In January, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed a plan to create an education commissioner position, appointed by the sitting governor, which will assume management of the education department in 2027 upon approval. The plan is being pushed into state legislation through Assembly Bill 2117, which was introduced to the state assembly in February.
The responsibilities this position will undertake are currently overseen by the voter-elected state superintendent of public instruction, Tony Thrumond, whose term ends January 2027.
The bill’s approval would mean several changes for California. The primary change includes the provisions that currently empower the superintendent, who serves as the ex officio — or by virtue of office — director of education.
According to AB 2117’s legislative counsel’s digest, the bill would alter and revise the provisions by “(A) deleting the provision in existing law that establishes the Superintendent as the ex officio of the Director of Education, (B) vesting all executive and administrative functions of the department in an Education Commissioner to be appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the Governor.”
If the bill is approved, the sitting superintendent would be removed as the director of education. Several superintendent and director of education responsibilities would thus be overseen by the education commissioner.
This bill would not eliminate the superintendent position. The superintendent would serve as an evaluator and coordinator for public education.
In the April 28 amendment, AB 2117 says, “The bill would require the superintendent to conduct independent evaluations of specified education initiatives and authorize the superintendent to conduct independent evaluations of other education initiatives.”
Notably, the bill will allow the superintendent to become a voting member of the Board of Governors of California Community Colleges. The Board of Governors makes decisions for all 117 community colleges in California, including Las Positas College.
AB 2117’s reallocation of duties from the superintendent to an education commissioner means certain responsibilities will transition from a candidate elected by California voters. Instead, the process of election will more closely follow federal methods, such as judicial appointments.
If AB 2117 is approved, a governor-appointed education commissioner will vote on decisions that affect community colleges statewide in July 2027.
***
TOP PHOTO: The change in the California department of education proposed by Governor Gavin Newsom has progressed in the state legislature as Assembly Bill 2117. If the bill is passed it will allow for Gov. Newsom to appoint an education commissioner who would be responsible for the executive and administrative functions of the department of education, as well as placing the superintendent of public instruction as a voting member of the Board of Governors of California Community Colleges. (Photo courtesy of Envato Elements)
Musa Ashraf is the News Editor for The Express. Follow him on X, @MusaZash.
