Newsom highlights major education investments as CA budget increases funding for schools statewide

July 10, 2026 - 04:23

Governor Gavin Newsom is touting the state's latest budget as a win for California's public schools, with billions in new funding allocated for education. The spending plan, which Newsom signed into law this week, boosts per-pupil spending and directs money toward programs aimed at closing achievement gaps and supporting low-income students.

The budget increases funding for the Local Control Funding Formula, the state's main school finance system, by roughly $1.2 billion. That brings total K-12 spending to over $100 billion for the current fiscal year. Newsom's office highlighted that this marks the highest per-student investment in California history when adjusted for inflation.

Beyond base funding, the budget sets aside $500 million for arts and music programs, a priority for the governor after the pandemic cut many school arts budgets. Another $300 million will go toward expanding community schools, which offer health services and after-school programs on campus. Special education also gets a boost, with an additional $200 million for early intervention services.

Newsom framed the spending as a long-term commitment. "This is about giving every kid, no matter their zip code, a real shot at success," he said in a statement. The budget also includes money for teacher training and mental health counselors, responding to ongoing concerns about student well-being.

Critics, however, note that California still ranks near the bottom nationally in per-pupil spending when adjusted for cost of living. Some school districts have warned that rising pension costs and inflation could eat into the new funds. Still, education advocates largely praised the budget as a step in the right direction, especially the focus on equity and arts.

The new fiscal year began July 1, and districts are now working out how to allocate the additional dollars before the next school year starts.