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California
10th March 2026
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THE HOT STORY

California teacher morale hits new low

California teachers are experiencing a decline in morale, with nearly half planning to leave the profession within the next decade. According to Education Week’s annual The State of Teaching report, California teachers scored 16 on the Teacher Morale Index, compared to a national average of 13. Holly Kurtz, director of the EdWeek Research Center, said: “There’s a lot of evidence that indicates that teacher morale has been declining nationwide and is at, by some measures, the lowest point in recent memory.” Factors contributing to this decline include challenges faced during the pandemic and issues with student behavior. Teachers expressed that improved planning time and better student behavior would enhance their morale. The survey also revealed that work schedules are more crucial to morale than pay, with a significant gap between those satisfied with their schedules and those who are not.

SUPPORTING CALIFORNIA STUDENTS

Why Great Teachers Don’t Guess When It Comes to Support

With California’s English Language Arts/English Language Development (ELA/ELD) Framework guiding instruction from preschool to high school, we’re all tuning into literacy in a whole new way. The framework’s five big ideas — Foundational Skills, Meaning Making, Language Development, Effective Expression, and Content Knowledge — aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the compass for knowing when and what kind of support students truly need to be successful readers and writers.

Teachers deserve high-quality instructional resources that enable them to pinpoint exactly when and where a student needs support — whether that’s decoding in kindergarten, vocabulary in middle school, or strategic comprehension in high school. A literacy approach rooted in evidence-based instruction and intentional monitoring ensures all students succeed.  

Dive into evidence-based practices that advance teaching and learning.

 

STATE NEWS

Funding freeze for school repairs?

Parents and students from various school districts are challenging California's funding system, claiming it unfairly benefits wealthier districts. They have requested the Alameda County Superior Court to freeze $3bn in state funding for building repairs until the lawsuit is resolved. Terry Supahan, executive director of True North Organizing Network, said: “Our students in rural schools deserve a chance to learn in a safe and modern environment.” The lawsuit, Miliani Rodriguez v. State of California, argues that the current funding formula creates significant disparities, leaving low-wealth districts with unsafe facilities. The plaintiffs, including 14 individuals and three advocacy organizations, assert that denying these children equal educational opportunities violates the California Constitution. A court hearing is set for May 13, and the outcome could impact modernization projects across the state.

Community schools show early gains

California’s push to expand community schools highlights how campuses like Coarsegold Elementary are using wellness spaces, basic-needs support, and community partnerships to address students’ academic and emotional needs. The model, backed by a multi-year $4bn investment, has reached nearly 2,500 schools since 2021. Early results show stronger attendance, lower suspension rates, and academic improvement. As Anna Maier, senior policy adviser and researcher for the Learning Policy Institute, said: “They feel more connected,” reflecting educators’ view that students are more engaged when schools reduce barriers and foster belonging.

LEGAL

LAUSD faces budget crisis amid turmoil

Los Angeles USD (LAUSD) will today hold its first regular meeting since Superintendent Alberto Carvalho was placed on administrative leave following a federal investigation. The agenda includes a significant budget update, labor agreements, and a resolution to distance the district from vendors linked to immigration enforcement. The Second Interim Financial Report indicates a projected deficit of $877m for the 2026-2027 school year, with a shrinking general fund balance. "LAUSD is still projecting deficit spending in each of the next three years," the district's presentation stated. Labor tensions persist as negotiations continue with major unions, including United Teachers Los Angeles. The meeting will also address student screen time guidelines and support for lowering the voting age to 16 in local elections.

GOVERNANCE

Community voices shape superintendent search

Education Support Services (ESS) has presented the findings from community input regarding the search for the next superintendent of the Saugus USD. Over 550 individuals contributed insights through surveys, focus groups, and forums. Steven Keller and Kelli Moors from ESS highlighted that “creates an atmosphere of trust” was the most valued leadership quality, receiving 84.7% of votes. Other important attributes included being knowledgeable about teaching practices and being a forward thinker.

Schultz runs unopposed for Napa County superintendent

Joshua Schultz, appointed Napa County Superintendent of Schools in August 2025, is running unopposed for the position in the upcoming June primary. He will be the sole candidate on the June 2 ballot, as no other candidates submitted the required nomination paperwork by the March 6 deadline. Unless a successful write-in campaign emerges, Schultz will start his first four-year term in January 2027.

Maité Iturri backs out of job

Maité Iturri, initially announced as the new superintendent for Petaluma City Schools, has decided to remain in her current role as superintendent of the Cotati-Rohnert Park USD. Matthew Harris, the current superintendent, shared that Iturri informed district leaders of her decision after previously confirming her acceptance. Harris emphasized that the search for a new superintendent will be “thoughtful, transparent, and centered on finding a leader who can serve PCS with long-term commitment and stability.”

