California’s 2026–27 budget proposal totals $348.9 billion, with $125.5 billion allocated to TK-12 schools and community colleges. The budget reflects a continued commitment to education, aiming to improve access and outcomes across the state. With a focus on increasing per-student funding to $27,418, this proposal sets out to address educational needs with increased support, particularly for early childhood education, school meal programs, and expanded learning opportunities.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s budget plan highlights the importance of ensuring equitable access to education. The proposal also includes funding for universal transitional kindergarten (TK) and expands support for before- and after-school programs. It underscores a desire to provide greater support to students and educators, while continuing efforts to improve literacy, especially through the Golden State Literacy Plan, aimed at enhancing reading proficiency.
Addressing Teacher Support and Shortages
Teacher recruitment and retention remain a focus in California’s educational strategy. Over the last decade, the state has allocated more than $1.6 billion to address teacher shortages. This year’s proposal adds $250 million for educator residency programs through 2029–30. These programs offer aspiring teachers the chance to work alongside experienced mentors, gaining valuable classroom training and support, which can help build a sustainable teacher workforce.
California’s education system has faced challenges related to teacher shortages, particularly in high-need areas. The funding in the 2026–27 budget aims to address these issues by expanding community schools and strengthening teacher support programs. By providing training and mentorship opportunities for new educators, the state is hoping to improve teacher retention and ensure that schools have a qualified workforce that can meet students’ needs.
Expanding Access to Student Support Services
California’s 2026 budget proposal places a strong emphasis on student support services. The proposal includes $40 million for early screening of kindergarten through second-grade students to identify early reading challenges. The goal is to provide support before issues become larger obstacles to students’ learning.
Additionally, $100 million in one-time funding is proposed for college and career pathways for high school students, with a focus on increasing access to postsecondary opportunities. This initiative includes support for dual enrollment programs, helping students make smoother transitions to higher education or careers. By expanding these pathways, the budget aims to create more options for high school students and help them find opportunities that suit their needs and goals.
The overall focus is on ensuring that students from all backgrounds have access to the resources and support they need to succeed in school and beyond, addressing some of the disparities that exist in the system.
Strengthening Community Schools
Community schools are seen as a vital tool in supporting underserved students by integrating academic learning with wraparound services, including healthcare, mental health support, and family engagement. The budget proposes additional funding to support 2,500 existing community schools. These schools are intended to meet both academic and non-academic needs, making them critical in areas with higher levels of need.
Community schools are designed to provide a more holistic education, addressing the complex needs that many students face outside of the classroom. This model has been shown to improve student engagement and performance by providing essential support services, making it an integral part of California’s educational strategy.
By continuing to support these schools, California aims to help students succeed by offering the necessary services and resources that go beyond traditional classroom instruction.
Literacy and Learning Recovery Programs
The Golden State Literacy Plan remains central to California’s education strategy, with continued investments in literacy improvement programs across grade levels. The budget also extends funding for post-COVID learning recovery programs through 2027–28, providing tutoring, additional learning time, and targeted interventions for students who need extra support due to the disruption caused by the pandemic.
With the long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic still present, these programs are meant to help close achievement gaps that widened during remote learning. The proposal aims to support students who need additional time and resources to recover lost learning and to ensure that they are prepared for future academic challenges.
In addition to these targeted efforts, the proposal includes support for summer learning programs and extended learning opportunities for students who may benefit from additional instructional time. These initiatives are intended to provide students with the tools and resources to get back on track and make progress toward their academic goals.
California’s Ongoing Commitment to Equitable Education
California’s 2026–27 budget proposal signals a continued focus on achieving greater equity in education. The budget seeks to provide all students with the support they need to succeed, including increased funding for teacher support, community schools, and student services. By placing significant emphasis on early literacy and learning recovery, California is working to ensure that students, regardless of their background, have the resources they need to succeed in school.
Through increased funding for community schools and a focus on holistic support, the state is aiming to reduce disparities and offer a more inclusive educational experience. While challenges remain, the budget reflects a strong commitment to improving education and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.
By focusing on these areas and continuing to adapt to the evolving needs of students, California is taking steps to create a more equitable and inclusive education system. The state’s investment in teacher retention, early literacy, and support services will play a key role in building a foundation for long-term success in education.
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