California education reform gains momentum, governance shifts

More than 950 organizations across California are backing a proposed overhaul of education governance—shifting the California Department of Education under the state Board of Education, with a gubernatorially appointed Education Commissioner for day-to-day man

On a scale where it rarely happens, more than 900 organizations across California have found common ground—because a problem affecting children’s education has lingered for more than a century with little change.

In 1919, the California Special Committee on Education identified that the state’s education governance system needed reform. The author of this commentary argues that for 106 years. California’s fragmented and inefficient system has remained largely unchanged—blocking students’ ability to succeed and helping drive some of the largest achievement gaps and lowest student performance of any state.

Now, in 2026, the commentary says California has a chance to reshape that governance structure, driven by overwhelming support and the leadership of Gov. Gavin Newsom.

More than 950 organizations across California have signed on for education governance reform. They are calling for the California Department of Education to be aligned under a more logical leadership structure—one that would provide clearer guidance for schools and hold state leaders accountable for delivering results. The campaign is coordinated by Children Now through the Children’s Movement of California.

The coalition spans parent, student, civil rights, business, faith, and community groups. It includes the California School Boards Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. as well as Boys and Girls Clubs across the state. The supporters come from 48 of the state’s 58 counties—ranging from Modoc and Trinity in the far north to Imperial in the far south. Within that broader backing, the commentary also points to a coalition of 27 education equity groups.

What the author emphasizes is that many of the organizations closest to the Department of Education support the reform. The Association of California School Administrators. the California County Superintendents. and the California Association of School Business Officials are cited as part of the agreement—groups that. in the author’s account. represent school leaders who rely on the Department every day for support.

The argument for change is not framed as abstract. The author contends that failing to properly support education affects everyone, regardless of business, industry, or community. That is the reason. the commentary says. to start with a governance system people can understand—and one that sets accountability for results.

Gov. Gavin Newsom is described as offering a proposal meant to do exactly that. The plan would align the state Department of Education under the state Board of Education. It also calls for a gubernatorially appointed Education Commissioner responsible for day-to-day management.

At the same time, the elected Superintendent of Public Instruction would remain a critical, independent spokesperson for education. The State Board would keep its role of setting standards. The governor and Legislature would retain budgetary and policy functions. Local districts would continue running their schools.

The commentary’s core claim is that the shift would change accountability for implementation. Because the governor is described as the top leader of the state. the governor—rather than a more fragmented structure—is presented as the figure who should be accountable for an issue as critical as education. The author links the proposal to models in other states with stronger student performance. arguing that clearer guidance to schools and improved academic outcomes could follow. including progress that closes achievement gaps.

The commentary adds a comparative performance argument. It says that this reformed system already exists in most states across the country. From 2003–2024. the author says states where the governor appointed the chief education official ranked in the top half of the country on demographically adjusted national test scores 71 percent of the time.

By contrast, the commentary points to California’s outcomes. It cites the Children Now’s 2026 California Children’s Report Card, saying that just 46% of California 4th graders are proficient in English and just 42% are proficient in math.

The author also says the Getting Down to Facts III report released this month confirmed the need for education governance reform as a pre-requisite to other major reforms needed to improve student performance.

The author closes with a warning against expecting a single structural fix to solve everything at once. “Of course not. ” the commentary says. in response to whether adopting the governor’s proposal would miraculously change student outcomes and solve all issues. Still, governance is described as foundational—critical for ensuring clear accountability for delivering support to students and achieving results.

With nearly 1000 organizations across California agreeing, the commentary argues that this is the moment to make California’s education system work better for its children.

Ted Lempert is a former state legislator and the President of Children Now, a whole child research and advocacy organization that coordinates The Children’s Movement of California.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author.

California education governance reform Children Now Children’s Movement of California Gavin Newsom education proposal Education Commissioner state Board of Education Superintendent of Public Instruction achievement gaps English proficiency math proficiency