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California
4th November 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Democratic midterm victories set stage for education oversight battles

Democrats have regained control of Congress following the 2026 midterm elections, positioning them to challenge President Donald Trump's education policies and reshape federal K-12 oversight. At 06:00 EST, the Democrats had 54 Senate seats, compared to 44 for the Republicans, and 228 against 139 in the House, and had also won several gubernatorial contests, including in Texas, where Gina Hinojosa won against Greg Abbott. Lawmakers are expected to push back against the administration's efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, reverse the transfer of major education programs to other federal agencies, and investigate cuts to education research and civil rights enforcement. Proposed priorities include increasing funding for disadvantaged students and special education, improving teacher salaries, expanding preschool access, and strengthening oversight of artificial intelligence in classrooms. Democrats also plan to challenge Trump's federal tax-credit scholarship program, although its adoption by 31 states could complicate repeal efforts. With Trump remaining in office, significant legislative changes will require bipartisan cooperation, potentially creating gridlock. However, education technology regulation and student data protection could provide opportunities for cross-party agreement.

SMARTER BALANCED PREPARATION

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STATE NEWS

Becerra faces major California education reforms

Democrat Xavier Becerra is projected to become California’s next governor after defeating Republican Steve Hilton, inheriting significant education policy and funding challenges. Beginning January 1, a governor-appointed education commissioner will assume management of the California Department of Education, replacing the elected superintendent’s administrative authority. Becerra has not announced his commissioner selection or a comprehensive school improvement strategy but supports tuition-free community colleges, early childhood education, teacher investment and protections for DACA students. The former U.S. health secretary and California attorney general will also confront school district deficits, college affordability and expectations surrounding educational investments established under Gov. Gavin Newsom. His opponent advocated expanded school choice, stricter educator accountability and revised literacy requirements. Endorsed by the California Teachers Association, Becerra faces pressure to sustain educational progress while navigating financial constraints and a significant restructuring of state education governance.

California schools face funding crisis

California schools are facing significant challenges due to declining enrollment and tight budgets. If voters approve Proposition 3, which aims to make a temporary tax permanent, schools could avoid severe revenue cuts. This tax, initially passed in 2012 and renewed in 2016, has generated between $5bn and $15bn annually, contributing up to 15% of overall school revenue. David Goldberg, president of the California Teachers Association, emphasized that the measure is "vital" for protecting schools and teachers' jobs. However, opponents argue that the tax was meant as a temporary solution and making it permanent could drive wealthy residents to relocate, impacting state revenues. As enrollment continues to decline, the future of school funding remains uncertain.

NATIONAL NEWS

Google faces backlash over policy linking student search access to AI adoption

Google has announced plans to disable artificial intelligence (AI) tools by default for K-12 students in early 2027, but also stated that schools prohibiting AI entirely will also lose access to Google Search. The policy gives school administrators greater control over AI adoption while raising concerns about the company's influence over classroom technology. Schools permitting AI will be offered two search options: conventional Google Search with AI-generated overviews and chat features, or Gemini's Guided Learning tool, designed to provide step-by-step educational support. The changes follow growing opposition from parents and educators over academic cheating, misinformation, and the potential effects of AI on students' critical thinking. Former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan criticized Google for leveraging its search dominance to pressure schools into adopting AI, while officials in New York City and Los Angeles have called for greater flexibility. Google maintains that its revised approach will support learning while addressing concerns about unrestricted AI use.

SCOTUS weighs religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights in Colorado preschool case

The U.S. Supreme Court has signaled that it may side with Catholic preschools challenging Colorado's universal pre-K program, which requires participating schools to comply with anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ families. The Archdiocese of Denver and two Catholic parishes argue that the policy unfairly excludes religious institutions from public funding because they require enrolled families to support Catholic teachings, including those concerning same-sex relationships. During oral arguments, most conservative justices appeared sympathetic to the schools' religious freedom claims, while liberal justices warned that granting exemptions could undermine civil rights protections and create broader legal uncertainty. Colorado maintains that religious schools are welcome to participate if they accept all eligible children under the same rules as other providers. The case could have significant implications for religious institutions' access to government-funded education programs and the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws. A ruling is expected by June 2027.

