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California
1st May 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Candidates clash over education priorities

In California's gubernatorial race, education is a divisive topic among candidates, each presenting distinct visions. Matt Mahan, a former middle school teacher, emphasized the need for accountability, noting: "Too many California students are not meeting basic benchmarks in reading and math." Steve Hilton, the front-runner, advocates for strict teacher accountability and has criticized the current education system as a "scandal". Other candidates, like Tom Steyer, propose increased funding through taxes on the wealthy, while Chad Bianco focuses on expanding career technical education. The election is crucial as the next governor may gain more control over the California Department of Education, potentially reshaping educational policies. With 61 candidates vying for the position, the primary on June 2 will determine the top contenders for the November 3 general election.

DIGITAL CURRICULUM

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WORKFORCE

Teachers return after tumultuous strike

The Little Lake City School District teachers resumed classes after a 10-day strike over mid-year healthcare changes, which they argued resulted in significant pay cuts. The Little Lake Education Association demanded smaller class sizes, more support for special education, and fully paid healthcare. Superintendent Jonathan Vasquez stated that the district could no longer afford to fully fund employee healthcare benefits due to declining enrollment. Following a tense negotiation period, the district agreed to cover 90% of health benefits, provide additional support for special education teachers, and not increase class sizes. Each teacher will also receive a $1,000 bonus. District officials expressed gratitude for the community's resilience, stating, “We recognize the strain this situation has placed on teachers, staff, students, and families.”

Zuckerberg's school faces massive layoffs

The Primary School, founded by Mark Zuckerberg and Dr. Priscilla Chan, is set to lay off 147 employees as it prepares for permanent closure this summer. The layoffs, effective June 30, will primarily impact the East Palo Alto campus, where 100 employees will lose their jobs. The school, which opened in 2016 with support from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, aimed to provide tuition-free education and health services to low-income families. As the school winds down, leaders have pledged to assist families in transitioning to new educational options. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has committed $50m to support affected students and families, although the reasons for the school's closure remain undisclosed.

GOVERNANCE

Principals demand urgent school reforms

In a significant move, over 60 Oakland principals have expressed serious concerns regarding the dire conditions in their classrooms, urging district leaders to close schools and appoint a permanent superintendent. In a letter addressed to the school board and interim Superintendent Denise Saddler, the principals highlighted issues related to district finances, stating: "We spend more money per pupil than most other districts in California; however, our decisions as a district have resulted in a structural deficit and cash-strapped schools." They emphasized that these financial struggles contribute to 70% of students reading below grade level. The principals are calling for swift action to replace Saddler with a permanent leader, as district officials have yet to respond to their concerns.

Cancy McAarn named permanent superintendent

Cancy McArn has been appointed as the permanent superintendent of the Sacramento City USD, following her interim role after the unexpected resignation of former superintendent Lisa Allen in February. McArn, who has dedicated 30 years to the district, began her career as an elementary school teacher in 1997 and has held various positions, including chief human resources officer since 2013.

LEGAL

Los Angeles USD pays $30.5m to victims

The Los Angeles USD has agreed to pay $30.5m to 19 additional students who claimed they were victims of Mark Berndt, a convicted serial child molester. This brings the total compensation related to his crimes to over $200m. The alleged abuse occurred at Miramonte Elementary School between 1988 and 2011, with claims of sexual harassment and molestation. Attorney Morgan Stewart said: “Fourteen years later, victims are still coming forward, and that is remarkable.” The district is now seeking to limit future settlements through legislative changes. Berndt, who taught at Miramonte from 1979 to 2011, is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence for his crimes. The ongoing litigation reflects a broader trend of increased claims against public entities in California, with over $700m in settlements paid out so far.

Tao cleared of financial mismanagement

Cindy Tao, the financial officer of the Sacramento City USD, has been cleared of allegations of fiscal mismanagement following an investigation by an external law firm. The report found seven of the eight allegations against her unsubstantiated, with the sole substantiated claim relating to office culture rather than financial misconduct. "The financial woes of the District... should be clear from this report that Ms. Tao was neither in a position to dictate... policy decisions," said Barry J. Bennett, Tao's lawyer. Despite the findings, the investigation revealed significant internal issues within the business department, including low morale and high stress among staff due to the ongoing financial crisis. The district continues to face challenges as it navigates a structural deficit that threatens its stability.

DISTRICTS

San Francisco schools face major changes

Dr. Maria Su, Superintendent of the San Francisco USD, announced plans to potentially close some schools by fall 2030 while revamping the district's student assignment lottery system. "We are ready for this," Su said, emphasizing the need for change after years of attempts. The district faces 14,000 empty seats and declining enrollment, prompting the need for closures and mergers. The new assignment system aims to provide families with more predictability while maintaining school choice. Su noted: "Everywhere I go the one thing parents complain about the most is how difficult it is to come to SFUSD." The district plans to implement changes by the 2029-2030 school year, with a focus on addressing the challenges of the current system.

Drama program stays intact for 2026

The Oakdale High drama program will continue unchanged for the 2026-27 academic year, as confirmed by Oakdale Joint Unified Superintendent Larry Mendonca during the April board meeting. “OHS drama will still continue as it was before,” Mendonca said, ensuring that students can participate in after-school activities without needing to enroll in a specific drama class. This announcement follows concerns raised during the March meeting about potential changes to a block class schedule that would eliminate after-school participation.

Chavez Middle School to be renamed

Planada Elementary School District Superintendent José L. González announced that Cesar E. Chavez Middle School will be renamed following serious allegations against Chavez, including sexual abuse and rape. Discussions about the name change began after a New York Times article surfaced in March. A public survey garnered nearly 500 responses, with 62% supporting the change. 

New field honors Kobe and Gianna

The Pasadena USD has accepted a $2m donation from the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation to construct a new synthetic softball field at John Muir High School, named the "Kobe and Gianna Bryant Field." Construction is set to begin after the spring season, with completion expected in August, according to Muir athletic director Alfredo Resendiz, who said: "They're expected to work fast." The project aims to replace the current unsafe field conditions, which have been criticized by players and parents.

Canyon Cobras and Fullerton Redhawks debut

California schools Canyon and Fullerton are set to change their mascots in compliance with the California Racial Mascots Act, which mandates the removal of Native American team names. Fullerton principal Jon Caffrey said the decision followed a two-year process involving discussions with Native American representatives, leading to the selection of the Redhawks as the new mascot. "The groups unanimously requested that Fullerton make the change," Caffrey said. Canyon will adopt the Cobras as its new mascot, featuring a striking snake logo. Both schools aim to implement these changes by the 2026-27 school year, with a deadline of July 1 for compliance. Schools operated by tribal organizations are exempt from this law.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Pertussis outbreak hits Pasadena school

Pasadena is currently investigating a pertussis outbreak at Don Benito Fundamental School, which has infected four individuals, officials said. Pertussis, or whooping cough, presents symptoms similar to a cold, including a worsening cough that can lead to gasping and difficulty breathing. The Pasadena Public Health Department urged residents to stay updated on their pertussis vaccinations and to consult healthcare providers if they experience persistent coughs. Pertussis is highly contagious and can take five to 21 days for symptoms to manifest after exposure. California has seen a surge in pertussis cases, with 2,912 reported in 2024, up from 2,442 in the previous year.
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