California budget adds $2.4B to K-12 special ed

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a state budget on Thursday, July 9, 2026, that includes a historic $2.4 billion increase in funding for K-12 special education programs. The governor announced the signing during a press conference at Willett Elementary School in Davis, where he was joined by state education officials and lawmakers.

The funding represents a 43% year-over-year increase, which officials described as the largest single-year hike for special education in the state's history. The new money is intended to support literacy aides, behavioral health assistance, and other specialized services for students with disabilities. The per-pupil cost for special education will rise to a record $1,340, reflecting both cost-of-living increases and growth in the student population requiring services.

Governor Newsom framed the investment as a necessary correction after years of insufficient support. He acknowledged that rising special education costs have contributed to severe financial strain for some districts, such as Sacramento City Unified, which faces a deficit of more than $170 million. The budget includes mechanisms, such as a reimbursable pool of money, to help...