From the desk of…Education is vital and costs California billions, so why aren’t candidates for governor talking about it?

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget allocates $91 billion—plus $60 billion in federal and local funds—to educate nearly 6 million students across the state, making it the single largest expenditure. The budget shortchanges the state constitution’s mandatory school funding by billions, drawing opposition from educators, while education remains a top voter priority. Despite its importance, gubernatorial candidates have largely avoided discussing education policy, with only San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a former teacher, addressing the issue in debates. A Stanford University study highlights California’s declining academic performance, with reading scores dropping in 83% of school districts and math scores falling in 70%, worse than all but eight states. Local systems like Los Angeles Unified saw slight gains, while Oakland Unified and San Diego experienced declines. The state has recently adopted phonics-based reading instruction and is advancing math intervention legislation, but critics argue more urgent action is needed. Newsom’s proposed budget also consolidates education oversight into the governor’s office, eliminating the elected state superintendent role. This shift would grant the next governor unprecedented control over California’s largest public education system, yet candidates have remained silent on how they would address systemic challenges. Debate moderators have also failed to press candidates on education, leaving a critical policy gap. The state’s education system faces long-standing deficiencies in foundational skills, and recent reforms are seen as overdue. With academic performance worsening, the next governor must prioritize restoring California’s schools, but current candidates have yet to outline clear plans. The silence contrasts sharply with their focus on other issues like housing and gas prices, raising concerns about voter priorities and systemic neglect.