Who should lead California’s schools? Ten candidates want the job

A High-Stakes Decision for 5.7 Million Students

California faces a monumental task: ensuring 5.7 million students—each with unique needs—thrive in safe, effective classrooms. Some students are English learners, others have disabilities, and many are high achievers. All require leadership that bridges gaps in resources and opportunities. With the current superintendent term-limited, ten candidates now vie for the role, each bringing distinct perspectives:

• A union leader fighting for fair wages.
• A former Assembly Speaker turning policy into action.
• A school board president reshaping local governance.
• A tutoring business owner who sees gaps firsthand.
• Policymakers, administrators, and community advocates who’ve navigated the system’s flaws.

The stakes? Reading scores are plummeting after years of stagnation. Some candidates demand a return to evidence-based reading methods, while others propose naming and shaming schools that resist change. Equity is a rallying cry—Black and Latino students have been disproportionately underserved, and accountability, they argue, can no longer wait.

The Battle for Focus: Phones, AI, and Classroom Discipline

Beyond literacy, digital distractions threaten learning. Proposals range from locking phones away all day to graduated limits—stricter in elementary schools, flexible in high school. The argument? Devices consume class time, fracture attention, and derail critical thinking.

Then there’s artificial intelligence. Some candidates push for statewide guardrails to ensure AI aids—not replaces—teachers, guarding against privacy breaches and learning loss.

The New Normal: Rebuilding After COVID and Beyond

Schools still reel from COVID-19 disruptions and immigration enforcement raids near campuses. Solutions? Flexible learning models, mental health resources, and protections for undocumented students. One bold proposal? Shifting funding from attendance-based to enrollment-based models, ensuring money follows students even if they miss school.

Vaccines and Trust: Navigating the Minefield of Public Health

Childhood vaccine mandates remain strict, but candidates promise fair enforcement and transparent communication—delivering clear, multilingual facts to ease parental concerns without compromising science.

What’s Next?

California’s next superintendent will shape literacy, equity, technology, and safety for millions. Will they double down on proven methods? Hold underperforming systems accountable? Or pioneer revolutionary funding models?

One thing is certain: The choice will redefine public education for years to come.