March 18, 2021

Schools chief uses influence to shape policy during pandemic, but lacks power to make big decisions

Thurmond felt pressured by county school superintendents to decree all campuses be closed after Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency.

Diana Lambert

March 11, 2021

California schools to get $15.3 billion in federal aid under American Rescue Plan

Altogether, federal funding to the state’s schools from the CARES Act, a second round in December and the new plan totals $28.2 billion.

John Fensterwald

March 11, 2021

Find out how much California school districts and charter schools will get in Covid relief | Database

See how the over $15 billion in new federal aid to California’s K-12 schools will be spent using this interactive database.

Daniel J. Willis And Justin Allen

February 23, 2021

Rising tensions, heated words add pressure to reach a deal soon on reopening California schools

Assembly Budget Committee Chairman Phil Ting says school districts’ criticism of a proposed deal shows they want money but no accountability.

John Fensterwald

February 18, 2021

How will expanded transitional kindergarten roll out?

Early childhood advocates applaud any increase in access to early education, which many see as critical to closing achievement gaps.

Karen D'Souza

February 18, 2021

Gov. Newsom's proposed cost of living increases could stave off cuts for some school districts

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s K-12 education budget proposal includes a cost of living adjustment that allows some districts to avoid cuts next year.

Ali Tadayon

February 9, 2021

Gov. Newsom calls for closing big ‘loophole’ in school funding for high-needs students

Districts have carried over unspent money intended for high-needs students to use however they want. The governor says the practice must end.

John Fensterwald

February 1, 2021

Let’s leverage the pandemic to make our education system fairer

State must enhance flexibility and resources for school districts even after students return to campus.

Chris D. Funk

January 29, 2021

California teachers union wants schools in ‘purple’ counties to stay closed for 100 days; vaccinations for staff

The teachers union wants most California schools to remain closed for 100 days while the state comes up with a plan to slow the spread of the virus and vaccinate school staff.

Diana Lambert

January 20, 2021

More school organizations urge revising Gov. Newsom’s reopening plan

Some school boards and administrators predict there’ll be few takers for extra funding due to the burdens of testing and labor negotiations.

John Fensterwald

January 15, 2021

Investing in college success: Perspectives on Gov. Newsom’s higher ed budget

Leaders representing all segments of California's education system share their reactions to the governor’s budget proposals.

Andrew Reed

January 14, 2021

Newsom opens one-stop Covid information ‘hub’ on reopening schools

Multiple websites will provide data and a hotline on Covid outbreaks for parents, clarify regulations, and offer technical help to districts.

John Fensterwald

January 13, 2021

To help get kids back in school, California should temporarily suspend local collective bargaining

Gov. Newsom should sit down with union leaders to negotiate a safe statewide reopening of all public schools for in-person instruction.

Carl Cohn

January 13, 2021

In the right direction? Perspectives on Gov. Newsom’s education budget

Leaders representing all segments of California’s education system share their reactions to the governor’s early education and K-12 budget proposals.

Andrew Reed

January 8, 2021

Newsom proposes increased funding to California’s colleges and universities to mitigate Covid-19 impact

Higher education leaders in California mostly praised Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget proposal, which offsets some of last year's cuts.

Michael Burke And Ashley A. Smith