California Education Power Shift | Oakland News

California just poured $2.4 billion into special education programs, ensuring every school district gets a share and boosting per-student funding — separate from the $15 billion already earmarked for K-12 schools. But this financial boost comes amid a political firestorm: lawmakers just passed a bill shifting control of the Department of Education directly to the governor’s office, creating a new gubernatorial appointee — the education commissioner — to replace the elected state superintendent. Critics, including State Controller candidate Herb Morgan, call it “shameful” and undemocratic, pointing to voter rejections of similar moves. Superintendent Thurmond’s office stands firm, insisting education leadership must remain in the hands of the people, not politicians. Money’s flowing — but power’s still being fought over. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/1f1ed12cfbea0519