Governor Newsom Signs AB 181, Bringing Historic Education Governance Reform to CA

This week marks a historic victory for California’s students and families. The signing of AB 181 into law demonstrates that California is serious about building an education system that is accountable to the students it serves and responsive to the families who place their trust in it every day.

For families, accountability is not an abstract concept—it means knowing who is responsible for ensuring their children can read, achieve academically, and graduate prepared for college, career, and life. AB 181 is an important step toward creating clearer leadership, stronger alignment, and greater transparency across our education system so that student outcomes remain at the center of decision-making.

We are deeply grateful to Jeannie Myung, Heather J. Hough, and Julie A. Marsh for authoring the PACE report, TK–12 Education Governance in California, that inspired this reform, and to Children Now for their exceptional leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing this legislation. Their vision, persistence, and ability to bring together advocates, educators, and policymakers were instrumental in securing this historic win.

We also extend our sincere thanks to Governor Gavin Newsom for his leadership and commitment to strengthening California’s public education system, and to Assemblymembers David Alvarez and Dr. Darshana Patel for championing this measure and helping move it across the finish line.

At Families In Schools, we believe that every child—regardless of race, income, language, or zip code—deserves access to an excellent education. AB 181 lays the groundwork for a more coherent and accountable system that can better deliver on that promise, particularly for students and communities that have too often been underserved.

This is more than a legislative victory. It is a victory for equity, for family voice, and for the belief that California’s education system can and must do better for all children. We look forward to partnering with state leaders, educators, advocates, and families to ensure that the promise of AB 181 translates into meaningful improvements in student outcomes across our state.