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California
29th October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

CTA spends big on Prop. 3

The California Teachers Association (CTA), the state's largest teachers union, has spent over $65.5m this election cycle, primarily supporting Proposition 3, which aims to make a temporary tax on high earners permanent to fund public schools and community colleges. "CTA’s contributions account for 87% of the Yes on 3 campaign’s funding," highlighting their significant influence. Additionally, CTA has invested $8.4m in support of State Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate Richard Barrera, contributing 96% of independent spending for his campaign. Other expenditures include $1.5m opposing Prop. 39 and $500,000 against Prop. 43. Unlike previous elections, CTA has limited its involvement in the governor's race, contributing only $39,200 to Xavier Becerra's campaign.

DIGITAL CURRICULUM

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STATE NEWS

Minors get relief from unlawful citations

The California Attorney General's office announced that minors unlawfully cited under the now-defunct CleanSWEEP program can have their fines reimbursed and citations dismissed. The program, which operated from 1997 to 2022, was dismantled after investigations revealed that minors were cited for low-level offenses without legal representation, facing fines exceeding $1,000. Attorney General Rob Bonta stated that the program "disproportionately harmed protected student groups." Following the program's suspension in 2022, the Sheriff's Department has revised its policies to prevent similar unlawful citations in the future. Minors who believe they were affected can contact the Sheriff's Department by April 18, 2027, for reimbursement requests.

NATIONAL NEWS

Largest US teachers union signals political shift under new president

New National Education Association (NEA) President Princess Moss has outlined plans to move the nation's largest labor union away from traditional party affiliations and toward issue-based advocacy focused on public education and student needs. Representing approximately 3m teachers and public employees, the NEA has historically supported Democratic candidates, including Joe Biden in 2020 and Kamala Harris in 2024. However, Moss, a former elementary school music teacher, wants the organization to establish an independent political identity and work with lawmakers from both parties on education policy. Her priorities include addressing inflation-driven school budget pressures, the potential impact of federal school voucher programs, and the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the Department of Education. While education policy observers view the proposed shift as a significant departure from the union's traditional approach, Moss has emphasized that the NEA will support policymakers who prioritize public education, regardless of political affiliation.

Education Secretary faces scrutiny over $43,000 furniture purchase

The U.S. Department of Education has outlined plans to spend $43,278 on new office furniture for Secretary Linda McMahon as the agency relocates to smaller headquarters while pursuing efforts to dismantle the department. McMahon has argued that the relocation will save approximately $5m annually in operating costs, with the department occupying 80% less office space following workforce reductions from around 4,100 to 2,300 employees. However, the move involves additional expenditure, including an estimated $13m to renovate the new headquarters, while the Energy Department could spend approximately $215m adapting the Education Department's former building. Officials have defended the furniture purchases as necessary for the new workspace, although the spending comes amid scrutiny of federal office renovation costs and the administration's broader efforts to reduce government expenditure. The department's closure would require congressional approval, which has not been granted.

Young voters ready to make waves

According to a survey by UNICEF USA and The Harris Poll, many young people feel their voices are unheard by elected officials, yet their intention to vote in upcoming elections has increased significantly. "Young people are eager to participate and optimistic about their political power," the survey notes. Educators like Pat Sprinkle emphasize the importance of civics education, teaching students about campaign strategies and the electoral process without pushing a specific agenda. With only about 30% of 18-year-olds typically registered for midterm elections, teachers are working hard to engage students and prepare them for civic participation. Deslin Chapman from the Southern Poverty Law Center highlights the need for early civics education, stating: "Teaching that history and the history of voting rights is crucial." As election season approaches, the focus remains on fostering critical thinking and respectful dialogue among students.

GOVERNANCE

Nearly half of U.S. school board members lack education experience

A new EdWeek Research Center survey has found that 44% of U.S. school board members have never worked in K-12 education, raising questions about how professional backgrounds influence district governance. The survey of 478 board members also revealed that 40% are retired from careers outside their board responsibilities. Education experts argue that while limited experience in schools can create challenges when navigating complex policies, diverse professional backgrounds can strengthen community representation, financial oversight, and decision-making. Previous research has linked greater educator representation on school boards to higher teacher salaries, but not improved student achievement or graduation rates. Studies also suggest that teachers' union endorsements significantly influence school board elections. Researchers emphasize that effective governance depends less on prior education experience than on appropriate training, collaboration, and the ability to represent community priorities.

TECHNOLOGY

Teachers rethink assessments in AI era

In the wake of AI's growing presence in education, teachers are adapting their assessment methods to ensure students engage critically with learning material. Tristen Chang, a sixth-grade humanities teacher, noted: "There's been a long march of technology changing teaching, but AI is the most drastic." Many educators are shifting away from traditional take-home assignments, opting instead for in-class assessments that promote deeper thinking. Antero Garcia, an education professor at Stanford University, emphasized the need for clarity on AI's role in education, stating, "We haven't really figured out what that means for education." As AI becomes more integrated into classrooms, teachers like Meghan Hyland are finding innovative ways to assess student understanding, such as hands-on projects. Despite concerns about AI's impact, some educators are embracing it as a tool to enhance learning. Michael Zagari, a social studies teacher, remarked, "AI is not going away; we need to teach civic responsibility of how to use AI just like we taught responsible use of the Internet."

K–12 IT teams balance innovation and security

K–12 school district IT teams are playing an increasingly important role in balancing classroom innovation with cybersecurity, student privacy, and regulatory compliance as schools adopt new digital learning tools and artificial intelligence platforms. With districts relying on dozens of third-party applications, technology leaders must evaluate vendors’ security practices, potential data privacy risks, and educational benefits before approving new software. Establishing formal vendor assessment policies and data protection agreements can help districts reduce exposure to security breaches, while content filtering and Domain Name System (DNS) security tools protect school networks and restrict access to potentially harmful websites. Schools are also exploring AI-powered learning capabilities within existing trusted platforms, allowing them to introduce new functionality without undertaking extensive security reviews or renegotiating data agreements. By developing consistent approval processes and cybersecurity safeguards, IT teams can support classroom modernization while protecting sensitive student and district information.

