Di Salvo: How will California's gubernatorial candidates improve education?

April 15, 2026 - 12:22

With the June 2 primary approaching, California voters are narrowing the field to two candidates who will vie for the governor's office in November. The state's public education system, a perennial cornerstone of political debate, is under intense focus as candidates articulate their visions for improvement.

The stakes are exceptionally high for California's future. The next governor will inherit profound challenges, including pandemic-related learning loss, persistent achievement gaps, and ongoing debates over curriculum, school funding, and parental involvement. How each candidate plans to address these complex issues is a critical measure of their platform.

From a veteran educator's perspective, evaluating the field requires a close examination of substantive policy over rhetoric. Detailed plans on supporting teachers, modernizing classrooms, and ensuring equitable resources for all students are paramount. The coming months will reveal whether the candidates' proposals offer realistic, innovative solutions capable of meeting the moment for California's diverse student population. The direction of the state's education system for a generation may hinge on this electoral choice.