Richard Barrera Announces Candidacy for California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction

San Diego – Richard Barrera Joins Race for California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Amidst Federal Education Funding Cuts

Richard Barrera, a member of the San Diego Unified School Board since 2008, has declared his candidacy for the position of California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction. This announcement comes as current Superintendent Tony Thurmond is term-limited and running for governor, leaving Barrera as the only local candidate in the race. As Superintendent, Barrera would oversee the state’s Department of Education and the public K-12 education system.

Barrera, who has no prior experience as a teacher, believes the San Diego Unified district is in a stable position following recent challenges, including a sexual-harassment scandal. He emphasizes that he brings a unique perspective to the role, focusing on local issues rather than the traditional legislative backgrounds of many past superintendents. Barrera advocates for local control over schools, asserting that important educational decisions should be made at this level.

His vision for the role includes seeing the state superintendent as an organizer rather than a direct influencer on curriculum issues. He has expressed strong support for teachers, particularly those working with disadvantaged students, and prioritizes listening to their needs. Barrera has also acknowledged the district’s efforts to reorganize its Title IX office and comply with federal law following previous misconduct incidents.

Concerns Over Federal Funding Cuts

Amidst his campaign, Barrera has voiced concerns about the impact of federal education funding cuts, particularly those aimed at the Office for Civil Rights under the Trump administration. He warns that these changes could hinder how districts protect students from misconduct. Proposed federal budget cuts could result in California schools losing approximately $16 billion; specifically, San Diego Unified is facing potential losses of $143 million overall and $30 million in special education funding.

This situation has prompted nearly 1,000 educators to rally at Roosevelt Middle School to voice their opposition to these proposed cuts, which they fear would disproportionately affect low-income families and students with special needs. Although federal funding constitutes only 6% of San Diego Unified’s budget, the potential cuts raise significant concerns among educators and parents alike.

Educational Policies and Initiatives

Barrera has criticized state legislation that mandates specific reading instruction, arguing that tailored instructional strategies should be developed for individual student needs. He believes that improving reading outcomes requires direct support for educators rather than relying on legislative measures alone. He draws attention to the need for comprehensive solutions beyond mere curriculum changes.

Additionally, Barrera supports the requirement for ethnic studies courses in California schools and has criticized Governor Gavin Newsom for withholding funding to implement this mandate. He is also concerned about the housing crisis impacting San Diego Unified, advocating for the development of affordable housing to attract and retain school district employees.

Views on Charter Schools and Funding

In terms of school choice, Barrera supports charter schools as part of the public education system but stresses the importance of community assessments to manage their growth. He acknowledges the specific challenges faced by small, rural school districts in California regarding funding for facilities and has stated his opposition to loosening Prop 13 protections for homeowners. However, he supports repealing it for non-residential properties to increase funding for schools.

To bolster K-12 and early childhood education funding, Barrera advocates for raising taxes on high earners. His focus on funding issues aligns with a broader discussion in California about the financial support necessary to maintain and improve educational services in the face of potential federal and state budget constraints.

As the election approaches, Barrera’s campaign aims to present a fresh approach to the educational leadership of California, emphasizing local control, support for educators, and strategic responses to funding challenges.