SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California’s new 2025–26 state budget, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday, promises significant investments in public education. The budget aims to enhance early learning and support educators across the state.
According to the California Department of Education, the budget includes a $215 million investment in literacy, focusing on early-grade reading instruction.
The budget also doubles the minimum grant for extended learning programs, which will benefit rural and smaller districts.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond emphasized the importance of these investments.
“This budget agreement reaffirms California’s promise to every student: That regardless of zip code, every child will have access to high-quality educational opportunities from early childhood through graduation,” Thurmond said.
Officials say the budget allocated $300 million to the Student Teacher Stipend Program and another $70 million to the Teacher Residency Grant Program. These initiatives aim to reduce barriers for aspiring educators and address the state’s workforce shortage.
Funding for Universal Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is also included, with efforts to lower student-to-adult ratios in TK classrooms for more personalized learning.
“This budget reflects our shared commitment to putting students first and addressing the real challenges facing our schools,” Thurmond said.