As students return to classrooms, California parents, educators, and other education stakeholders continue to call for more education funding. But with approximately 48% of the state General Fund, about $110 billion, dedicated to education, Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) says the conversation should focus on a different question:
How is the money being spent, and is it improving student outcomes?
Under the current 2026-27 budget, spending will reach $27,418 per pupil from all funding sources (state and federal), an increase of $10,242, or 60%, during the Newsom administration years.
Yet California assessment results have declined overall:
- English Language Arts: 6 points below standard in 2018 vs. 8.1 points below standard in 2025
- Mathematics: 36.4 points below standard in 2018 vs. 42.4 points below standard in 2025
“Our students deserve more than excuses,” Senator Ochoa Bogh said. “The question is no longer how much we spend. Instead, we should be asking why hasn’t the increased investment in education not produced better outcomes.”
Since 2013, California’s funding system has diverted additional funding to students with greater needs. Through the Local Control Funding Formula, districts receive additional per-pupil funding for English learners, foster youth and low-income students, with additional funding for schools where these students make up more than 55% of enrollment.
Governor Newsom recently signed legislation in July 2026 that provides a record $2.4 billion increase for California's K-12 special education system. This historic package represents a 43% year-over-year funding boost designed to reform and improve services for students with disabilities.
Parents have a right to know how those additional resources are being used. District budgets, plans and spending priorities are public, and families can seek answers through School Site Councils, parent advisory groups, school board meetings and district leadership.
COVID disrupted learning, but every state experienced the pandemic. With education funding rising significantly while California’s students continue to struggle academically, particularly in math and science, Ochoa Bogh says taxpayers and families deserve greater transparency and accountability.
“California taxpayers have made an enormous investment in public education,” said Senator Ochoa Bogh. “Parents, teachers and students deserve to know that those dollars are reaching students, supporting learning and improving outcomes.”
Click here to read Senator Ochoa Bogh’s education funding op-ed published in The Sun.
Senator Ochoa Bogh is available for media interviews. To schedule an interview, please contact Ivette Burch at ivette.burch@sen.ca.gov.