Modernizing California's Classrooms: How AB 2117 Aims to Reshape Education Leadership

For over a century, California’s education governance has struggled with a fragmented, dual-headed leadership structure that often leads to overlapping roles and conflicting direction. To resolve these historic inefficiencies, Assemblymembers David Alvarez and Darshana Patel of the California Problem Solvers Caucus have introduced Assembly Bill 2117. This landmark legislation seeks to streamline state management, bolster legislative oversight, and secure strict accountability over the state's massive education budget.

Under the proposed reforms, the administrative and executive functions of the State Department of Education will transition to a newly established Education Commissioner. Appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, the Commissioner will direct department operations under the policy guidance of the State Board of Education. Meanwhile, the elected Superintendent of Public Instruction will shift into a vital new role as an independent evaluator and cross-sector coordinator. In this capacity, the Superintendent will track student outcomes from preschool through higher education and conduct rigorous, data-driven evaluations of major education initiatives. This includes auditing any new state education investments that exceed $500 million in ongoing funds or $1 billion in one-time funding.

AB 2117 also decentralizes authority on the State Board of Education. Rather than allowing the Governor to appoint almost all board members, the bill introduces legislative appointments, granting the Senate President pro Tempore and the Speaker of the Assembly two appointments each. Additionally, to restore public trust, the bill prohibits both the Commissioner and the Superintendent from holding outside employment and mandates the dissolution of all department philanthropic foundations by June 30, 2028.

By modernizing a century-old system, AB 2117 promises to deliver a transparent, unified framework focused entirely on helping California's students reach their full potential.