Back-to-School: California Students are Learning, Assembly Democrats are Investing in Classrooms

Across the state, summer break is winding down and schools are ramping-up. Here's how Assembly Democrats have made historic investments in the Golden State's education system with this year's budget.

SACRAMENTO - Millions of California students are heading back to school this month, and at the same time Assembly Democrats are delivering significant investments in Golden State classrooms to help kids learn, teachers thrive and schools meet the needs of their communities.

From a historic cost-of-living adjustment for districts and record per-student funding to fully paid pregnancy leave for educators and stronger teacher training, the 2026-27 state budget, which Assembly Democrats voted to pass this summer, delivers strong funding for California's public education system.

The budget also protects the state's long-term fiscal stability - because every student deserves to start the school year knowing they have the ongoing support to succeed, and every teacher must enjoy the resources to give their students their very best.

How This Year's State Budget Strengthens California Schools

The 2026-27 state budget makes significant investments in California's public schools, including:

• $5 billion for a new Student Support and Professional Development Discretionary Block Grant, giving school districts resources to support students, educators, career pathways, dual enrollment, mentorship, community schools and other local priorities.
• $1 billion ongoing to expand the Community Schools Partnership Program helping schools connect students and families with critical services and resources.
• $1.8 billion ongoing to increase special education base rates and cost pools, strengthening support for students with disabilities and the schools that serve them.
• $757 million for the Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant to help schools address academic learning recovery, and support staff and pupil social and emotional well-being.
• $500 million for school kitchen infrastructure and training strengthening schools' ability to provide nutritious meals to students.
• $350 million for Literacy Coaches and Reading Specialists to help students build strong foundational reading skills.
• $300 million for Career Technical Education helping students gain hands-on skills and prepare for college and careers.

California's students need great teachers - and Assembly Democrats are investing in the next generation of educators while helping schools recruit and retain teachers in high-need communities. The budget also includes:

• $218 million to fund paid pregnancy leave supporting the recruitment and retention of talented teachers without forcing them to choose between a paycheck and growing their family.
• $408 million to extend and expand the Student Teacher Stipend Program helping aspiring teachers complete their classroom training and enter high-need fields and serve priority schools.
• $250 million for Teacher Residency Grants strengthening the partnership between school districts and preparation programs for teachers training to serve California classrooms.
• $10 million for Bilingual Teacher Professional Development and Pathways allowing school districts to partner with community colleges and universities to build a stronger pipeline of bilingual educators.
• $10 million for the Classified School Employee Teacher Credentialing Program helping school districts recruit and prepare classroom aides, food service workers, bus drivers and other classified staff to become teachers.
• $1.6 million for all Golden State Teachers Grant applicants in 2026-27, plus an additional $10 million in one-time General Fund support for grants in 2027-28.