California's Education Shake-Up: Who's Really in Charge?

California is looking at a big change in how schools are run. The governor wants to give the next governor more control over education. This could mean less power for the elected state superintendent. The plan comes from a report by a group of researchers. They say the current system is too confusing. Many people are in charge, but it's not clear who is responsible for what. The governor's office agrees. They say the system needs to be simpler. They want the state board of education to appoint the head of the education department. Right now, the elected superintendent holds that position. The current superintendent, Tony Thurmond, is not happy with this idea. He says the governor already has a lot of power. He thinks giving more power to the governor is not a good idea. The plan would also change the superintendent's job. Instead of running the department, the superintendent would focus on advocating for students. But Thurmond says this would not fix the real problem. He says the department needs more money and resources.The plan is not a sure thing. The Legislature would have to approve it. And the powerful teachers unions might not like it. They see the superintendent's office as a way to check the governor's power. Other states already do things this way. In 20 states, the state board appoints the head of the education department. But Thurmond says even in those states, the superintendent has more power than in California. The governor says he has done a lot for education. He points to things like free meals for students and new kindergarten programs. But he also says the system needs to be more accountable. If the plan goes through, the next governor would be more responsible for education policies. This could include things like transgender students' rights. Thurmond says the governor already has a lot of power. He thinks more power does not need to be concentrated in that office.