Four candidates for California's top schools job discuss curriculum, careers and more in San Diego

Josh Newman, Gus Mattamal, Nichelle Henderson and Richard Barrera detailed how they would approach the job of superintendent of public instruction.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:23am

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A boldly colored, abstract grid of textbooks in bright neon shades, conceptually representing the diverse ideas and priorities of the candidates for California's top education role.The candidates' visions for California's public education system could shape the future of learning for millions of students.Los Angeles Today

Four candidates for California's top education job spoke in San Diego on Thursday afternoon about issues like curriculum, accountability and career technical education in a friendly forum where they built on each other's comments more than they disagreed. The candidates - Josh Newman, Gus Mattamal, Nichelle Henderson and Richard Barrera - detailed how they would approach the job of superintendent of public instruction if elected.

Why it matters

The race for California's superintendent of public instruction is an important one, as the role has significant influence over the state's vast and decentralized public education system. The candidates' views on curriculum, teacher support, accountability, and career pathways could shape the direction of California schools for years to come.

The details

The four candidates took different stances on questions concerning curriculum, instruction and accountability. Barrera emphasized supporting teachers and creating an environment where students can learn. Newman said California should learn from other states that have made progress in areas like math instruction. Henderson said teachers should be able to teach a curriculum, not teach to tests, and that schools should address 'social promotion.' Mattamal stressed holding school districts accountable for teaching the 'science of reading' and said every middle schooler should take a career technical education class each semester.

  • The candidate forum took place on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Josh Newman

A former state lawmaker from Orange County who said California has been 'truly negligent' in not learning from best practices in other states.

Gus Mattamal

The director of Advantage Testing who said he would pressure school districts to commit to teaching the 'science of reading' and that every middle schooler should take a career technical education class each semester.

Nichelle Henderson

A trustee with the Los Angeles Community College District who said teachers should be able to teach a curriculum, not teach to tests, and that schools should address 'social promotion.'

Richard Barrera

The president of the San Diego Unified School District board who emphasized supporting teachers and creating an environment where students can learn.

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What they’re saying

“'It is all about creating an environment in our schools where we say our students can learn math, but we need to be organized and we need to be able to teach math. When teachers see that growth in their students, it's incredibly motivating, and it's building a sense of effectiveness among teachers.'”

— Richard Barrera, President of the San Diego Unified School District board

“'We cannot continue to allow students to matriculate from grade to grade, not mastering any of these Common Core or California state standards, and then expect them to go to college and expect them to be able to enter the workforce successfully.'”

— Nichelle Henderson, Trustee with Los Angeles Community College District

“'The opportunity for a state superintendent — especially who's grounded in the realities in the world of local school boards — is to help local districts actually get better and improve.'”

— Richard Barrera, President of the San Diego Unified School District board

What’s next

The candidates will continue campaigning ahead of the election for California superintendent of public instruction.

The takeaway

The forum highlighted the diverse perspectives and priorities of the candidates vying to lead California's vast and complex public education system. Voters will have to weigh the candidates' approaches to issues like curriculum, teacher support, accountability, and career pathways as they decide who is best suited for the role.