In conclusion
President Donald Trump’s policy changes and budget cuts, including as the deconstruction of the U.S. Department of Education and heightened immigration enforcement, will require the next superintendent to respond.
Greetings from CalMatters, the only nonprofit news organization dedicated exclusively to reporting on topics that impact all Californians. To get the most recent information and analysis on the most significant topics in the Golden State, sign up for WhatMatters.
The competition for the position of top school in the state is getting more and more competitive as California escalates its conflict with the Trump Administration.
Anthony Rendon, a former speaker of the Assembly, formally entered the contest today to become the next State Superintendent of Public Instruction, replacing Tony Thurmond. He is one of several state legislators and local school board members running to succeed Thurmond, who leaves in 2026 after serving for eight years.
The issues facing the next state superintendent are formidable. Responding to President Donald Trump’s financial cuts and policy changes, such as the destruction of the US Department of Education and heightened immigration enforcement, may be the top priority. According to the Children’s Partnership, a nonprofit organization that advocates for policies, those regulations will have a significant effect on thousands of California’s 5.8 million K–12 pupils, at least 20% of whom have at least one parent who is not legally recognized.
Morgan Polikoff, a professor of education at the University of Southern California, stated that there is little doubt that the Trump administration will continue to use K–12 education as a weapon. As districts continue to oppose the Trump administration, the state superintendent can act as a buffer, guiding them through budget cuts and policy changes. It is crucial that California continues to fight.
From the classroom to the Legislature
Rendon, a Lakewood Democrat, served as speaker for the final eight of his twelve years in the legislature. Rendon, who began his career as an early education administrator, made transitional kindergarten a top focus. The state also added a new grade and nearly increased its K-12 funding during his time as speaker.
Rendon, a former UC regent, stated that he would work at the state level to push for greater financing and accountability while also attempting to shield California institutions from Trump’s policies, especially those pertaining to immigration.
According to Rendon, California boasts the world’s top public universities. We also need the world’s top K–12 educational institutions.
Vague job duties
California’s school system has a hazy structure. Although the superintendent has the least amount of authority, the governor, legislature, and state board of education all share responsibilities. Although the California Department of Education is supervised by the superintendent, the state also maintains a system of local authority, giving local school boards considerable discretion over day-to-day operations. With limited authority, superintendents frequently have to balance the demands of at least a dozen parties.
Former Assemblyman Kevin McCarty introduced a bill in 2023 that would have completely prohibited state superintendent elections, making the position governor-appointed, as it is in 41 other states.
According to Julie Marsh, a professor at USC and executive faculty director for the research center Policy Analysis for California Education, state superintendent can still be a significant position while having relatively little authority. Notwithstanding the challenges, the state superintendent has a broad platform to have a positive impact while managing the biggest and most intricate school system in the country.
They can assist in setting the agenda, but they are unable to make policy. According to Marsh, they may utilize their bully pulpit to uphold the principles and policies that the vast majority of Californians favor.
Muratsuchi jumps in
The head of the Assembly’s education committee, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, is also a candidate for superintendent. Muratsuchi, a former president of the Torrance Unified school board and an adjunct professor at El Camino Community College, has a long history of supporting educational institutions.
He is the author of several school measures, such as AB 477, which would enhance state spending for education and raise teacher and other school staff compensation, and AB 49, which would make it more difficult for immigration officials to enter schools. Additionally, he was the primary sponsor of Proposition 2, a $10 billion bond for school buildings that was approved last year.
Read Next
Trump canceled millions in California school grants. The state is suing to reclaim the money
Muratsushi stated that he would continue to oppose the Trump administration and advocate for further funds in his role as state superintendent.
Muratsuchi, a Democrat from Torrance, stated that the state superintendent, who is California’s highest elected education official, should have a solid track record of opposing Trump’s attacks on public education and our most vulnerable pupils. I think I am that individual.
Newman enters race
Muratuchi’s former state Senate colleague is also a candidate for superintendent.In addition to opposing Trump, Fullerton Democrat Josh Newman, who chaired the Senate education committee from 2023 to 2024, stated that he would prioritize improving civics education, reviving the Department of Education, and addressing students’ physical and emotional health.
He stated that compliance and accountability ought to come first.
According to Newman, California has seen significant funding increases for the past 20 years, yet neither test scores nor the achievement gap have decreased in tandem.
That suggests a systemic problem in which the Department of Education and the superintendent need to take a more active role.
Shaw looks beyond Chino
The president of the Chino Valley school board, Sonja Shaw, gained national attention for her efforts to mandate that school personnel inform parents if a student identifies as transgender. Thurmond really went to a board meeting in the Chino Valley to protest the motion, and she had him escorted out by police.
Shaw is now vying for Thurmond’s position, claiming she wants to battle all the way across the state.
Shaw, a Republican, stated that parents want schools to emphasize reading, writing, and math rather than social justice and LGBTQ ideology. We can fight this battle past Chino, in my opinion.
Nichelle Henderson and Andra Hoffman, two candidates from the Los Angeles Community College District, are among the others who have submitted preliminary documentation to the Secretary of State.
The annual salary for the state superintendent post is $194,587.
Read More
Trump wants to cut funding for California schools over one trans athlete. It s not so easy
California schools regain federal money they counted on after Trump releases hold
CalMatters has further information.
Text
Receive breaking news on your mobile device.
Get it here
Use our app to stay up to date.
Register
Get free updates delivered straight to your inbox.
Nonpartisan, independent California news for all
CalMatters is your impartial, nonprofit news source.
Our goal remains crucial, and our journalists are here to empower you.
-
We are independent and nonpartisan.
Our trustworthy journalism is free from partisan politics, free from corporate influence and actually free for all Californians. -
We are focused on California issues.
From the environment to homelessness, economy and more, we publish the unfettered truth to keep you informed. -
We hold people in power accountable.
We probe and reveal the actions and inactions of powerful people and institutions, and the consequences that follow.
However, without the help of readers like you, we are unable to continue.
Give what you can now, please. Every gift makes a difference.
