June 14, 2019

Pension relief, special education funding highlight Gov. Newsom's budget

Governor goes beyond minimum required under Proposition 98 to absorb $3.1 billion in districts' pension payments and address teacher shortage.

John Fensterwald

June 11, 2019

Statewide messages in aftermath of LA parcel tax’s defeat

The failure of Measure EE underscores how hard it is to capture a two-thirds majority needed for approval of a parcel tax and the challenges ahead to pass a 'split-roll' initiative to raise businesses' property taxes.

John Fensterwald

June 7, 2019

Gov. Newsom’s task force recommends more discretion to deny charter schools

The group reached a consensus on giving school districts the power to consider the “saturation” by and the academic need for charter schools.

John Fensterwald

June 7, 2019

Charter schools cost East Bay district nearly $1,000 per student, report asserts

Charter school association says report, commissioned by the West Contra Costa Unified School District, is “pure propaganda.”

Theresa Harrington

May 29, 2019

Obstacles deter many California child care providers from building, expanding facilities

Proposals by Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislators would provide financial aid and ease the permitting process.

Zaidee Stavely

May 28, 2019

California governor and lawmakers at odds over new special education funding

Legislators and advocates for students with disabilities praise the big increase that Gov. Newsom proposes for special education but reject his idea for spending it.

John Fensterwald

May 21, 2019

Oakland Unified's budget woes now include loss of two fiscal officers

District is working with fiscal experts from the Alameda County Office of Education as it seeks an interim CFO to help stabilize financial practices.

Theresa Harrington

May 20, 2019

California's complex formulas limit options to close funding gap

The solution for schools isn't as simple as passing a new tax, researcher says.

Jennifer Imazeki

May 20, 2019

Majority of California voters favor tax increase on millionaires to fund schools, poll finds

Six in 10 California voters say they would support a 2020 ballot initiative that would raise at least $11 billion for K-12 schools and community colleges in the state, a new poll shows.

Sydney Johnson

May 15, 2019

‘Inconvenient truths’ missing from Oakland report on charter schools

Charter schools did not cause Oakland’s problems and preventing more students from choosing charter schools will not fix them, researchers say.

Robin Lake and Ashley Jochim

May 14, 2019

State budget proposal would fund computer science coordinator, broadband expansion

Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing $15 million to expand broadband internet to more schools and an additional $1 million to hire a state computer science coordinator as a “down payment” on a comprehensive plan to provide access to computer science classes to all California students.

Diana Lambert

May 10, 2019

Teacher shortage, early education targeted in Gov. Newsom’s California budget revision

Newsom proposes funding for subsidized childcare, disabled students and a loan program for special education, math and science teachers.

John Fensterwald

May 10, 2019

California governor expands commitments to young children, low-income families

Gov. Newsom adds funds for childcare vouchers, expanded preschool for low-income children, though not as quickly as planned.

Zaidee Stavely

May 9, 2019

Gov. Newsom proposes $90 million in scholarships for new teachers in revised budget

Gov. Newsom proposes more K-12, community college funds; loan forgiveness for new special education, math and science teachers.

John Fensterwald

May 8, 2019

California moves to get more K-12 students into computer science classes

More California K-12 students at all grade levels could have access to computer science classes if schools implement a plan unanimously approved by the State Board of Education Wednesday.

Diana Lambert