Governor Newsom Unveils Plan to Enhance State Education Governance in 2026-27 Budget

California Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled an ambitious plan to reshape the educational governance structure in the state, as part of the proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The initiative aims to implement key recommendations from the Legislature’s 2002 report, California’s Master Plan for Education.

Transforming Education Oversight

The proposed budget seeks to consolidate oversight of the California Department of Education under the State Board of Education. This move is intended to address the fragmented governance of California’s K-12 education system, which has been criticized for its overlapping roles and conflicting operations. Such fragmentation has negatively impacted the educational services provided to students.

Long-Term Need for Reform

The need for reform in California’s education governance has been recognized for over a century. A report from Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE) emphasized that the state could no longer postpone necessary reforms. The upcoming changes are designed to enhance the coordination and alignment of education policies from early childhood through postsecondary education.

Support from Education Leaders

Education leaders throughout California have reacted positively to the Governor’s proposal:

• Dr. Edgar Zazueta, Executive Director of the Association of California School Administrators, stated that the current governance system creates challenges for school leaders. He welcomed the proposal, emphasizing its importance for positive student outcomes.
• Todd Finnell, Imperial County Superintendent of Schools, noted the overdue nature of this proposal and the potential for clear accountability across the public education system.
• Sara Pietrowski, Chief Governmental Relations Officer of the California Association of School Business Officials, expressed her organization’s support for evidence-based policies that foster transparency and accountability.
• Ted Lempert, President of Children Now, highlighted the historical inefficiencies in California’s education governance, urging for essential reform.

Addressing Inequities

Experts have pointed out that California’s fragmented governance contributes to persistent inequities. Christopher J. Nellum from EdTrust-West praised the reforms, advocating for an education system that serves vulnerable populations effectively. Similarly, Martha Hernandez from Californians Together noted the necessity of a coherent governance structure to bridge opportunity gaps.

Investment in Education

Under Governor Newsom’s leadership, the state is prioritizing funding for TK-12 education. The 2025 budget allocated $137.6 billion for public education, setting a record in per-pupil funding. This support includes substantial investments in community schools, transitional kindergarten, and literacy programs.

Key Budget Allocations

• $4.1 billion for community schools to support nearly 2,500 sites in addressing chronic absenteeism and achievement gaps.
• $215 million for literacy programs, enhancing support for students needing targeted interventions.
• Two free meals for every public TK-12 student each school day.

The Governor’s strategy also includes the implementation of reading assessments for students in grades K-2 starting in 2026, ensuring that early reading challenges are identified and addressed swiftly.

The proposed reforms aim to strengthen California’s education governance, enabling a more cohesive approach to managing educational challenges and improving student outcomes effectively. The path forward is clear, with education leaders ready to partner in this essential transformation.