Topic

Policy & Finance

While California’s Local Control Funding Formula shifted control over budgeting and decision making from the state to local districts, the state and federal government still retain authority over setting broad education and school finance policies. In this section, find articles about pressing challenges to California’s education system, the state’s education reforms, how school districts are implementing them, and their impact.

College & Careers

September 25, 2020

Incoming California State University leader to take the helm at a “special moment” to address inequality

Joseph I. Castro begins to identify his priorities as the new chancellor of the 23-campus California State University System in a Q & A. He’s the first native Californian, first Mexican American and first CSU president promoted to the position.

Ashley A. Smith

Policy & Finance

September 23, 2020

West Contra Costa Unified expected to break even this year after major budget cuts

The West Contra Costa Unified School District is expected to break even this year after making around $30 million in ongoing budget cuts and dipping into its reserves and retiree benefits trust. Though the district is in a better financial position than it was, more cuts could be on the horizon in the next three years as the national recession worsens.

Ali Tadayon

State Education Policy

September 22, 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

Special Education

September 18, 2020

For California’s new head of special education, ‘nothing is insurmountable’

Heather Calomese talks to EdSource about distance learning, social justice and the future of special education.

Carolyn Jones

Elections and Education

September 16, 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

Local Control Funding Formula

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

Early Learning

September 15, 2020

Fearing distance learning, many parents opt for preschool instead of kindergarten

Some parents are also opting for preschool because a more familiar environment offers comfort during the pandemic.

Zaidee Stavely

State Board of Education

September 11, 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.

John Fensterwald

Special Reports

September 10, 2020

The next big hurdle: California schools grapple with how, when or if to reopen campuses

Safety protocols, potential lawsuits, input from parents and teachers are among the factors districts must weigh.

EdSource staff

Special Reports

September 10, 2020

California superintendents navigate how to reopen campuses while keeping students, teachers safe

Complicated, ever-shifting set of unique factors will affect school reopening plans.

EdSource staff

Credentialing

September 2, 2020

Lawmakers fail to pass bills reducing number of tests for teachers by legislative deadline

Three bills that would have allowed California teachers to take fewer tests to prove they are ready to teach died Monday.

Diana Lambert

Legislation

September 2, 2020

Legislature fixes funding problem for growing districts and some charter schools

Districts and charter schools that can prove they planned to grow will get additional funding in 2020-21 but the deal leaves out online charter schools.