FINANCE

Voters back funding for schools

Voters in the South Bay and Peninsula have shown strong support for additional funding for schools and academic programs, as indicated by early returns. Three measures aimed at addressing financial challenges faced by local districts were on the ballot. Alum Rock Union Elementary School District proposed Measure O, which seeks to raise property taxes to fund academic programs and prevent budget cuts, garnering 71% support. Measure P, also from Alum Rock, aims to secure $100m for campus repairs, currently at 72% support. Meanwhile, Gilroy USD's Measure M, requesting $295m for facility upgrades, is at 50% support. The San Mateo County Community College District's Measure V, seeking $848m for infrastructure improvements, has 64% backing. Supporters argue these measures are essential for maintaining educational quality, while opponents raise concerns about the financial burden on taxpayers.  

Modesto Schools bond measures update

In Tuesday's election, Modesto City Schools' Measure K has gained significant support, with 56.9% of voters in favor, allowing the district to issue up to $250m in bonds. The funds will be allocated for various improvements, including updating classrooms and enhancing access for students with disabilities. "The last time MCS passed a bond measure for its high school district was in 2022 with Measure L," the district noted. Conversely, Sylvan Union's Measure N is trailing with 53.7% support, falling short of the required 55%. This measure aims to authorize $70m in bonds for upgrading classroom instruction and improving campus safety.

WORKFORCE

Modesto teachers prepare strike vote as yearlong pay and class size negotiations stall

Modesto City Schools teachers have moved closer to a potential strike after 12 months of contract negotiations ended without an agreement. The Modesto Teachers Association is preparing to hold a strike authorization vote on Thursday, while both sides enter a fact-finding process involving an independent third party. Teachers have raised concerns about three years without salary increases, uncompetitive pay compared with neighboring districts, and large class sizes. The district's latest proposal includes a 3% salary increase retroactive to July 2025 and another 3% increase for the 2026–27 school year. Although negotiations can continue during fact-finding, an unresolved dispute could eventually allow the union to strike. Any walkout remains some time away, with potential disruption to students and uncertainty over substitute teacher staffing. Both sides have expressed a desire to reach an agreement and avoid interruptions to learning.

Clovis educators push for union vote

Two groups in Clovis USD are moving closer to unionizing educators after the California Public Employment Relations Board confirmed that both petitions have sufficient signatures for an election. Clovis Unified is the largest school district in California without a teachers union. The Association of Clovis Educators (ACE), backed by the California Teachers Association, and the Independent Clovis Unified Educators (ICUE) are competing to represent district teachers. ACE stated: “Educators have been organizing with ACE and making important progress to improve learning conditions for our students.” The labor board will determine which educators are eligible to vote, including whether part-time teachers will be included. Notably, some teachers prefer the district's non-union status, which they believe attracts candidates who favor working without union representation.

GOVERNANCE

Phil Kim secures SFUSD school board seat

Phil Kim has successfully retained his seat on the San Francisco school board, emerging as the first confirmed victor in Tuesday's elections. With an "insurmountable lead" and votes still to be counted, Kim's position appears secure. The remaining seats are still contested, with newcomers Tim Tung and Autumn Brown Garibay trailing behind. Despite endorsements from the local teachers union, candidates like Virginia Cheung, Ryan Hazelton, and Reina Tello are struggling to secure top spots. The newly elected board will face significant challenges, including implementing a controversial school assignment system and addressing potential school closures. Kim emphasized the need for "courage to make these decisions" while focusing on improving student outcomes and ensuring schools are adequately funded. The board's decisions will be crucial as the district navigates a balanced budget and ongoing federal investigations into its policies.

Incumbents lead in Modesto School elections

In the early unofficial results from the Modesto City Schools board elections, incumbents are showing strong leads in several races. Incumbent Cindy Marks is leading challenger Nefi Lopez with 2,473 votes (59.1%) to 1,715 votes (40.9%) in Area 1. Marks, who has served since 1997, emphasized her priorities for the next term, including "student achievement and student learning in a safe, supportive environment." In Area 3, Stephanie Poulsen ran unopposed, while in Area 5, Michelle Tomlinson leads Debra L. Brady with 2,069 votes (52.4%) to 1,883 votes (47.6%). Tomlinson aims to focus on school safety and curriculum transparency. In Area 7, incumbent Adolfo Lopez is ahead of Fabiola Garcia with 789 votes (56.4%). Lopez stated his priorities include "academic achievement" and enhancing support for English learners.

