California’s Education Funding on the Rise

Governor Gavin Newsom is ramping up funding for California’s public schools as the number of students with special needs continues to rise.

Recently, Newsom reduced special education funding by $2.4 billion, which equates to an impressive 43% increase compared to last year. This move aims to provide resources for literacy assistance, behavioral health support, and various specialized services for students with disabilities, according to advocates who spoke at a news conference in Davis.

“There were some initial investments that showed promise, but the truth is, we’re beginning to realize we’re not succeeding as effectively as we’d hoped,” Newsom remarked during the conference.

The $2.4 billion set aside translates to a per-student cost of $1,340. This includes adjustments for the cost of living and the growing number of students needing special education services, marking the highest funding on record.

During the conference, Newsom was surrounded by schoolchildren who participated in a mock signing of a budget bill that encompasses education funding.

In addition to the main funding, the budget assigns $80 million for reimbursing districts for specialized services. It also proposes a $30 million increase for inclusive practice projects to broaden access for students with disabilities, $25 million to create more opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and $10 million for “alternative pathways” to high school diplomas for these students.

Newsom described the $2.4 billion spending as “historic,” emphasizing its significance.

“These investments will lead to more reading specialists, additional behavioral health aides, and increased one-on-one support, all of which are aimed at improving student outcomes,” stated Representative David Alvarez (D-Chula Vista) at the event.

This funding coincides with a notable rise in the percentage of students identified with disabilities across California.

As of the 2024-25 school year, the percentage of students eligible for special education services reached 15%, up from 13% in the 2018-2019 period, even amidst a decline in overall public school enrollment.

In the early 2000s, only 10% of students were classified as needing special education, as noted by state legislative analysts.

It’s important to mention that most students with disabilities exhibit relatively mild symptoms, including language difficulties or learning challenges like dyslexia. However, the incidence of students with more severe conditions, particularly certain forms of autism, has doubled over the past quarter-century, according to the report.

Newsom’s education bill isn’t his only effort to reshape the educational landscape of the state, which faces obstacles as he approaches the end of his tenure. Test results from last year revealed that only 49% of students met or exceeded state standards in English language arts, with even lower figures—37% in math and 33% in science.

As part of his budget deal with Congress, Newsom is also pushing for a restructuring that would remove the state police superintendent’s control, granting greater authority to the executive branch over the Department of Education through appointed officials.

This decision reportedly caught current Superintendent Tony Thurmond off guard, prompting him to decry it as “undemocratic.”

“We have some fundamental differences, and I feel proud that Congress and the people of our state are seeking a new direction,” Newsom noted.

“Change often meets resistance, but I am in favor of change,” he concluded.