
John Fensterwald
John 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
Several options, big decisions loom for funding school construction
A 40-year-old initiative putting a ceiling on state spending may restrict how a budget surplus can be used; one option is capital spending on schools.
John Fensterwald
December 29, 2021
Catholic schools sue LA Unified for gutting funding for their low-income students
The California Department of Education found Los Angeles Unified violated the law in cutting 90% of funding for more than 100 archdiocese schools, and now the diocese is suing the district.
John Fensterwald
December 28, 2021
Researchers urge changes to improve California’s education funding law
Suggestions include confronting disparities in staffing fully qualified teachers and more evenly distributing money for high-needs students.
John Fensterwald
November 24, 2021
$20 billion more projected in early forecast for 2022-23 funding for K-14 schools
Legislative Analyst's Office forecasts rocketing state revenues will provide K-12 schools and community colleges with $102.7 billion.
John Fensterwald
November 17, 2021
How will California districts spend $13.6 billion in federal Covid relief?
American Rescue Plan Act funding imposes few restrictions, although addressing lost learning and underserved students must be priorities.
John Fensterwald
November 15, 2021
State schools chief apologizes to private, parochial school leaders for mishandling federal Covid aid
California schools chief acknowledges "heartburn" and frustration, promises to free up $187 million, largely for urban parochial schools.
John Fensterwald
November 5, 2021
For months, California private schools have been waiting for 'emergency' Covid aid
Delay by the California Department of Education is denying vital services for students, creating a budget squeeze for urban Catholic schools.
John Fensterwald
October 25, 2021
California state auditor urges tighter oversight of how districts spend federal Covid aid
State Auditor Elaine Howle faults California Department of Education for not scrutinizing spending and not doing more audits.
John Fensterwald
October 20, 2021
Projected K-12 drops in enrollment pose immediate upheaval and decade-long challenge
Once past Covid disruptions, many school districts face a long-term predicament: budget cuts forced by projected declines in enrollment.
John Fensterwald
October 18, 2021
Nearly half of money for high-needs students not getting to their schools, analysis finds
Research by the Public Policy Institute of California compares Local Control Funding Formula allocations to school-level spending.
John Fensterwald
October 14, 2021
California becomes first state to require ethnic studies in high school
One year after he vetoed legislation, Gov. Newsom signs bill, also releasing $50 million for districts to create ethnic studies curricula.
John Fensterwald
October 8, 2021
Proposed 2022 California ballot initiative sets stage to define 'high-quality' education
David Welch, who lost a lawsuit challenging teacher tenure, is trying a new tack: a constitutional guarantee for a "high-quality" education.
John Fensterwald
October 8, 2021
Civics proponents urge common ground in battles over ethnic studies
10 civics education leaders criticize “extreme” views of history and ethnic studies, urge learning based on independent, critical thinking.
John Fensterwald
September 28, 2021
Staffing shortage delays ambitious program to extend school day and year in California
Low-income districts have priority funding for a nine-hour day and 30-day summer school; lacking staff, they'll have an extra year to plan.
John Fensterwald
September 23, 2021
Gov. Gavin Newsom resoundingly beats back recall election
Democratic voters rally around the California governor in the closing days of the campaign, in a strong turnout to keep him in office.