California education overhaul passes

In late June, the United States — California State Legislature passed Assembly Bill 181 with bipartisan support, overhauling the governance of the state's public school system. The bill demotes the elected state superintendent of schools from head of the United States — California Department of Education to a member of the state school board, replacing the superintendent with an education commissioner appointed by the governor. The legislation was first proposed by Governor Gavin Newsom in his January state of the state address and passed despite opposition from the California Teachers Association. The change aims to streamline decision-making and hold the governor accountable for educational outcomes. The Policy Analysis for California Education had issued a report late last year recommending similar reforms. The new system will take effect under Newsom's successor, likely Xavier Becerra.