NewsEducation

Actions

Governor Gavin Newsom signs order to expand kindergarten programs

$123 billion for K-through-12 education
Kindergarten students make loving cards for nursing home residents who are social distancing
Posted
and last updated

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KERO) — Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new education package boosting funding for California schools. Newsom invited a group of elementary school students to help him sign the legislation.

Most of the $123 billion for K-through-12 education must be spent in the next fiscal year. As part of a new education spending package, the state's two-year kindergarten program will be expanded to include all four-year-olds for free.

The new plan also puts more money toward after-school and summer school programs particularly in districts that serve many high-needs students.

"We've got to prepare our kids for kindergarten, and we've got to focus on those early starts in early supports. And that is again, a big part of the story that we're advancing," said Newsom.

This year's budget also adds money to fund free school meals for all students with $54 million allocated for this year and $650 million to be used in the future.

Sign up for our Morning E-mail Newsletter to receive the latest headlines in your inbox.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Sunday

10/26/2025

Mostly Clear

-° / 56°

6%

Monday

10/27/2025

Clear

69° / 51°

7%

Tuesday

10/28/2025

Clear

79° / 53°

3%

Wednesday

10/29/2025

Clear

81° / 54°

1%

Thursday

10/30/2025

Partly Cloudy

81° / 55°

2%

Friday

10/31/2025

Clear

79° / 55°

2%

Saturday

11/01/2025

Clear

78° / 55°

1%

Sunday

11/02/2025

Clear

78° / 56°

1%