Read McClatchy Media’s endorsement for California’s state superintendent | Opinion

California’s next superintendent of public instruction will inherit a system under real strain and perhaps a job with diminished power.

As part of his 2026-27 budget trailer bill announced in January, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed moving the California Department of Education, currently overseen by the state schools superintendent, into the executive branch of the governor’s administration. How much power that would leave the superintendent, and whether Newsom gets his way, remain open questions for now.

Meanwhile, surveys have shown that while California teachers are faring better than teachers in other states, many are planning to quit or retire in the next ten years. Enrollment has declined over the past decade, forcing wrenching budget decisions and school consolidations. And student outcomes, though up slightly since 2022, the first year of testing after declines recorded during COVID shutdowns, continue to lag.

The Public Policy Institute of California reported that 2025 assessments showed Black students achieving 33% in English proficiency and 20% in math, far lower than Asian and white students. Latino students didn’t fare much better at 39% in English and 26% in math.

These outcomes are unacceptable, but in California, they get far less attention than labor politics that is focused intently on raising teaching salaries and benefits.

From a crowded field of 10 candidates vying to be state superintendent of public instruction, we endorse San Diego schools leader Richard Barrera for several reasons. We believe he is best positioned to be an effective air traffic controller within a sprawling, decentralized system, who can align Sacramento with local districts and educators around what actually works.

We like that Barrera is running on results as a longtime leader on the San Diego Unified School District board. With 112,250 students, SDUSD is the second-largest public school district in California.

Barrera has helped a diverse, working-class district that is one of the top-performing large urban systems in the country. San Diego now ranks first among large districts in reading and math, with graduation rates exceeding 90%.

But again, labor politics reign supreme in California public schools.

As EdSource reminded us recently, no one has been elected superintendent of public instruction in California for more than 40 years without the support of the California Teachers Association.

And though it had no bearing on our endorsement, CTA endorsed Barrera to succeed Tony Thurmond as state superintendent of public instruction over much bigger names in California politics.

It’s easy to see why.

Barrera helped raise graduation requirements so that all students, including first-generation and immigrant students, could qualify for UC and CSU admission. Critics predicted failure. Instead, students delivered.

But Barrera also focused on the adults in the system. Under his leadership, teacher salaries increased by 50%, health benefits were fully covered and retention soared. More than 90% of teachers remain in the district, far above national averages.

That instinct to listen, to convene, to build is exactly what this job requires. We applaud Barrera for taking care of the teachers in his district, who deserve to be paid well. But for him to succeed as superintendent, no matter what shape the job takes, Barrera must put just as much emphasis on reducing an achievement gap that is leaving Black and brown kids in California behind.

Public education is a foundational pillar for economic mobility and California’s public schools must be just as committed to that principle as it is raising teacher salaries. We must stop failing our kids.

None of this is to diminish the strengths of others vying for this office.

Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi brings a deep understanding of education policy and has been a steady advocate for funding and student support programs. Former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon offers formidable experience navigating Sacramento and shaping complex legislation. And, Gus Mattammal, coming from the private sector, brings a sharp, data-driven perspective and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

Any of them could contribute meaningfully to transforming the state’s educational performance.

But Barrera separates himself in two critical ways.

First, he’s already doing the work, not in title but in practice. He has led a large, complex district, advised the current superintendent and built coalitions that translate policy into results.

Second, he brings the temperament the moment demands. This is not a role for a bomb-thrower or a know-it-all. It requires someone who can bridge divides between Sacramento policymakers, local districts, educators and parents.

Barrera displayed that balance in his interview: steely but collaborative, ambitious but grounded.

The next superintendent must help a fractured system pull in the same direction, toward better outcomes for students and a more sustainable profession for teachers.