Navigating AI in education: a balancing act

Deciding on the use of AI in education involves balancing safety with the need for students to learn risk management. The article reflects on the evolution of playground safety and parallels it with the current debate on AI in classrooms. While New York City Public Schools and Los Angeles USD have banned generative AI for younger students, Massachusetts is promoting AI literacy and thoughtful policies. EdSurge emphasizes the importance of allowing students to engage with challenges and develop their own skills before relying on AI. "Maybe preparing children for an AI-saturated world doesn’t require saturating their childhood with AI," the author notes, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to AI integration in education.

FINANCE

Sacramento City saves $1.8m in arts

Sacramento City USD will retain $1.8m in arts education funding for the 2023-2024 school year after correcting an accounting error. Initially, the district reported leaving the funds unspent to the California Department of Education, which would have led to a deduction from future allocations. However, following EdSource's reporting, the district clarified that it had actually spent all its Proposition 28 funds. A spokesperson for Sacramento City Unified said: "We identified an accounting error," allowing the district to fix the mistake and keep the funding. The California County Superintendents Arts Initiative confirmed that no waiver was granted for carrying over unspent funds. EdSource's database also revealed additional unspent Prop. 28 funds in other districts.

Empty campus costs LAUSD $20,000 monthly

The vacant Miramar campus, a $34m facility owned by Los Angeles USD (LAUSD), has remained empty since 2021, incurring monthly costs of $20,000 for security and maintenance. Keith Dell'Aquila, a senior advocate with the California Charter Schools Association, said: “This is a story of what happens when we don't find a way to turn our school buildings into usable spaces for the community.” The campus, marred by vandalism and damage, was originally built despite declining enrollment trends. With LAUSD facing a financial crisis and a significant drop in student numbers, the Board of Education is under pressure to address surplus space. The Los Angeles Academy of Arts and Enterprise has expressed interest in the property, but the financial conditions imposed by the district make it challenging for any charter operator to take over.

LEGAL

Principal faces trial for embezzlement

Patrick Daly, the former principal of St. Vincent de Paul High School in Petaluma, may face trial for allegedly misusing a work-issued credit card. During a preliminary hearing, Judge John Behnke noted that Daly made 49 cash advancements totaling about $50,000, alongside unapproved purchases. 

Inglewood mayor faces serious allegations

The family of an Inglewood USD high school student plans to file a claim against Mayor James T. Butts Jr. over allegations of inappropriate touching during a photo op at a city event in September. Activists are calling for accountability and transparency, urging that “no one is above the law, including the mayor of Inglewood.” The family has requested video footage from the event, which the city has delayed releasing until after the election.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Teachers bear the burden of mental health

According to a recent RAND survey, teachers dedicate an average of eight hours weekly to support student mental health, often at the expense of their own well-being. The 2026 State of the American Teacher Survey, which included 829 teachers, revealed that nearly all respondents provided some form of mental health support during the 2025–26 school year. The report, “Difficulty Supporting Student Mental Health Strains Teacher Well-Being,” highlighted that this additional responsibility increases emotional demands on teachers, leading to higher levels of job-related stress, depression, and burnout. Elizabeth D. Steiner, a RAND senior policy researcher and coauthor of the report, said, “The challenge is that teachers say students need more mental health supports and are trying to provide them amid limited resources and a growing set of challenges.” She emphasized that schools can alleviate this burden by connecting students and families with appropriate resources.

HIGHER EDUCATION

California's education future at stake

California's next governor will face significant challenges in managing the state's public higher education system, which is grappling with rising costs and funding uncertainties. With Gov. Gavin Newsom leaving office, the election between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton will determine future budget priorities. Jim Newton, a UCLA lecturer, emphasized that governors can greatly influence campus life, stating: “You almost can’t list the number of ways in which governors can affect​​ life of campuses in the state.” Becerra's campaign lacks specific higher education proposals, while Hilton focuses on affordability and accountability. The next governor's decisions will be crucial in shaping tuition costs and funding levels, especially as California's budget is sensitive to economic fluctuations. Valerie Lundy-Wagner noted that affordability will be a major challenge, urging the next administration to facilitate access to government benefits for students.

California colleges dominate new rankings

California colleges and universities continue to excel, with a recent ranking by TIME and Statista highlighting their achievements. The ranking evaluated 500 institutions based on student outcomes, learning environment, and attractiveness, with student outcomes accounting for 75% of the total score. Stanford University topped the list, followed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvey Mudd College. Notably, Claremont McKenna College ranked ninth, surpassing Harvard University, which came in tenth. "Some prestigious but lesser-known colleges beat big-name universities," showcasing the strength of California's educational institutions.

INTERNATIONAL

Japanese students enjoy reading but read less

A nationwide survey has revealed a significant gap between Japanese children's enthusiasm for reading and the time they actually spend doing it. According to research by the Hakuhodo Foundation Child Research Institute, 69.3% of elementary and junior high school students say they enjoy reading, including 12.8% who describe themselves as loving books. However, 55.2% spend less than an hour reading each week, while 17.4% do not read books at all, meaning 72.6% spend less than an hour a week reading. Fewer than 30% read for at least an hour weekly. The survey, conducted in August among 1,200 children and their parents, also found that junior high school students are less likely to enjoy reading and devote less time to books than younger students. The findings were released during Japan's national reading promotion campaign, which runs through November 9.
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