Education

A row of empty swings on a swing set in the shadow of a nearby tree. In the background is the sand area of a playground right next to the buildings of a school surrounded by palm trees.

Education

California schools face a new budget hit: Soaring insurance costs after sex abuse lawsuits

A recent state law lifted the statute of limitations on sex abuse lawsuits, driving a huge increase in payouts by school districts and government agencies. It has also increased insurance premiums for all agencies.

By

Carolyn Jones

• February 17, 2026

A blurry view of a person holding up a child so they can reach the window of a brick building.

Politics

Newsom expanded free preschool. Now private daycares can’t afford to stay open

The governor tripled early childhood funding and expanded TK to all 4-year-olds. But preschools are closing, making infant care harder to find.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• February 17, 2026

The front door of a police deparment's building. The door includes the words "police department" along with the seal of the University of California police.

Education

Overtime pay and night vision binoculars: UC San Diego is among agencies helping patrol border

Local police forces get money every year from the Department of Homeland Security to assist with border patrol operations. This includes the UC San Diego Police Department, which helps monitor for smuggling along the coastline.

By

Phoebe Huss

• February 10, 2026

A person holds a smartphone in both hands while seated, showing a photo on the screen of several soldiers in military gear clustered together outdoors, with the person’s jeans and a set of keys visible in the background.

Higher Education

California wants colleges to count work experience for credit. How’s it going?

California’s community colleges are now giving college credit for students’ previous work experiences. The state has a goal of rapidly expanding access to these credits, though tracking progress on that goal has been difficult so far.

By

Adam Echelman

• February 5, 2026

Two semi trucks in a parking lot face each other. A man walks in front of one semi truck giving hand signals to the driver.

Education

These California trucking schools broke state laws. Regulators couldn’t do anything about it

A loophole in state law allows trucking schools to operate with little state oversight, raising concerns about the quality of training for California’s truck drivers.

By

Adam Echelman

and

Erica Yee

• February 3, 2026

An empty classroom for Pre-K and kindergarten students in Burnt Ranch on December 13, 2019. Dave Woody for CalMatters

Education

Child care in California was already hard to find — the immigration crackdown has made it worse

In California, almost 40% of the workforce is foreign-born and more than a million parents — immigrant and otherwise — rely on child care providers so they can go to work.

By

Carolyn Jones

• February 2, 2026

A group of people stand at the edge of a sidewalk holding up red picket signs that read "we can't wait, staff special ed" as cars zoom by.

Education

San Diego teachers plan first strike in 30 years over issues with staffing and services for special education

San Diego teachers plan their first strike in 30 years on Feb. 26, accusing the district of failing to meet special education staffing standards and shortchanging services for students with disabilities.

By

Deborah Brennan

• January 30, 2026

A graduate in a black cap and gown walks through rows of seated graduates holding a diploma, with a large crowd filling the stadium stands in the background

Higher Education

Bachelor’s degrees at community colleges: Lawmakers say yes, UC and CSU say slow down

The latest bill would allow Southwestern College to create up to four additional bachelor’s programs aimed at workforce needs in south San Diego County.

By

Mikhail Zinshteyn

• January 28, 2026

A group of people participate in a demonstration outdoors, holding signs in support of transgender rights. One sign reads "Protect Trans Kids," while another states "Trans People Have Always Been Here!" A person with red hair, wearing a denim jacket and a face mask, raises an arm while holding a sign that says "Let All Kids Play." Others in the crowd wear pink bandanas and buttons, standing among trees with autumn-colored leaves. The late afternoon sunlight casts a warm glow on the scene.

Education

Trans youth still have a safe haven in California — but that could change

Lawsuits and Trump administration policy changes are targeting trans athletes, bans on outing by school staff and health care. Some California policies are in jeopardy.

By

Carolyn Jones

• January 23, 2026

K-12 Education

Schools chief was caught off guard by Newsom’s plan to pare down the future scope of his job

Newsom proposed shifting oversight of the Department of Education from the superintendent to the State Board of Education. The move would concentrate more power over K-12 schools with the governor, who appoints the school board.

By

Carolyn Jones

• January 8, 2026