WORKFORCE

Natomas teachers prepare to strike

After unsuccessful negotiations, Natomas educators are poised to strike, marking a historic moment for the district. Superintendent Robyn Castillo stated: “Despite that progress, we are now facing the possibility of a strike beginning tomorrow.” The Natomas Teachers Association is advocating for fully-paid health care, increased salaries, and smaller class sizes. The district's latest proposal includes a 4% salary increase and a health care plan for educators and their dependents, but the union argues that it does not adequately address their needs. NTA President Nico Vaccaro expressed disappointment over the lack of negotiation, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. With around 17,000 students affected, the district plans to keep schools open with substitute teachers during the strike.

Dublin teachers strike over budget cuts

Dublin teachers initiated a strike on Monday morning, protesting proposed budget cuts and layoffs by the Dublin USD. The Dublin Teachers Association stated: “We are on strike because DUSD management refuses to invest in our students.” Despite the strike, the district announced that all schools would remain open on an adjusted schedule, with breakfast and lunch provided.

Negotiations resume amid ongoing strike

The Twin Rivers USD and its teachers union are set to resume negotiations today, following an invitation from Assemblymember Maggy Krell. Krell urged both parties to “engage in productive negotiations and end this strike,” which has now entered its third day. Brittoni Ward, President of Twin Rivers United Educators, expressed hope that the district would recognize the urgency of the situation.

Teachers missing from new housing

Despite the completion of the Shirley Chisholm Village, a 135-unit affordable housing complex in San Francisco, only 16 out of 130 residents are classroom teachers. The project, which aimed to attract educators with a $48m city loan and federal tax credits, has not met its primary goal of housing teachers. Many educators earn too much to qualify for the available units, which are designated for various income levels. "It depends on where your school is, and where other people in your household are going to school and working," said Lyn Hikida, spokesperson for MidPen Housing. The situation raises questions about the effectiveness of such housing initiatives in retaining teachers in a city with soaring rents. Supervisor Joel Engardio emphasized the need for more affordable housing to support educators, stating: "Good schools require teachers, and teachers need a place to live."

DISTRICTS

Language barriers spark school outrage

In Greenfield, California, Triqui and Mixteco-speaking parents are advocating for better communication with schools, highlighting significant language barriers. Many Indigenous families face challenges due to a lack of interpreters and cultural understanding in schools. Rafael Vasquez, co-author of Culturally Responsive Schooling for Indigenous Mexican Students, noted that the absence of recognition for diverse languages leads to frustration. Although Greenfield USD has begun providing interpretation services, parents still report difficulties in accessing support. Superintendent Laura Cortez stated the district is committed to supporting Indigenous families and has implemented an Indigenous language interpretation app, Nurbli, to enhance communication.

Tahquitz High cheer team reigns supreme

Tahquitz High School's cheer team has made history by winning the title at the National High School Cheerleading Championships in Florida, marking the first time a California school has achieved this in the large varsity coed division since 1980.

CLASSROOM

Parents rethink kids' screen time

Parents are increasingly scrutinizing their children's screen time and digital content consumption, leading to discussions about educational technology (edtech). Kim Whitman, co-lead for the Distraction-Free Schools Policy Project, noted that the rise of personal devices in classrooms, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised concerns about distractions. As states propose legislation to regulate edtech, Whitman highlighted that the goal is not to ban technology but to ensure safe and effective use. While some students benefit from digital tools, experts agree that a balanced approach is necessary to integrate technology effectively in education.

NUTRITION

General Mills completes removal of synthetic dyes from school meal portfolio

General Mills said all of its products sold to kindergarten through 12th grade school meal programs are now made without certified artificial colors, achieving the target ahead of its summer 2026 deadline. The milestone was reached after the company reformulated its Lucky Charms 25% less sugar cereal, raising the portfolio from 98% to 100% free of certified colors. The company said the move responds to demand from schools for cleaner ingredient lists and aligns with broader regulatory shifts, including the US Food and Drug Administration’s plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic food dyes announced in April 2025. General Mills also remains on track to remove certified colors from its entire U.S. cereal portfolio by summer 2026 and from its full U.S. retail portfolio by the end of 2027.

INTERNATIONAL

Australian teachers’ union calls for major investment as school infrastructure review begins

Australia’s first national inquiry into public school infrastructure has been launched by the Australian Education Union to assess the condition of schools and recommend long-term funding and policy reforms. The review, chaired by former ACTU president Sharan Burrow, will examine infrastructure needs amid rising enrollments, growing student support needs and funding gaps, with consultations planned across communities, educators and governments. The union argues that stronger, coordinated investment in facilities is essential to improve student safety, inclusion and learning outcomes for the more than 2.6m students in Australia’s public schools.
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