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California
27th October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

California school districts face federal scrutiny over student privacy in ethnic studies classes

The U.S. Department of Education has launched investigations into the Palo Alto Unified, San Francisco Unified, and North Monterey County Unified school districts over allegations that ethnic studies courses required students to disclose sensitive personal information without parental consent. The investigations focus on classroom activities such as the “Wheel of Power/Privilege” and “Mapping My Identities,” which the department claims prompted students to reveal details about their sexual orientation, gender identity, health, race, and family finances. Federal officials are examining potential violations of the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, which safeguards students against certain intrusive surveys and establishes parental notification and consent requirements. The investigations form part of the Trump administration’s broader scrutiny of California education policies, with potential consequences including federal enforcement action and loss of funding if violations are established.

DIGITAL CURRICULUM

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STATE NEWS

Tax credit for school donations unveiled

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is faced with a critical decision regarding participation in President Donald Trump's Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, which could provide taxpayers with up to $3,400 in tax credits for donations to nonprofit grant-makers. Advocates argue that this program will enhance school choice and provide scholarships for families, while critics, including Jon Valant, director of the Brown Center on Education Policy at Brookings, warn it could lead to "the largest source of waste, fraud and abuse we've seen in education." The deadline for Newsom to opt in is January 1, and he faces pressure from both supporters and opponents of the program. Rachel Elginsmith, chief executive of the BASIC Fund, expressed optimism about the potential benefits, stating: "It would be more money, more kids, bigger scholarships." However, the program's design raises concerns about accountability and equity in education funding.

California education race heats up

As of October 17, California Superintendent of Public Instruction candidates Richard Barrera and Sonja Shaw have collectively raised $1.4m, with Barrera accounting for approximately $812,000 and Shaw for $595,000. Barrera's campaign has received significant support from unions, including the California Teachers Association and the California Democratic Party, while Shaw's funding primarily comes from individual donors and the Yuba County Republican Party. This fundraising effort is notably lower than previous elections; in 2018, candidates raised $8.2m by this date. "Despite contributions generally being lower in elections with an incumbent, the 2026 race lags behind 2022," highlighting the challenges faced in this election cycle.

California schools shine in rankings

California has been recognized for its outstanding educational institutions in the latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report. The report, published on October 19, evaluates schools based on student performance in math and reading, aiming to highlight those that effectively prepare students for future success. “The best schools educate their students with the goal of setting them up for success,” U.S. News said. The 2027 rankings assessed over 46,000 elementary and nearly 25,000 middle schools nationwide. Among the top-ranked schools, Buckeye Union Mandarin Immersion Charter in El Dorado Hills was noted as the best elementary school, while Whitney High in Los Angeles County topped the middle school category. The rankings utilize publicly available data from state education agencies and the U.S. Department of Education, focusing on various socioeconomic backgrounds.

NATIONAL NEWS

U.S school districts face mounting financial pressure as healthcare costs surge.

U.S. school districts are facing escalating healthcare expenses that are placing increasing pressure on budgets, staffing, and employee benefits, as medical inflation, rising prescription drug costs, and expensive treatments strain already limited resources. At the Association of School Business Officials International conference earlier this month, representatives from Ohio’s Big Walnut school district highlighted the financial impact of high-cost medical claims, with ten of its 336 insured employees generating claims exceeding $50,000 each this fiscal year. Meanwhile, Illinois’ West Aurora district spent $26m on medical expenses in 2026, more than 10% of its $215m operating budget, with costs projected to rise by another $5m next year. Districts are exploring alternative insurance plans, Health Savings Accounts, virtual healthcare, and prescription drug initiatives to control spending without undermining employee recruitment and retention. West Aurora estimates that changes to its GLP-1 drug coverage could save $750,000 to $1m annually. However, declining student enrollment, state-level funding constraints, and the growing availability of costly new treatments are expected to intensify financial pressures.

Federal school choice divides Democratic governors

Democratic governors face an end-of-year decision on joining the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit, which offers dollar-for-dollar tax credits on donations of up to $1,700 to fund student scholarships. With 31 states participating, including just two Democratic-led states, the program could reach $26bn by 2030. Supporters highlight funding opportunities for public and private school students, while opponents warn of inequitable distribution, limited accountability and potential damage to public education. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul defended participation, stating: "I'm not going to leave money on the table when it could help our kids." Meanwhile, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has rejected the initiative, citing concerns about federal education policy. Teachers' unions remain strongly opposed, while school choice advocates anticipate more Democratic governors joining after the November elections.

GOVERNANCE

Barrera's record draws mixed assessments

Richard Barrera's 18-year tenure on the San Diego USD school board highlights his collaborative leadership, strong union relationships and emphasis on educational equity as he campaigns for California's state superintendent position. His policies have supported higher teacher salaries, expanded college-preparatory coursework, workforce housing and alternative career pathways. San Diego USD has outperformed statewide academic averages, with 73.6% of seniors meeting college or career readiness standards. Barrera maintains that "Constantly chasing test scores feeds the narrative that public schools are failing." However, critics question his close union ties and support for maintaining only a 2% budget reserve, warning of potential conflicts of interest and financial vulnerability. Despite these concerns, Barrera has secured endorsements from both the California Teachers Association and the California Charter Schools Association, reflecting support across traditionally opposing education groups. His campaign contrasts with opponent Sonja Shaw's leadership approach ahead of the November 3 election.

