California Today

San Diego and Chino Valley school board leaders face off for California schools chief

08 June 2026 10:18

The race for California superintendent of public instruction is down to two school board presidents: Richard Barrera (San Diego) and Sonja Shaw (Chino Valley). - Barrera, a Democrat, has 18 years on the San Diego board and is backed by the teachers union.

- Shaw, a Republican, led Chino Valley's anti-LGBTQ+ policies and focuses on parents' rights. - The race is expected to be highly partisan, with culture war issues like transgender policies taking center stage.

The November election will determine the direction of California's K-12 education policy.

Tags

San DiegoChinopoliticseducationschoolSan Diego CountySan Bernardino CountyLocal