California Gubernatorial Candidates Discuss Education at Forum
The California School Boards Assn.’s annual conference in Sacramento recently hosted a gubernatorial candidate forum focused on education, where the lone Republican, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, stood out as the only vocal supporter of school vouchers. Bianco’s remark, prompted by a question about supporting rural students, earned a mixed reaction from the crowd, with some booing and others cheering.
Bianco compared the concept of school vouchers to choosing a restaurant, stating that if a restaurant doesn’t offer good food, customers will go elsewhere. He proposed that voucher systems would create a competitive environment, encouraging all schools to improve. However, opponents argue that vouchers would divert necessary funding from public schools. The candidates discussed various issues affecting learning, including public school funding, teacher shortages, and achievement gaps.
Candidates’ Views on Education
The forum featured several candidates, including former State Controller Betty Yee, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon, and California Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. While the candidates had different approaches to addressing education issues, they all agreed that the current system is failing the state’s approximately 5.8 million K-12 students enrolled in public schools. Villaraigosa emphasized that the system is “broken,” with too many students unable to read and write, disproportionately affecting poor and minority students.
Calderon stressed the importance of parental involvement and improving outreach efforts, while also addressing the state’s housing crisis. Thurmond proposed increasing revenue streams to support schools, including taxing billionaires to ensure they “pay their fair share.” Bianco, on the other hand, disputed the need for more funding, citing California’s strong economy and arguing that the problem lies in spending, not revenue.
Addressing Teacher Shortages and School Bus Mandates
The candidates also discussed ways to address the teacher shortage, with Thurmond proposing the development of affordable housing units on surplus school-owned land for educators. Yee prioritized general workforce housing for the public sector, while also focusing on improving teachers’ healthcare and creating a safer working environment. The candidates expressed reservations about California’s mandate to phase out gas-powered school buses by 2035, with most calling for a longer timeline or more exemptions.
The forum was attended by over 3,500 school board members, superintendents, and education leaders from across the state. The event highlighted the importance of education in the upcoming gubernatorial election, with candidates showcasing their unique approaches to addressing the state’s education challenges. For more information on the forum and the candidates’ views on education, visit Here.
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