K-12 Decision-makers

• The Legislature and Governor control the state budget and legislative process.
• The California Department of Education and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction oversee the state's K-12 public school system, including educational services and the provision of learning facilities.
• The State Board of Education is the policy-making body for the CDE and sets the curriculum standards for public schools.
• Local school districts govern their schools within state regulations, including hiring, adopting curriculum, setting salaries, managing facilities, etc.

Many more play a role in shaping California’s education policies, including state and federal courts, county superintendents, school principals, employee unions, and parents and other taxpayers. Last year, public school districts in California employed nearly 300,000 teachers, as well as 45,000 other staff, including principals, counselors, and psychologists. There are 93.2 employed staff members for every 1,000 students, 25% below the national average.

Higher Education

The Legislature and Governor control the state budget and legislative process. The Community College System is overseen by their Board of Governors, the State Universities by their Board of Trustees, and the University of California by their Regents.