Election excitement in San Luis Obispo

On Election Day, San Luis Obispo County saw a competitive race with 23 candidates vying for seats across four major school districts. In the Lucia Mar USD, 10 candidates competed for four trustee positions, while the San Luis Coastal district had four candidates for two seats. As of 8:15 p.m., early results showed Betty Winholtz trailing incumbent Marilyn Rodger in Trustee Area 1, while Marisa Gomez led in Trustee Area 2. In the Lucia Mar district, Anna Cordero was ahead in Trustee Area 3, and Colleen Martin led in Trustee Area 5. In Paso Robles, Jim Cogan faced a challenge from Thomas Apkarian, with Apkarian leading early results. Voters also considered a $205m school bond, which was trailing with 46% in favor. 

Michele Cantwell-Copher leads Fresno schools race

Michele Cantwell-Copher is currently leading the race for Fresno County schools with 57.52% of the votes, according to early results released around 8 p.m Tuesday. Eimear O'Brien, who previously managed the Clovis Unified School District, has garnered 42.48% of the votes.

Kealing takes lead in Pasadena USD race

Early election results indicate Felita Kealing is leading the Pasadena USD Board of Education Trustee District 1 race, ahead of incumbent Kimberly Kenne by approximately 12 percentage points. In Trustee District 3, Michelle Richardson Bailey is leading Veronica Elias by about 28 percentage points, while Cynthia Torres is ahead of Dennis McNamara by 18 percentage points. The Board has been divided on issues such as school mergers and district transformation, with a recent vote directing Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco to present a transformation process. The vote was split 4-3, similar to previous decisions regarding consolidation. Velázquez did not seek reelection for her District 7 seat, which will be contested by McNamara or Torres, while McKenzie returns as the only qualified candidate in District 5.

Fresno Unified trustee race heats up

Early results from the Fresno Unified trustee race show significant developments, although in-person ballots are still being counted. Area 7 incumbent Susan Wittrup ran unopposed, while the Area 1 race features five candidates, with Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias leading at 42.19% of the votes. Daren Miller follows with 18.93%, and Rizpah Bellard has 15.19%. In Area 3, incumbent Valerie Davis leads with 53.50% against Riley Talford's 45.86%. For Area 4, Karen Steed is ahead with 39.87%, while incumbent Veva Islas has 33.49%.

NUTRITION

USDA announces additional $54m in grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced more than $54m in additional funding to improve school nutrition and modernize K-12 cafeteria facilities through its Harvest to Hallways initiative. The investment includes over $27m in Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants and another $27m in National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Equipment Assistance Grants, supporting the preparation of scratch-made meals using locally sourced ingredients. The latest allocation brings total farm-to-school grant funding offered this year to more than $47m. Equipment grants will provide state agencies with noncompetitive funding for cafeteria improvements, including cold storage, stoves, and modern food preparation equipment. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the initiative aims to strengthen connections between American farmers and schools while improving children's access to nutritious meals, as part of the Trump administration's broader Make America Healthy Again agenda.

INTERNATIONAL

South Korea selects 43 regions for education reform initiative

South Korea's Education Ministry has selected 43 regions for a new education reform initiative aimed at improving small schools, reducing educational disparities, and strengthening cooperation between schools, universities, and local industries. The program, launching in January 2027, will provide government funding, administrative support, and regulatory exemptions for up to five years. Of the selected regions, 32 face population decline and will prioritize school consolidation, shared curricula, and community partnerships, while the remaining 11 will focus on educational inequality and regional workforce development. Participating cities and counties can receive up to ₩2bn ($1.5m) annually, while metropolitan governments may receive up to ₩4bn. Funding will initially cover three years, with a possible two-year extension based on performance. The initiative builds on a 2024 pilot program and forms part of the government's broader strategy to address falling student enrollment, sustain regional education systems, and improve long-term economic opportunities outside major urban centers.
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