John Fensterwald • EdSource, Author at Times of San Diego

State capitol building

State Superintendent will no longer manage California schools under deal Newsom cuts with Legislature

by John Fensterwald • EdSource June 28, 2026, 1:00 p.m.June 27, 2026, 11:07 a.m.

The department’s control will shift in January to a new Director of Education, who will report to the governor, under a deal announced Friday.

A large, ornate government assembly room with people at desks, green drapes, chandeliers, and white columns.

California school districts battle for $3.9 billion they argue is due now, not later

by John Fensterwald • EdSource June 14, 2026, 11:00 a.m.June 12, 2026, 2:57 p.m.

A classroom scene with students collaborating in groups. A focused student in the foreground holds a document, while others discuss around a table.

California’s education funding level rises compared to other states

by John Fensterwald • EdSource and Justin Allen • EdSource May 9, 2026, 12:00 p.m.May 8, 2026, 1:40 p.m.

Two women smiling for a selfie in a legislative chamber with desks and green decor.

Former Poway school board member Darshana Patel is the scientist shaping education in California’s Legislature

by John Fensterwald • EdSource Feb. 18, 2026, 12:48 p.m.Feb. 18, 2026, 12:49 p.m.

A sign saying in Spanish "Make this a great day" greets the new high school students. Photo by Chris Stone

University of California faculty to consider its own high school ethnic studies mandate

by John Fensterwald • EdSource April 23, 2025, 1:40 p.m.April 23, 2025, 9:08 p.m.

A math workbook

New Stanford Database Tracks Learning Loss, Gain in California and Districts Nationwide

by John Fensterwald • EdSource Feb. 11, 2025, 12:54 p.m.Feb. 12, 2025, 9:25 a.m.

Child sitting on a colorful carpet reading a children's book.

California Still Lags Behind Pre-Pandemic Reading and Math Scores on National Assessment

by John Fensterwald • EdSource Jan. 29, 2025, 8:59 a.m.Jan. 29, 2025, 8:59 a.m.

Two people smiling and working on a laptop in a classroom or office setting.

As Deadline Looms, High School Ethnic Studies Programs Remain an Unfunded Mandate

by John Fensterwald • EdSource Dec. 17, 2024, 11:25 p.m.Dec. 18, 2024, 7:28 a.m.

San Ysidro High School sign on a beige brick wall, with the address "5353 Airway Road" surrounded by foliage and an overcast sky.

Proposition 2: A Guide to What a $10 Billion Construction Bond Could Mean for Your School

by John Fensterwald • EdSource Oct. 4, 2024, 11:15 p.m.Oct. 5, 2024, 7:32 a.m.