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California Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed a significant restructuring of California's education governance, aiming to centralize oversight of the Department of Education. The initiative seeks to unify the policymaking State Board of Education with the department responsible for implementing educational policies, thereby enhancing alignment from early childhood through college. Newsom said: "California can no longer postpone reforms that have been recommended regularly for a century. These critical reforms will bring greater accountability, clarity, and coherence to how we serve our students and schools." The proposal, which has the backing of such organizations as the California Association of School Business Officials, is based on recommendations from a 2002 report titled “California's Master Plan for Education,” which criticized the state's fragmented governance. The current budget allocates $137.6bn for education, the highest per-pupil funding in state history, and aims to ensure these investments lead to improved educational outcomes statewide.

 

CalMatters

EdSource

Los Angeles Times

The Sacramento Bee

The recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has removed several vaccines from the recommended list for children, potentially leading to confusion among families and schools. Vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and whooping cough remain mandatory, while others, including the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, are now recommended only after consultation with a healthcare provider—a process termed “shared clinical decision-making.” Richard Hughes, a vaccine-law expert, emphasized the importance of school vaccination requirements, commenting: “Because we compel people to go to school, it's a mechanism that we have to protect the entire population from all of these diseases.” The changes have prompted some states to reject the new guidelines, maintaining alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations. This conflicting messaging may lead to increased mistrust in vaccines, as noted by Lynn Nelson, president of the National Association of School Nurses: “It's just going to sow more mistrust and the idea that vaccines are optional.” Schools are encouraged to prepare fact sheets to clarify vaccination requirements for parents.

 

Education Week News

Sacramento City USD is investigating Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Cindy Tao following allegations of fiscal mismanagement from an anonymous group within her department. The whistleblowers claim Tao presented incomplete budgetary information and hired unqualified friends for key roles. They stated: “Fiscal oversight cannot function effectively if the District's primary financial department is led by an individual whose actions repeatedly conflict with Board direction.” The district has hired a third-party firm to investigate the claims, which come amid a looming $125m deficit. Tao, who has been with the district since December 2022, denies the allegations, calling them “absolutely false.” The investigation is ongoing as the district faces significant financial challenges.

 

The Sacramento Bee

The new Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academy campus in Sausalito was unveiled after over two years of construction, celebrating its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by more than 100 people. LaResha Huffman, the district superintendent, expressed her excitement, stating, “It is amazing,” especially as the opening coincides with Dr. King's birthday month. The $33m project was funded by the $41.6m Measure P bond approved by voters in 2020. The campus features modern classrooms and facilities designed to foster learning and community engagement. Former district superintendent Itoco Garcia remarked that the development "is going to be an absolute jewel for the Sausalito Marin City community.” The project also includes plans for a baseball field, marking a significant milestone for the district after years of challenges.

 

Press Democrat

Over 58,000 children in Merced County have access to funds for post-secondary education through California's CalKIDS program, part of a $2bn investment by the state. “It's the easiest scholarship they'll ever get,” said CalKIDS Executive Director Cassandra DiBenedetto. Eligible students, identified as low-income, can receive up to $1,500, with additional funds for those experiencing homelessness or in foster care. The program aims to encourage early identification of college aspirations among students. “It's really to have students identify themselves early on as college-goers,” DiBenedetto noted. All babies born in California after July 1, 2022, also have funds set aside for their education. The accounts accrue interest and can be accessed at age 17, providing a significant boost for students pursuing various educational paths.

 

Chalkbeat

Merced Sun Star

Several schools in Yuba County were placed on lockdown following a reported threat to Yuba Gardens Intermediate School in Olivehurst. The Yuba County Sheriff's Office received a call around 8:30 a.m. regarding the threat. “While there is no evidence at this time of an immediate or credible threat beyond the phone call, we are taking the situation seriously and exercising an abundance of caution,” deputies said. The lockdown was lifted around noon after a thorough investigation revealed no threat. Other schools affected included Lindhurst High School, Johnson Park Elementary, South Lindhurst High School, Ella Elementary, and Olivehurst Elementary, with deputies stationed at each campus to ensure safety.

 

The Sacramento Bee

John Roach has been appointed as the new superintendent of Hacienda La Puente USD following a thorough search. Roach expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I am very grateful for the opportunity to join a dedicated and talented team of professional educators and staff.” With decades of experience in public education, he aims to enhance the district's success and collaboration with community partners. Roach holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Idaho and a master's degree in educational administration from California State University, San Bernardino. His previous roles include assistant superintendent and middle school principal. The appointment follows the departure of former superintendent Alfonso Jiménez, who left in June to lead Culver City USD. The Board of Education approved Roach's appointment on December 11.

 

SGV Tribune

Japan’s plan to effectively eliminate high school tuition from fiscal 2026 is raising concerns among public schools, which fear a shift in student preference toward private institutions. Under the new system, private school subsidies will reach ¥457,200 ($2,916) per student annually, narrowing the cost gap and potentially reducing public school enrolment. Educators warn this could accelerate public school consolidations amid declining student numbers. The education ministry plans to counterbalance the shift with new subsidies and reforms aimed at enhancing the appeal of public schools. 

 

The Japan Times