California’s new 2025–26 state budget, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, emphasizes significant investments in public education, particularly in early learning and support for educators. The budget allocates $215 million specifically for enhancing literacy, with a focus on early-grade reading instruction.
Additionally, it doubles the minimum grant for extended learning programs, which will particularly benefit rural and smaller school districts. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond highlighted the budget’s commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of their backgrounds, have access to high-quality educational opportunities from early childhood through graduation.
The budget also includes $300 million for the Student Teacher Stipend Program and $70 million for the Teacher Residency Grant Program, aimed at reducing barriers for aspiring educators and tackling the workforce shortage in the state.
Moreover, funding for Universal Transitional Kindergarten (TK) has been included, with plans to lower student-to-adult ratios in TK classrooms to provide more personalized learning experiences. Thurmond emphasized that this budget reflects a shared commitment to prioritize students and address the pressing challenges faced by schools.
