Newsom proposes shifting control of California’s Education Department to his governor-appointed board
Sophia Chavarria
February 2, 2026
Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed restructuring California’s education governance as part of his 2026–27 state budget, shifting operational control of the California Department of Education to a board appointed by the governor.
Newsom announced the proposal Jan. 8 in a press release, outlining plans to place the department under the State Board of Education, whose members are appointed by the governor.
Under the proposal, the board would appoint a director to manage the department, reducing the operational role of the independently elected state superintendent of public instruction.
