By Justin Hsieh, Staff Writer
This past week, the inaugurations of multiple newly elected state officials saw the usual array of hopeful promises for the future. But among the most prominent of these was a concerted focus on improving the Californian education system.
On Monday, Governor Gavin Newsom gave an inaugural address in which he reiterated his commitment to improving the accessibility of education for both children and young adults. He made good on his word on Thursday with a budget proposal that included $1.8 billion for the expansion of state preschool and kindergarten programs and $1.4 billion to freeze tuition and increase enrollment in higher education.
“Every child should have a great school and a teacher who is supported and respected,” said Newsom on Monday. “Every young person should be able to go to college without crushing debt or to get the training they need to compete and succeed.”
Also on Monday, Newsom gave the oath of office to his Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis. As Lieutenant Governor, Kounalakis will serve on the University of California Board of Regents and California State University Board of Trustees, affirming that improving education would be one of her main priorities in office.
“There is no greater investment in the future of the state than education,” Kounalakis said in her inaugural speech. “When we throw open the doors to higher education to anyone in this state who seeks its benefits, talent will find its way… I am committed to expanding access to affordable public higher education here in our state. It is wise, it is smart, it is the right thing to do.”
Monday also saw the inauguration of Tony Thurmond, the new state superintendent of public schools. He was introduced to the State Assembly with praise from several leaders of the Assembly, and took the stage to pledge his dedication to the expansion of teaching staff and the improvement of their pay.
“We can’t close the achievement gap unless we have quality teachers in every classroom,” said Thurmond. “We have to make sure we provide quality compensation and support to our teachers and our classified staff and all the educators who support our kids.”
