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California
5th June 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Experts call for greater investment in school principal training

A new report from the Learning Policy Institute argues that effective school principals are one of the most important, yet often overlooked, factors in addressing many of education’s most pressing challenges, including teacher retention, student achievement, chronic absenteeism, and school culture. The report, The Principal Effect: How Investing in School Leaders Is Key to Solving Education's Challenges, synthesizes research showing that strong principals improve academic outcomes by fostering teacher collaboration, providing instructional coaching, involving educators in goal-setting, and creating positive working environments. These conditions help retain teachers, improve school stability, and support stronger student performance. Linda Darling-Hammond, the report’s lead author and chief knowledge officer at the Learning Policy Institute, said policymakers have historically underinvested in leadership development despite evidence of its impact. The report highlights examples of more comprehensive principal development programs in places such as Delaware and Chicago, where aspiring school leaders receive structured training, mentoring, and year-long internships under experienced principals.

TITLE IX

Title IX & State-by-State Sexual Harassment Compliance Requirements

Preparing for the upcoming school year? Vector Solutions’ state-by-state guide helps districts better understand Title IX, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment training requirements. Use it to review reporting and prevention mandates, align role-specific training, and simplify compliance tracking before the school year begins.

Download Guide

 

NATIONAL NEWS

FCC reviews $3bn internet subsidy

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reviewing its $3bn annual E-Rate program, which subsidizes internet access for schools and libraries, amid rising concerns about excessive screen time for children. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated that the commission is launching a comprehensive review, with a proposal expected soon. He noted that states are already addressing screen time issues, with some districts reducing device usage for younger students. The Department of Health and Human Services recently issued a warning about the dangers of excessive screen use, urging parents to limit their children's screen time. The FCC is seeking public input on the program's effectiveness and its alignment with Congress' goals, as it considers potential reforms or even the program's termination.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Schools to strengthen e-bike safety policies

School districts across the United States are introducing stricter rules for student e-bike use as the growing popularity of the vehicles has been accompanied by rising numbers of crashes, injuries, and traffic concerns. Districts are increasingly grappling with how to safely manage e-bikes, which can travel at speeds of up to 28 mph and are often subject to limited regulation. Safety concerns are being reinforced by new research showing a sharp increase in pediatric e-bike injuries. A California emergency department treated 201 children for e-bike-related injuries in 2025, compared with just one case in 2021, with e-bike accidents becoming the leading cause of trauma-related emergency room visits at one children's hospital.

Tragedy strikes graduation celebration

An 18-year-old was killed and three others, including an 11-year-old, were injured in a shooting that occurred after a graduation ceremony at Fairfield High School in Solano County. The incident took place around 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, following a Sem Yeto Continuation High School graduation. Police reported that the wounded individuals, aged 11, 20, and 25, were receiving treatment at local hospitals. No arrests had been made as of Thursday morning. Officer Michelle Belyea of the Fairfield Police expressed concern over the incident, stating: “Obviously it’s a very scary incident when something like this does happen, especially during the time of a school event.” The status of other scheduled graduations in Fairfield remains uncertain.

GOVERNANCE

Camacho takes lead in education race

Hector Camacho Jr. has taken the lead in the San Mateo County Board of Education superintendent race, with his vote share rising from 49.52% to 50.57% after the counting of 8,911 additional ballots. The updated totals show Camacho with 37,233 votes and Chelsea Bonini with 36,395 votes. Initially, Bonini appeared poised for victory, but the new results have cast doubt on the outcome. If Bonini wins, questions about her qualifications may arise, as she lacks the full credentials required by state law for the position. Camacho, currently an executive director in the county Board of Education office, meets the necessary qualifications. The superintendent oversees 291 employees and manages a budget of approximately $115m, with a salary of $362,911, according to pay records.

LAUSD incumbents dominate sleepy elections

In the recent Los Angeles USD elections, incumbents Rocio Rivas, Kelly Gonez, and Nick Melvoin are poised for reelection, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Political Science Professor Fernando Guerra from Loyola Marymount University described the elections as “the sleepiest in a decade,” attributing the lack of competition to declining political forces. Rivas, backed by the teachers' union, represents a largely Eastside district, while Melvoin, supported by a charter school-friendly businessman, focuses on the Westside. Gonez ran unopposed in the east San Fernando Valley. The results suggest the board will continue to oppose charter schools and maintain a unified stance on policies, including support for immigrants and the status of Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, who remains on administrative leave.

