Educators in California are sounding the alarm over what they see as a significant shift in power orchestrated by Governor Gavin Newsom, aimed at diminishing the authority of the state superintendent of public instruction. They describe this move as an “undemocratic power play.” The legislation in question, Assembly Bill 181, has effectively transferred daily administrative responsibilities from the state superintendent to a newly established role titled the commissioner of education. This role, unlike the superintendent, will be appointed by the governor and will report directly to him, marking a considerable restructuring finalized during budget discussions between legislative leaders and Newsom.
Steve Campos, a veteran teacher with over 30 years of experience in California, expressed strong opposition to this initiative, emphasizing the sentiment of many voters who support parental rights. He remarked, “I am completely against this undemocratic power play,” suggesting that Californians should have the chance to elect representatives who align with their values. Campos also hopes that the governor’s decisions will be challenged legally.
Governor Newsom, while advocating for this reform, stated that changes in governance are often met with resistance. He expressed pride in the modifications, mentioning, “I couldn’t be more proud that Congress and the people of our state demanded a new approach.” Earlier statements from his office claimed that these reforms have been long overdue, suggesting that restructuring is necessary to enhance accountability and coherence within the state’s education system.
Campos’s discontent was echoed by Sonia Shaw, the Chino Valley Unified School District Board Chair, who labeled Newsom’s actions as the “most brazen power grab in California history.” She accused the governor of bypassing voters and noted the timing of this legislation was suspect, implying it was a strategic move to minimize her potential influence in the upcoming election for state superintendent. Shaw is currently campaigning to become the next superintendent, having advanced through the state’s top-two primary.
Shaw intends to contest AB 181 in court, asserting it infringes upon the state constitution and highlighting that past attempts to alter similar governance structures have been rejected by voters multiple times. She criticized the perceived urgency behind the bill’s introduction, arguing it aims to undermine the voter mandate.
The discourse surrounding these reforms has attracted various opinions from stakeholders, including Lance Christensen, a former state superintendent candidate. Christensen pointed out that the current actions seem driven by fear of losing control over the position to advocates for parental rights like Shaw.
While the California Department of Education has not publicly commented on the matter, the school superintendent Tony Thurmond acknowledged to media outlets that he disagrees with the manner in which the changes were enacted. He expressed a belief in the importance of gubernatorial involvement in education but raised concerns over the creation of an additional bureaucratic layer, questioning whether it effectively serves the state’s educational needs.
