Andy Thorburn

🚨 The state's top education job could change drastically.🚨

Who should be responsible for leading California's public schools—an official elected by voters or appointees selected by the governor? A proposal moving through the Legislature would fundamentally reshape the role of California's elected Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Under the plan, many of the position's administrative powers would shift to a governor-appointed Education Commissioner and the State Board of Education. Supporters say the change would create clearer accountability. Critics argue it would reduce voter control over public education and concentrate more authority in Sacramento.

The revised proposal would give the elected Superintendent a new role focused on oversight, evaluation, and accountability rather than managing the California Department of Education.

California lawmakers have approved a $356 billion state budget that restores hundreds of millions of dollars for healthcare and social services, reversing some of the cuts proposed earlier this year by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

While funding for schools has increased, one major issue remains unresolved: the proposed withholding of $3.9 billion in constitutionally guaranteed Proposition 98 funding for K-12 schools and community colleges.

The Legislature and Governor now have until July 1 to negotiate a final budget agreement. Educators, parents, and school advocates are watching closely to see whether California fulfills its commitment to public education.

📚 Are You in the Know? Strong public schools depend on informed and engaged communities.

The Public School Defenders Hub Resource Library is your free source for tools, legal guidance, research, and advocacy resources designed to help parents, students, educators, and community members navigate the issues impacting public education today.

Whether you're looking for information on:
✅ Student Rights
✅ Safe and Inclusive Schools
✅ School Voucher Proposals
✅ School Board Accountability
✅ Community Organizing Strategies

…the Resource Library has you covered.

Knowledge is power. Explore the resources, stay informed, and help protect strong public schools for every student.

🌐 Visit today: www.cpihub.org

🎓 California students are reaching new milestones! The state's four-year high school graduation rate climbed from 86.4% to 87.5% in 2024–25, while the dropout rate fell from 8.9% to 8.0%. Gains were seen across nearly every student group, including English learners, students with disabilities, foster youth, and historically underserved communities.

Every diploma represents opportunity, perseverance, and the collective work of students, families, educators, and communities. While challenges remain, this progress shows what's possible when California invests in student success.

School board decisions shape our schools, students, and communities. Be informed. Be prepared. Be involved. Join us for Monitors & Observers Training to learn how to engage effectively, understand governance rules, and strengthen public accountability. Register now! 🏫✨

Since January 2025, the Trump administration has initiated investigations and enforcement actions involving schools, universities, and athletic organizations with policies supporting transgender students. The administration argues that these actions enforce federal civil rights laws and its interpretation of Title IX. Critics contend that the investigations pressure institutions to roll back protections for transgender students and rely on legal interpretations that are inconsistent with established civil-rights protections. Several of these policies and enforcement actions are being challenged in court.

On June 6, 1944, more than 156,000 Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy in one of the most consequential battles in human history. Thousands of American soldiers, sailors, flyers, and Marines risked—and many gave—their lives to defeat fascism and preserve the cause of freedom.

Eighty-two years later, we honor their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering belief that democracy is worth defending.

As our nation approaches its 250th birthday, we face the realization that the freedoms they fought to secure in Europe were not available to many Americans at home. Far too many of our people do not yet enjoy a full measure of liberty.

Today, we remember those who landed on the shores of Normandy and all who never came home. We can re-commit ourselves to finishing the work left undone and prove ourselves worthy of the sacrifices made for us.

Celebrate Pride Month! "Love takes off the masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within." — James Baldwin.

Early returns in the race for California Superintendent of Public Instruction show Republican Sonja Shaw with the most votes. If the results hold, she will face Richard Barerra in the November runoff. He is the current President of the San Diego Unified School Board. Judging from the April candidates forum presented by CPI, the majority of candidates spoke in opposition to Shaw’s policies making it unlikely their supporters will vote for her. You can go to ocvote.gov to see how the candidates fared in OC.