politics
California Budget Shifts K-12 Authority to Governor-Appointed Commissioner
The state enacted a budget provision transferring oversight of the $149 billion K-12 system from the elected superintendent to a new commissioner appointed by the governor. The change takes effect in January and leaves the superintendent role largely advisory. Washington Examiner reported the measure advanced as a budget trailer bill.
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California enacted a new state budget containing a provision that transfers authority over the K-12 education system from the elected state superintendent of public instruction to a governor-appointed official, Washington Examiner reported. The $149 billion system will see the transfer begin in January.
A newly created education commissioner position will be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate.
The commissioner will oversee education policy, administer state and federal funding, and help shape California’s education budget. The elected superintendent’s role will become largely advisory under the new law. The proposal advanced as a budget trailer bill rather than through the traditional committee process.
The measure leaves the superintendent’s office intact while shifting nearly all of its operational authority to the new commissioner, Washington Examiner reported. A coalition of teachers unions sent a letter dated June 27 opposing the measure. The November election for state superintendent of public instruction features Republican candidate Sonja Shaw, who led the primary election, and Democrat Richard Barrera.
Both candidates have criticized the overhaul.
