State Superintendent Tony Thurmond issued a statement today in response to a letter, dated June 2, 2025, from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to California local educational agencies (LEAs) claiming that LEAs are exposed to “legal liability” if they comply with a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) policy that requires students have the opportunity to participate in CIF activities that are consistent with their gender identity:

“Let’s be clear: sending a letter does not change the law. The DOJ’s letter to school districts does not announce any new federal law, and state law on this issue has remained unchanged since 2013. California state law protects all students’ access to participate in athletics in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity. We will continue to follow the law and ensure the safety of all of our athletes.”

Source: Tony Thurmond Responds to DOJ Letter on CIF Policy – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

By Richard Bammer

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and Gov. Gavin Newsom have released a comprehensive suite of resources designed to enhance literacy instruction and support teachers statewide in an effort to improve student outcomes, especially for young readers.

In a press statement, Thurmond said California Literacy-Biliteracy Professional Learning Pack “takes a significant step forward in providing educators with the tools they need to foster strong literacy and biliteracy development from the earliest years of learning as we move the needle on student achievement, particularly for our youngest readers.”

Source: State announces new resources to bolster biliteracy instruction – The Vacaville Reporter

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond honored nine outstanding classified school employees today for their dedication to California’s public school students. Nearly 100 people attended the special event in downtown Sacramento to honor the Classified School Employee of the Year (CSEY) winners, including the honorees and other classified school employees, superintendents, principals, administrators, and the event sponsors: the California School Employees Association (CSEA), SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, and the California State Lottery.

“I share my sincere thanks to these individuals for being such selfless parts of our school system. When people say it takes a village to raise a child, it’s true. Our classified school employees are a critical part of that village,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “They are the backbone of public education. Their hard work is what makes learning possible for our students.”

Source: Classified School Employees of the Year Honored – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

Today, the California Department of Education released 2024–25 school enrollment data on DataQuest, showing that the decline in public school enrollment has begun to slow.

While the overall decrease in school enrollment compared to prepandemic levels continues to be a source of strain on public schools, new initiatives such as Transitional Kindergarten (TK) show significant growth and signs of promise as local educational agencies (LEAs) work to reengage families, especially as California’s families experience increased economic hardship.

Source: Data Shows Slowing Decline in School Enrollment – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

Thirty-four California schools have been named recipients of the 2025 Civic Learning Awards, honoring and recognizing measurable schoolwide achievements in civics. The award program, now in its twelfth year, is co-sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero.

“When young people advocate and raise their voices, they have the power to drive meaningful change in their communities,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “Education is fundamental to achieving our democratic ideals, and these schools have played an exceptional role in shaping the leaders of the future.”

“I find these award applications truly inspiring—each one is deserving of recognition,” said Chief Justice Guerrero. “They highlight the powerful stories of committed educators who, despite the challenges, are finding creative ways to ensure students can fully engage with and understand civics.”

Source: SPI Announces 2025 Civic Learning Award Schools – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today honored nine outstanding classified school employees for their dedication to California’s public school students.

“Our classified employees are the ones who make sure that kids have healthy meals, who keep our campuses clean and safe, and who lend a sympathetic ear to students during some of the most difficult times in their lives,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “It’s an incredible honor to spotlight these outstanding employees, and the significant impact they make on our students, schools, districts, and their communities. They make a huge difference, and our students will remember them for years to come. Congratulations on your hard work, dedication, and time supporting and investing in our students. These employees deserve this incredible honor, and I’m proud to celebrate them with this statewide recognition.”

Source: Classified School Employees of the Year Honored – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today that 29 schools, seven school districts, and three county offices of education have been honored with the 2025 California Green Ribbon Schools (CA-GRS) awards. Among these recipients, five have achieved the highest distinction as “Green Achievers.” These honorees are recognized for their outstanding efforts in resource conservation, health promotion, and environmental literacy.

“Our California Green Ribbon Schools exemplify the values of innovation, resiliency, and creativity that drive our efforts to make every school community a healthy and sustainable learning environment for our students.” Superintendent Thurmond said. “I congratulate each of these schools on your incredible accomplishments and contributions to our state.”

Source: 2025 CA Green Ribbon Schools Award Honorees – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today that 19 school attendance review boards (SARBs) have been designated as model programs by the State SARB for exemplary practices that have contributed to reducing chronic absenteeism rates and improving student attendance.

“School attendance improvement programs are a critical tool to have children back in the classroom, which is an important part of academic success and social-emotional well-being, especially for our most vulnerable students,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “I commend each Model SARB as they voluntarily undertake the responsibility to serve as an example of best practices and extend technical assistance to other SARBs, school districts, and counties throughout California.”

Source: SPI Announces 2025 Model SARB Recipients – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond is sponsoring legislation, Senate Bill (SB) 502, introduced by State Senator Jesse Arreguín (D-07), to help local educational agencies (LEAs) across California address the housing affordability crisis by providing critical funding to support the development of housing for educators and school employees. Superintendent Thurmond was joined by Senator Arreguín, California Federation of Teachers (CFT) Legislative Representative Mitch Steiger, and West Contra Costa Unified School District Board President Leslie Reckler at a press conference today to provide more details about SB 502.

“Ensuring affordable housing for educators and school staff is essential to stabilizing California’s school communities,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “The evidence has shown that educator workforce housing can reduce and even eliminate staffing shortages in our schools. When educators and school staff can live where they work, whole school communities thrive.”

Source: Senate Bill to Increase Educator Workforce Housing – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond is sponsoring legislation, Senate Bill (SB) 502, introduced on February 19 by State Senator Jesse Arreguín (D-07), to help local educational agencies (LEAs) across California address the housing affordability crisis. SB 502 would establish a fund to support predevelopment costs of housing for educators and school employees, a common barrier for LEAs seeking to establish workforce housing.

“California’s housing crisis is driving talented educators and school staff away from the communities that need them most,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “This bill will create a real pathway to accelerate the opportunities for districts to build over 2 million units of affordable housing over the next decade. We applaud Senator Arreguín for his efforts to support school employees.”

Source: SPI Backs Bill to Boost Housing for Educators – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

In response to recent statements and correspondence from federal officials, including the U.S. Department of Education, that have sparked speculation about potential changes to federal law and enforcement affecting local educational agencies, the California Department of Education and the State Board of Education today issued a joint statement to clarify that federal law remains unchanged:

“Federal laws regarding public education remain unchanged, as executive orders and memos cannot modify or override statutory requirements or regulations or unilaterally impose new terms on existing agreements.

Source: Stability in Education Law Compliance Affirmed – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)