Read my plan to make California schools #1 in the nation

*** Tony Thurmond has been endorsed for State Superintendent of Public Instruction by the CDP ***

I am excited to share my plan to make California’s public schools the best in the nation.

The ideas laid out in my plan aim to:

• Keep our students safe
• Create a 21st Century curriculum
• Close the achievement gap
• Prioritize funding and ensure accountability
• And much more

My plan is ambitious – but as the 6th largest economy in the world and the capital of innovation, California can afford to be ambitious. And yet, our state ranks 46th in per pupil spending. If we want the next generation of Californians to be prepared for the future, we  have no other option than to be ambitious for our kids. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and work with a coalition of educators, policymakers, students, and families who are interested in accomplishments, not conflict.

My plan is comprehensive – from early childhood education to higher education, the free lunch program to computer science, my plan covers a wide range of policy areas, each reflective of my experiences working in education.  As a social worker, I have a visceral understanding of the challenges that exist outside the classroom and impact students’ ability to learn. As a state legislator and chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education, my priority is to prepare our students for the jobs of the 21st century global economy.  With 12 years of experience working directly in education, including teaching civics classes and running afterschool programs, I believe that when our schools are safe, community-oriented, and well-resourced, all students can succeed.

Finally, my plan is already underway – many of the policy ideas laid out are inspired by my current and past legislation, including increased investment in career technical education (CTE) and STEM, my private prison tax to fund early education, support for bilingual education and special education, school-based health services, and restorative justice programs.  I’m not going to keep California’s students waiting for the support that they need right now. At the end of the plan, you will find an index of my top education bills.

Let me know what you think of the plan.  Share it with your colleagues and communities. Together, I have no doubt that we really can make California’s public schools number one in the nation.

Thank you,

Tony Thurmond

Tony Thurmond for Superintendent of Public Instruction 2018
PO Box 2145
Richmond CA 94802 United States