Education

Access to high-quality, affordable child care is critical to workforce participation and economic competitiveness, yet it remains out of reach for many families. The child care crisis is impacting both current workforce productivity and long-term economic growth. Investments in early education are proven to improve school readiness, reduce achievement gaps, and deliver long-term benefits across education, health, and economic outcomes.

We support:

• Expansion of access to high-quality, affordable early care and preschool
• Strengthening California’s birth-through-third-grade (P-3) mixed delivery system
• Continued investment in child care to support working families and workforce participation

Failure to invest meaningfully in child care will further strain the workforce and hinder long-term economic opportunity.

Strong alignment across the education continuum is essential to preparing students for future success. Early engagement in STEM and improved preschool-through-third-grade alignment are critical building blocks, while high school pathways must connect to real career opportunities.

We support:

• Alignment of A-G requirements with CTE and other meaningful options to ensure multiple pathways to high school completion and career success
• Stronger connections between K-12 education and regional workforce needs
• Equitable access to resources, including broadband and technology
• Collaboration across the cradle-to-career continuum
• Use of data, including YouthTruth survey results, to improve curriculum, school culture, and professional development

Higher education institutions are critical drivers of economic development and workforce readiness. Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University play a key role in preparing residents for employment, entrepreneurship, and career advancement.

We support:

• Sustained funding for higher education
• Stronger collaboration between education institutions and employers
• Expansion of certificate, degree, and workforce training programs aligned with regional economic needs

Youth mental health is at crisis levels and is directly impacting educational outcomes and workforce readiness. Rising rates of anxiety, depression, and disengagement require immediate attention and sustained investment.

We support:

• Increased funding for school-based mental health services, including screenings and suicide prevention
• Expanded social-emotional learning and wellness programs
• Extended learning opportunities to address learning loss and strengthen student engagement

Our education systems must prioritize student well-being to ensure long-term success.

Safe schools are foundational to student success. Effective school safety requires evidence-based approaches, adequate resources, and coordinated implementation.

We support:

• Implementation of evidence-based school safety programs grounded in prevention, intervention, and support
• Balanced approaches that incorporate both School Resource Officers and restorative justice practices
• Adequate and sustained investment in school safety programs
• Rapid implementation of safety measures to address immediate risks

In the near term, schools must ensure:

• Relief for educators who are expected to manage safety issues without adequate support
• Clear protocols to address violent behavior
• Protection of students from on-campus threats
• Consistent, dedicated on-campus safety and support resources