Larry Aceves on the Issues

California’s schools are confronting the largest cuts in history while the expectations for our students and the demands on educators have never been greater. The Governor and legislature have continued to cut funding for instruction and support services for students in order to balance the state budget. In this time of crisis for our schools Larry Aceves, a lifelong educator not a politician, will bring new and aggressive leadership to the State Superintendent’s office to protect California’s public schools and improve academic achievement for all our students.

Increase Equitable School Funding

California’s schools have struggled for decades with inadequate and inequitable funding.  Larry believes our schools must be adequately funded so that educators can continually improve the quality of instruction and the necessary support services that students receive, and that schools in poorer areas should have just as much funding as those from wealthier areas.  As Superintendent of Public Instruction, Larry will make it his first priority to press the legislature and Governor to adequately fund all our public schools.

Reduce Mandates on Educators

The state and federal governments have overburdened California’s teachers, principals, and superintendents with mandate after mandate, saddling them with paperwork instead of freeing them to focus on student achievement. Larry will work to eliminate these inefficiencies, such as the cumbersome and duplicative reporting systems. As Superintendent of Public Instruction, Larry will work to reduce state and federal mandates so educators can focus more on improving instruction and less on bureaucratic red tape.

Provide Modern Instructional Materials

As Superintendent of Public Instruction, Larry will ensure that school districts embrace technology in the classroom and provide our schools and students with up-to-date books and materials. As superintendent of the Franklin McKinley School District, Larry established a district wide computer network and ensured that all schools and classrooms were connected to the internet. He secured nearly 10 million dollars in school technology funding for the district. 

Ensure Accountability

Larry believes that every teacher, principal and superintendent must be held accountable for their students’ academic performance. He recognizes that schools must be adequately funded so that these educators can continually improve the quality of instruction.  Assessment results should produce outcomes that teachers can use in the classroom, principals can use in creating support for teachers, and superintendents can use to focus resources throughout the district.  As Superintendent of Public Instruction, Larry will hold educators accountable for student achievement, and ensure all schools have the necessary resources to reach the student achievement goals.

Enhance Career Technical Education

As Superintendent of Public Instruction, Larry will make preparing students for both post-secondary education and training and work a top priority.  Larry believes California’s education system must integrate elements of career technical education into the core curriculum to promote all educational options.  Such options should include community apprenticeships, service learning projects, expanding foreign language options in the curriculum, and updating our academic content standards. As Superintendent of Public Instruction, Larry will ensure that our public schools offer career technical training that includes real-world experience.