Caution Opinion | California Doesn't Need More Bureaucracy. It Needs an Overhaul.

California's children deserve better.

That simple truth is why I have serious concerns about Assembly Bill 181 (2026) and the proposed restructuring of California's educational leadership.

Supporters describe AB 181 as a way to streamline state government by transferring the day-to-day management of the California Department of Education from the elected State Superintendent to a Governor-appointed Director of Education. They argue it will create clearer lines of accountability.

But I can't help asking a different question:

Is changing the organizational chart really what California students need right now?

📉 Our Students Are Still Struggling

The conversation in Sacramento seems to be about who should oversee education.

The conversation parents are having is much different.

Parents are asking:

• Why is my fourth grader struggling to read?

• Why has my child's math confidence disappeared?

• Why are classrooms becoming more difficult to manage?

• Why do I have to hire tutors just to help my child keep up?

Those questions deserve answers.

According to the Education Scorecard, California students remain significantly behind where they were before the pandemic.

📚 Students are still behind in reading.

➗ Students remain behind in math.

Even more concerning, California ranked 29th in reading recovery and 19th in math recovery compared with other reporting states between 2022 and 2025.

That should concern every parent.

🌱 The Real Problem Isn't Leadership Titles

As someone who works one-on-one with struggling students every single day, I don't believe California's biggest educational challenge is whether one elected official or one appointed official manages the Department of Education.

Our biggest challenge is that far too many children still cannot read and do math  proficiently.

Too many students continue to struggle with:

• foundational literacy

• writing

• spelling

• mathematics

• executive functioning

• access to timely intervention

Changing who signs organizational memos won't automatically change what happens in classrooms.

🧠 Families Are Looking for Something Different

Over the past several years, many California families have begun exploring alternatives. Some have chosen homeschooling. Others have enrolled in charter schools. Others have moved to private schools. Still others remain in public schools while seeking outside tutoring, educational therapy, or specialized academic instruction. Every family's reasons are different. Some seek flexibility. Some seek safety. Some seek individualized instruction. Some simply want an educational environment that better fits their child's needs.

Whatever the reason, one message is becoming increasingly clear:

Parents want their child to receive a quality education.

🚜 Why I Started My Learning Farm

I didn't start My Learning Farm because I thought education needed more bureaucracy;  I started it because my OWN children were losing confidence, falling behind and I REPEATEDLY asked the school for help and none was given-so I left and chose something different for them!

Over the last 6 years, I have met too students who believed they weren't smart.

Children who had begun to hate reading. Families who felt unheard. Parents who simply wanted someone to teach their child in a way that made sense. Every child deserves to experience success. Not someday. Now.

📊 Let's Focus on Outcomes

California already has thousands of dedicated teachers working incredibly hard every day. This isn't about blaming teachers. Many educators are doing extraordinary work despite enormous challenges. I LOVE teachers! The question is whether our educational system is producing the outcomes families expect. When statewide assessment data continue to show large numbers of students below grade-level proficiency and student come home feeling badly about themsevles and aren't making progress- it is reasonable for parents to ask difficult questions about what is—and isn't—working.

🌾 My Hope

I hope lawmakers spend as much energy discussing:

✅ evidence-based literacy instruction

✅ early intervention

✅ structured literacy

✅ mathematics achievement

✅ special education services

✅ supporting teachers

✅ empowering parents

as they do reorganizing Sacramento.

Because children don't learn better simply because another box gets moved on an organizational chart. They learn when caring adults provide effective instruction, meaningful support, high expectations, and accountability for results. California's students deserve schools where reading proficiency rises, math achievement improves, and every child has the opportunity to thrive. That—not another layer of government restructuring—should be our highest priority.

What do you think?

Should California focus first on restructuring educational leadership, or on improving student achievement? I'd love to hear your thoughts. If your child is struggling with reading, writing, spelling, math, or you're exploring homeschool options, My Learning Farm is here to help. We offer educational consultations, specialized academic instruction, and evidence-based literacy support designed to help children grow with confidence.

🌱 Learn more at www.mylearningfarm.com