How Newsom Could Consolidate Education Policy Governance

Written By Olivia McHaney

Governor Newsom has plans to rework the structures by which education policy and curricula is determined in California schools. Details are scarce right now, but it appears that this plan consists of moving power from the state superintendent (elected by voters) to the State Board of Education (appointed by the governor). This move is ostensibly to modernize and streamline management of our education system. The Newsom administration has been planning to change this power structure prior to the State of the State address where he announced it. The Policy Analysis for California Education think tank recommended just this remedy weeks earlier.

Power consolidation has been proposed numerous times throughout California’s history, dating back to the 1920s. Previously, similar measures have been opposed by the California Teachers’ Association and the California School Boards Association. In this current iteration, relevant groups such as CTA and CSBA are requesting to see the actual bill language before signing on, but are inclined to support.

Laure Andrillon for CalMatters

Olivia McHaney
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