California Governor Gavin Newsom has released his proposed 2026–27 state budget. While the proposal is not final and will be negotiated by the Legislature in the months ahead, it signals a continued commitment to education at every level, from early learning through higher education.

Key Proposed Investments

• Pre-K for All 
  The budget proposes fully funding transitional kindergarten as a universal new grade, providing free access for more than 400,000 four-year-olds statewide, along with expanded access to the California State Preschool Program for two-, three- and four-year-olds. 
  Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo recently advocated strongly for sustained Pre-K funding in a published op-ed, underscoring the importance of early learning as a foundation for long-term academic success.

• Community Schools 
  The proposal includes a $1 billion expansion of the community schools model, a whole-child approach that strengthens partnerships among schools, families and community organizations. Early results from the first cohort of community schools show reduced chronic absenteeism and suspensions, improved academic achievement and the gains among historically underserved students.

• Before, After and Summer School Programs 
  The budget proposes fully funding free before-school, after-school and summer learning programs, supporting working families while expanding enrichment and academic opportunities for students.

• Universal School Meals 
  Continued funding is proposed to ensure two high-quality, free meals per school day for every TK–12 student, reinforcing schools’ role in supporting student health and readiness to learn.

• Improving Literacy for All Students 
  The Governor proposes fully funding the continued implementation of the Golden State Literacy Plan, reaching 2.6 million TK–5 students and supporting more than 800 high-need elementary schools with literacy coaches and specialists. The proposal also maintains statewide K–2 literacy screenings, including early identification of dyslexia and evidence-based interventions.

• Expanding College and Career Pathways 
  New funding is proposed to help high school students earn college credit earlier and explore career pathways, including expanded dual enrollment and dual credit programs, with an emphasis on equitable access through existing student support funding.

• Los Angeles County School Fire Recovery 
  The proposal includes new funding to support local educational agencies continuing to recover from the January 2025 Los Angeles County fires, helping schools rebuild and stabilize learning environments.

• Strengthening Higher Education and Affordability 
  The budget proposes historic investments across higher education with over $25 billions for the University of California, California State University and the California Community Colleges systems:

Proposed Education Governance Reform

In addition to funding proposals, the Governor is advancing a significant education governance reform, proposing to move oversight of the California Department of Education, and ultimate responsibility for statewide oversight and support of local educational agencies, under the State Board of Education. The proposal is intended to improve alignment, accountability and statewide support for schools and districts.