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California
12th January 2026
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THE HOT STORY

California schools receive record funding boost in state budget

Gov. Gavin Newsom's 2026-27 state budget reveals a surprising $22bn increase in funding for TK-12 and community colleges, driven by robust tax receipts from artificial intelligence companies. This funding surge will elevate state funding per student under Proposition 98 to a record $20,427, which is an improvement from previous years. Total per student funding, including federal contributions, is set to reach $27,418, a 61% increase since 2018-19. Newsom aims to use this final budget to address past debts, secure ongoing expenses, and support landmark educational programs. "The tension in the coming months will be finding agreement with legislators who will want to strike a different balance," he said, highlighting the challenges ahead.

SAVVAS - STUDENT-CENTERED MATH

Turn Math Into an Active Experience  

Active learning is the foundation of Experience Math® California, a K–8 program designed by Dr. Marian Small to transform classrooms into communities of curious, confident problem solvers. Each lesson engages students in meaningful thinking and discussion, supported by a structure that makes learning hands-on and collaborative:
  • Minds On: An open prompt that sparks curiosity and activates prior knowledge.
  • Action Task: A rich, student-centered task where learners explore ideas, test strategies, and work together.
  • Consolidate: A whole-class discussion that surfaces key mathematical ideas and makes student thinking visible.
With rich tasks, math talks, data investigations, and games woven throughout, the program helps students develop deep conceptual understanding while staying engaged.  

See active learning in action: Download free sample lessons to try in your classroom.

 

STATE NEWS

Thurmond reacts to Newsom's education shift

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond expressed surprise at Governor Newsom's plan to limit his duties. He commented: "It's unclear how this would benefit students and families." Newsom's plan aims to shift oversight of the Department of Education from the superintendent to the State Board of Education, consolidating power with the governor. This change is intended to simplify California's complex K-12 governance structure, which has been criticized for its inefficiency. Advocacy groups support the proposal, but Thurmond and others, including John Affeldt from Public Advocates, question its effectiveness, suggesting it may undermine voter power and lead to unnecessary disruption. 

NATIONAL NEWS

Judge pauses funding freeze on child care subsidies for five Democratic-led states

A federal judge has temporarily stopped the Trump administration from withholding child care subsidies and other social safety-net funding from California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York, granting a 14-day order to maintain the flow of money while the legal challenge proceeds. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian wrote that the states had demonstrated “good cause” for an order “to protect the status quo” while he considers the merits of the case. The states say the sudden freeze, affecting programmes that collectively provide them more than $10bn a year, has already delayed payments and created “operational chaos,” while the Department of Health and Human Services claims it paused funds over concerns benefits were being provided to people in the U.S. illegally, without offering evidence.

DISTRICTS

Rincon Valley school to close

In a significant move, Rincon Valley USD trustees confirmed the closure of an east Santa Rosa Elementary school due to an $8.5m budget deficit. The decision, which has been anticipated for months, aims to address financial challenges within the district. "We are struggling to provide our students with the resources they need," said Superintendent Mike Herfurth. The closure will impact approximately 3,200 students and is part of broader budgetary measures that include potential layoffs and reductions in classified staff. The district is also facing a projected $1.2m deficit for the upcoming year, prompting urgent discussions about the future of education in the area.

School property sold for $62.6m

A private school property in San Jose has been sold for $62.6m, which is below both its previous sale price of $77.7m in 2020 and its assessed value of $63.2m. The buyer, STORE Capital Corp., specializes in acquiring single-tenant properties and has previously purchased other sites associated with Spring Education Group, which operates BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Upper School at this location. "Restaurants, metal fabrication, early childhood education, automotive repair and maintenance facilities, and health clubs represent the top industries in our portfolio," STORE Capital  announced. This sale raises questions about the current real estate market dynamics in the area.

CHARTERS

New charter school approved in Sonoma

Sonoma Valley USD Board of Trustees has approved a petition to establish the MacArthur Park Charter School, set to open in the 2026-27 school year. The decision came during a board meeting on January 8, with a 4-1 vote in favor. Board President David Bell and other trustees supported the petition, while Trustee Gerardo Guzman opposed it, citing a lack of operational details and demographic concerns. The new charter school aims to occupy the site of the soon-to-be-closed Prestwood Elementary School, part of the district's strategy to address declining enrollment and financial issues. "The District ultimately recommends that the Board adopt the findings within this report as its own," stated the 18-page report, which initially recommended denying the petition. However, supporters, including Sarah Robertson, chairperson of the MacArthur Park Charter School Board of Directors, have challenged the report's findings.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

First Student eyes IPO with Goldman, Morgan Stanley and RBC as lead banks

EQT-backed school bus operator First Student has appointed Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and RBC to lead its planned IPO, though the timing remains undecided as the private equity owner weighs options. The Cincinnati-based company, acquired from FirstGroup in a $4.6bn deal in 2021, operates 47,000 vehicles and employs 63,000 people across North America.

SPORTS

Girls' wrestling finally takes off

The San Mateo Union High School District has officially launched girls' wrestling programs, a significant step for local schools that previously lacked such opportunities. Coach Steve Matteucci, who has advocated for this change for 20 years, expressed his relief, noting: "They deserve to be considered just like the boys." The district has now allocated stipends for girls' wrestling coaches, allowing schools like Capuchino to hire Jarin Oca as their head coach. Other schools, including El Camino and Half Moon Bay, are also establishing dedicated girls' wrestling teams. This initiative aims to enhance competition and provide more opportunities for female athletes, with El Camino's boys' coach Japheth Aquino remarking: "It's expanding more opportunities for girls." The growth of girls' wrestling in the district marks a new chapter in promoting gender equality in sports.
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