K-12 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 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

Four children stand outside a classroom against a wall with a row of hooks holding colorful backpacks. Two children on the left are facing each other, appearing to talk, while the two on the right focus on their bags. The scene captures a typical school day with bags of various colors and patterns hanging along the wall.

K-12 Education

Newsom K-12 school proposal would shift more power to governor

The move is intended to simplify California’s convoluted education governance, which policy analysts have said can be inefficient, redundant and sometimes at cross purposes.

By

Carolyn Jones

• January 8, 2026

A classroom full of high school students sits facing a whiteboard and projected slide titled “Algal bloom” during a biology lesson. The teacher, wearing a mask and cap, stands at the front of the room gesturing toward the board. Students take notes on laptops and notebooks, with posters and educational materials visible on the walls.

K-12 Education

This change could deliver billions of more dollars to California schools. Here’s the tradeoff

By basing funding on enrollment, not attendance numbers, schools would lose the incentive to get students to show up every day, a new report finds.

By

Carolyn Jones

• January 7, 2026

A sleek, modern kitchen with light wood flooring, white cabinetry, and a large stainless-steel French-door refrigerator. An island with a stovetop and a pot sits to the left, while a clean countertop with a cutting board and backsplash tiles runs along the right side. The space is bright and minimal with built-in appliances.

K-12 Education

Will this be the year California makes kindergarten mandatory?

California is one of 32 states that doesn’t require 5-year-olds to attend school.

By

Carolyn Jones

• January 5, 2026

A wide-view of a classroom as students sit in round tables and raise their hands in the air.

K-12 Education

California K-12 schools brace for another year of uncertainty: 2025 in review

California schools are likely to face continuing threats of funding cuts and more uncertainty.

By

Carolyn Jones

• December 25, 2025

A close-up of a student’s hand holding a pencil above a desk while writing on paper, with other blurred students seated nearby in a classroom.

K-12 Education

California schools will have to do more to prevent sex abuse under new law

The law creates an array of measures to educate school staff, beef up reporting requirements and stop teachers credibly accused of abuse from getting jobs at other districts.

By

Carolyn Jones

• December 23, 2025

K-12 Education

Rural California gets a lifeline in school funding as Congress restores money it cut

A century-old program pays for schools, roads and other services in 39 California counties.

By

Carolyn Jones

• December 10, 2025

A person wearing shaded glasses stands next to a railing, with a city skyline in the background, out of focus.

K-12 Education

California students with disabilities face ‘terrifying’ special ed cuts after Trump changes

Trump has cut funding to Medicaid, which pays for many services for students with disabilities. He also gutted the Office of Civil Rights, which helps enforce disability law.

By

Carolyn Jones

• December 4, 2025