California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 181 (AB 181), an education reform measure introduced by Assemblymember David Alvarez of San Diego and Assemblymember Darshana Patel of Poway.
According to Alvarez, the new law is intended to strengthen California’s education governance system by better aligning the agencies responsible for setting education policy and carrying it out across the state’s public schools.
What AB 181 changes
The legislation brings the California State Board of Education, which establishes statewide education policy, into closer coordination with the California Department of Education, the agency responsible for implementing those policies.
As part of the reform, AB 181 creates the position of Commissioner of Education, who will serve under the State Board of Education. The measure also expands the role of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, giving the office a stronger independent voice on behalf of students, families and educators across California’s public education system, from kindergarten through higher education.
Supporters say the new governance structure is intended to improve coordination across a system that serves nearly 10,000 schools and approximately 6 million students statewide.
Alvarez celebrates bill becoming law
Following the signing, David Alvarez said he was proud to see the proposal become law, describing it as an important step toward improving California’s education system and strengthening support for students and schools throughout the state.