San Francisco school board insights

San Francisco USD faces significant challenges, including a recent four-day teachers' strike and a projected increase in annual costs by 15%. The editorial board endorses Phil Kim, Autumn Brown Garibay, and Tim Tung for the school board, highlighting their qualifications and commitment to addressing the district's issues. Kim, a former educator, emphasized the need for a new school assignment system, stating: “This must be accompanied by a plan to ensure we are building toward high-quality, well-resourced schools in every neighborhood.” Brown Garibay brings essential communication skills, while Tung offers expertise in public finance. The board's leadership is crucial for navigating the district's financial realities and improving educational outcomes.

TECHNOLOGY

Students will use AI, ban or not

The debate over banning artificial intelligence (AI) in schools is reminiscent of past discussions on abstinence-only sex education, according to Common Sense Media’s chief program officer. She argues that simply banning AI won't prevent students from using it, as evidenced by a study showing that 59% of teens accessed banned tools on personal devices. While she supports temporary bans to allow schools time to develop AI literacy programs, she emphasizes the need for education on navigating AI safely. "We can stick our heads in the sand and assume that a pause will keep kids safe, or we can do the work to equip them," she said. The Youth AI Safety Institute has found that many AI tools fail to protect users adequately, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive AI education in schools.

DISTRICTS

Soledad staff housing opens soon

Soledad USD is set to inaugurate its new 20-unit staff housing development today. Located in downtown Soledad, the two-story building features 12 one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom apartments, complete with amenities like a residents’ lounge and library. The rent is priced at approximately 75% of market value, with one-bedroom units at $1,725 and two-bedroom units at $2,025. The project was funded by Measure N, a $13.75m bond approved by voters in November 2020. This initiative marks Soledad as the third school district in five years to establish staff housing, following Salinas Union and Monterey Peninsula USD.

PARENTS

Tame the school email chaos

Hey Raha, an innovative family app founded by Marie Hastings, aims to streamline the overwhelming influx of school communications for parents in the United States. The app allows users to consolidate school emails, classroom messages, and notes into a single organized plan for each child, making daily tasks and reminders easily accessible. "School email overload is the same conversation at every school pickup line I have ever stood in," said Hastings. With a focus on privacy, Hey Raha ensures read-only access to inboxes without selling data or displaying ads.

HIGHER EDUCATION

City College's chancellor carousel continues

City College of San Francisco has faced significant leadership instability, hiring 15 executives in 18 years, with many leaving under troubling circumstances. “It does seem to be a cursed position,” said John Logan, a professor at San Francisco State University. The current acting chancellor, David Yee, was appointed after Kimberlee Messina was placed on paid leave amid allegations of financial misconduct. The college's reputation for turmoil has deterred qualified candidates, with former trustee Tom Temprano stating: “Because of the turnover, the position itself has become so toxic that qualified chancellors are not even seeking it.” As the college prepares for new trustee elections, the ongoing challenges highlight a need for stable leadership to address declining enrollment and financial issues.

INTERNATIONAL

France announces university admissions overhaul for 2028

France's government has pledged to replace its national university admissions platform, Parcoursup, in 2028, with substantial reforms planned for 2027, following weeks of nationwide student protests over education funding, living costs, and unequal access to higher education. Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste announced the changes as students criticized the platform's unclear selection criteria and barriers to securing places on preferred courses. The demonstrations, which began with school blockades in September, escalated into widespread unrest on October 17, involving clashes with police, looting, and damage to public buildings. Subsequent protests attracted more than 400,000 participants according to authorities, while organizers estimated nearly 800,000. Students are also demanding additional teachers, improved school facilities, smaller classes, and changes to teaching hours. The government has already committed to deploying 3,000 additional substitute teachers to struggling high schools, as President Emmanuel Macron faces mounting pressure to address educational inequalities and deteriorating learning conditions.

Australia rethinks classroom screen time

Australian education authorities are considering reducing screen time in classrooms following declining international test results, with Federal Education Minister Jason Clare proposing a school 'digital detox' for discussion with state counterparts next month. The proposal follows Sweden's efforts to replace digital devices with textbooks and handwritten learning, although the country's continued decline in reading and math scores has raised questions about the effectiveness of its approach. Research from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development suggests moderate use of digital technology can support learning, while excessive screen time and digital distractions are associated with weaker academic performance. Meanwhile, high-performing education systems are pursuing different strategies, with Estonia embracing artificial intelligence in secondary schools, China combining traditional teaching methods with AI experimentation, and Japan taking a more cautious approach to digital textbooks. 
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