New principal named for Fountain Valley High

The Huntington Beach UHSD has announced that Casey Harelson will be the new principal of Fountain Valley High, succeeding the retiring Paul Lopez. Harelson, currently the assistant principal of guidance, is awaiting approval from the HBUHSD board. Harelson, a graduate of Marina High, holds a bachelor's degree in linguistics from UC Berkeley and a master's in education from UC Irvine. 

Santa Rosa City Schools welcomes new leader

Monica Thomas has been appointed as the new superintendent of Santa Rosa City Schools, succeeding Lisa August Hulme, who served as interim since April 2025. With over 20 years of experience in the Oakland USD, Thomas has held various roles, including deputy chief of continuous improvement. "I am honored to serve the Santa Rosa City Schools community," Thomas said, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in education.

DISTRICTS

San Francisco schools expand special education

San Francisco USD is launching a new program to support elementary and high school students with autism and intellectual disabilities. Set to open in the Edwin and Anita Lee Building, the program will provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support for students in grades five through twelve with Individualized Education Programs. Superintendent Maria Su said the initiative aims to "help us better serve students with extensive support needs here in San Francisco." The program will initially feature two classrooms for eight students each, with plans to expand to four classrooms by the 2027-28 academic year. This development is part of SFUSD's effort to reduce reliance on non-public schools and ensure that students receive necessary services closer to home. Vanita Louie from the Chinatown Rotary Club emphasized that the program will "provide a lifeline for students and families" seeking quality education.

Glendale USD and GTA strike wage deal

The Glendale USD and Glendale Teachers Association (GTA) have reached a tentative agreement for the 2026-27 school year, featuring a 2% ongoing wage increase starting July 1, 2026, and a 1% one-time payment in November 2026. This marks the second consecutive year that negotiations have concluded before the school year begins. The agreement also includes updates on employee support, instructional practices, and workplace safety. Notably, it addresses the use of artificial intelligence in schools, ensuring that AI cannot replace educator roles without consent. "The District’s commitment to promptly investigate and address reported unsafe conditions" is also reaffirmed, alongside enhanced protections for employees affected by immigration issues. The GTA membership will vote on ratifying the agreement, followed by a vote from the GUSD Board of Education for final approval.

LEGAL

Principal Killian faces serious allegations

Principal Nicole Killian of Pajaro Middle School is facing serious allegations of failed leadership and misconduct, as the Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers Local 1936 recently held a vote of no confidence against her. The union claims that Killian has ignored safety threats and fostered a hostile work environment, claiming: "Nicole Killian has not only ignored this foundation, but dismantled it." Concerns have been raised about her handling of threats, including a student’s message that included "change my grade or I'll shoot you." The union also criticized Killian for not completing investigations into threats and for poor communication with staff. Brandon Diniz, president of the union, stressed the importance of accountability, saying: "We feel compelled to hold them accountable because we feel it's the best interest of our students and staff." The district is reportedly in discussions to address these complaints.

FINANCE

SMMUSD adopts new budget forecasting

The Santa Monica-Malibu USD Board of Education reviewed the 2025-2026 Third Budget Revision on May 19, implementing a more rigorous, data-driven financial forecasting method. Gerardo Cruz, SMMUSD assistant superintendent of business services, said: "This year, we are taking a more rigorous, data-driven approach to our year-end projections." The revision indicates a projected total general fund revenue of approximately $153.2m, with a variance of $72,151 from the previous budget. Total unrestricted general fund expenditures decreased to $160.1m, while restricted expenditures increased to $79.7m. Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton clarified that these adjustments do not equate to budget cuts but rather a more accurate accounting of expenses. 

Learn from past parcel tax defeat

The Palo Alto USD must learn from its recent parcel tax defeat, according to former school board member Mandy Lowell. "People here want to support education. So if they know that money is going to affect students and teachers in the classroom, they will support it," she said. The failed $800 tax, which aimed to raise $14.6m annually, faced significant opposition from former board members who argued the district is financially stable. Lowell emphasized the importance of a proactive campaign, suggesting that the "yes" campaign could enhance its outreach through more lawn signs, community meetings, and reminders. She noted that not all expenses decrease with declining enrollment, as schools still require essential programs.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Manteca schools gear up for students

As Manteca Unified prepares for the return of 25,000 students on August 6, a significant amount of maintenance work is underway. With 180 custodians and 60 maintenance workers tackling projects across 29 campuses, the district is focused on maintaining its 2.6m square feet of facilities, which have a replacement cost exceeding $1bn. Key projects include roofing replacements at Joshua Cowell School and Lathrop High gym, as well as flooring replacements at Stella Brockman and George Komure Schools. Grounds maintenance involves tree care and irrigation improvements, while custodial efforts include deep cleaning and minor repairs.
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