance Latino student success through various initiatives. President Luke Wood emphasized the university's commitment to preparing graduates for life beyond college, saying: “Earning the seal... affirms... that our work... is purposeful.” Despite improvements in graduation rates, challenges remain, particularly in Latino representation among faculty and staff, as noted by senior Natalia Chavez. She expressed the need for more Latino presence in higher education to inspire future generations.

INTERNATIONAL

Spanish language education expands across China

Spanish language education is experiencing rapid growth across China, with nearly 98,000 potential Spanish speakers and university course enrollment increasing 12.6% between 2023 and 2025, according to the Cervantes Institute’s Spanish in the World 2026 yearbook. The report, launched in Beijing to mark the institute’s 20th anniversary in China, highlights the expansion of Spanish programs from just 12 Chinese universities in 2000 to more than 100 today, while approximately 180 secondary schools offered Spanish courses as of 2025. Chinese universities have produced an estimated 55,000 Hispanic studies graduates through the class of 2025, reflecting growing demand for Spanish language skills and cultural exchange. The institute, which opened its Beijing center in 2006 and expanded to Shanghai in 2024, is also emphasizing Spanish’s growing importance in science, technology, and artificial intelligence.
Industry Slice Logo

Education Slice delivers the latest, most relevant and useful intelligence to key educators, administrators, decision makers and teaching influencers, each weekday morning..

Content is selected to an exacting brief from hundreds of influential media sources and summarised by experienced journalists into an easy-to-read digest email. Education Slice enhances the performance and decision-making capabilities of individuals and teams by delivering the relevant news, innovations and knowledge in a cost-effective way.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities within Education Slice, please get in touch via email sales team

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe