McClatchy endorses Richard Barrera for California state superintendent. Here's what to know

The Sacramento Bee Editorial Board has endorsed San Diego schools leader Richard Barrera in the race to become California’s next superintendent of public instruction. Barrera emerged from a crowded field of 10 candidates as the choice to lead a strained public education system facing declining enrollment, teacher shortages and persistent achievement gaps.

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

Here are key takeaways:

• Barrera serves as a longtime leader on the San Diego Unified School District board, California’s second-largest district with 112,250 students. San Diego now ranks first among large districts in reading and math, with graduation rates exceeding 90%.
• Under Barrera’s leadership, teacher salaries rose 50%, health benefits were fully covered and more than 90% of teachers remain in the district. He also helped raise graduation requirements so all students could qualify for UC and CSU admission.
• The race carries added uncertainty after Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed moving the California Department of Education into the executive branch as part of his 2026-27 budget trailer bill, which could diminish the superintendent’s power.
• Achievement gaps remain stark statewide. The Public Policy Institute of California reported 2025 assessments showed Black students at 33% English proficiency and 20% in math, while Latino students reached 39% in English and 26% in math.
• Other candidates include Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and private-sector candidate Gus Mattammal. Barrera also earned the endorsement of the California Teachers Association.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.