John Fensterwald
Follow @jfenster EmailJohn Fensterwald, staff writer, joined EdSource in 2012. Before that, he was editor and co-writer for The Educated Guess website, a leading source of California education policy reporting and opinion, which he founded in 2009. For 11 years before then, John wrote editorials for the Mercury News in San Jose, with a focus on education. He worked as a reporter, news editor and opinion editor for three newspapers in New Hampshire before receiving a Knight Fellowship at Stanford University in 1997. His wife is a retired elementary school teacher, and his daughter is a neurology resident at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine.
All articles by John Fensterwald
In ‘remarkable’ turnaround, California schools can expect huge one-time windfall next year, LAO says
The Legislative Analyst’s Office forecasts schools and community colleges can expect a record one-time surplus of $13.1 billion in 2021-22.
John Fensterwald
November 18, 2020
Defeat of Prop. 15 to raise commercial property taxes denies schools more revenue
The first major challenge to Prop. 13’s limit on property taxes would have provided an estimated $2.5 billion to $4.5 billion annually for K-12 schools and community colleges.
John Fensterwald
November 11, 2020
More changes proposed for California’s ethnic studies curriculum to strengthen ‘balance’
State schools chief adds lesson plans for Asian ethnic groups who felt left out and rewords sections to encourage multiple points of view.
John Fensterwald
November 7, 2020
California voters pass most school construction bonds, parcel taxes on ballot
Fewer districts than in past presidential elections bet that voters would approve a tax increase during a pandemic and a recession.
John Fensterwald
November 6, 2020
California’s Proposition 15, to raise commercial property taxes, in tight race
The first effort in 42 years to change Prop. 13 would provide $2.6 billion to $4.6 billion for K-12 schools and community colleges.
John Fensterwald
November 3, 2020
Leading school superintendents ask Gov. Newsom to impose a ‘common standard’ for reopening schools in California
Along with more Covid testing of students, the superintendents want the state to set standards covering all aspects of reopening schools.
John Fensterwald
November 3, 2020
High school teachers in California wary of taking on contentious Biden-Trump election
Distance learning poses additional challenges for teachers willing to help students examine a divisive election filled with misinformation.
John Fensterwald
October 29, 2020
California governor’s Supreme Court nominee wrote opinion derailing adequate school funding case
As an appellate judge, Martin Jenkins concluded the state Constitution doesn’t require minimum funding for schools; that’s for lawmakers to determine.
John Fensterwald
October 14, 2020
Business donors have met their match in battle over Proposition 15’s split-roll tax
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, funded by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, is one of the biggest donors to Yes on Prop. 15.
John Fensterwald And Daniel J. Willis
October 9, 2020
Gov. Newsom vetoes requirement for ethnic studies course in high school
The governor said he favors the concept, but disagreements over the content for the course's model curriculum should be resolved first.
John Fensterwald
October 1, 2020
Quick Guide: Proposition 15, the proposed ’split-roll’ tax on commercial property
Big corporate property owners would pay the bulk of new taxes; opponents claim costs would be borne by small business renters.
John Fensterwald
September 30, 2020
California schools chief’s 'end hate' initiative prompts contrast with President Trump
State Supt. Tony Thurmond’s anti-racism effort involving Simon Wiesenthal Center and others would stress teaching tolerance amid rising incidents of hate.
John Fensterwald
September 22, 2020
California ballot measure to lift ban on affirmative action widely opposed by surveyed voters
Prop. 16 appears in trouble, but voters narrowly support taxing commercial property to raise billions for schools and local governments.
John Fensterwald
September 16, 2020
First big reform of California’s education funding law awaits governor’s signature
The bill, favored by student rights groups, would end a “loophole” allowing districts to freely use unspent money intended for “high-needs” students.
John Fensterwald
September 16, 2020
Gov. Newsom names attorney for dual role as adviser, state education board executive director
Allen has been a civil rights lawyer and deputy education policy director. He’ll juggle two jobs serving both Newsom and the state board.