Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Appointments Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rules Committee advances three State Board of Education nominees after questioning on math framework and TK access
Summary
The Senate Rules Committee advanced Cynthia Glover Woods, Brenda Lewis and Gabriela Orozco Gonzalez to the full Senate, after nominees described plans for instructional materials, professional development and transitional kindergarten access and answered questions about the 2023 math framework and student proficiency data.
The Senate Rules Committee voted to advance three of Governor Newsom’s nominees to the State Board of Education after a hearing that examined curriculum policy, student performance and early childhood implementation.
Dr. Cynthia Glover Woods, Dr. Brenda Lewis and Gabriela Orozco Gonzalez each gave brief opening statements outlining decades of experience in California public education and a commitment to improving outcomes. Committee members pressed nominees about the mathematics framework adopted in 2023 — which altered how algebra content is offered in middle school — recent state scores showing low math and science proficiency, and whether the board had been involved in a governor‑proposed restructuring of education governance.
Nominees said the 2023 framework does not prohibit eighth‑grade students from taking algebra 1; rather, it provides flexibility so districts, parents and schools can place ready students into algebra pathways, including integrated math approaches. They emphasized recent actions the board has taken to improve supports: the adoption of aligned instructional materials, expanded professional development for teachers, new differentiated assistance criteria to target low‑performing schools and the addition of science as a full indicator on the school dashboard.
On transitional kindergarten (TK), nominees described efforts to increase access and teacher credentialing. They said professional learning, developmentally appropriate instructional resources and funding for credential pathways are critical to deliver full‑day, high‑quality TK but acknowledged that half‑day schedules remain a barrier for some working families.
Public commenters representing child and family service groups, suburban district associations and school board associations spoke in strong support of the three nominees, citing practitioner experience and an emphasis on equity and classroom‑tested approaches.
Roll calls: - Dr. Cynthia Glover Woods was advanced to the full Senate by a vote the chair announced as 3–1 (Limon — aye; Laird — aye; Reyes — aye; Ochoa Bog — no; Grove recorded as "Not ready" in the transcript). - Dr. Brenda Lewis was advanced by a 4–1 vote (Limon — aye; Grove — aye; Laird — aye; Ochoa Bog — no; Reyes — aye). - Gabriela Orozco Gonzalez was advanced by a 3–1 vote (Limon — aye; Laird — aye; Reyes — aye; Ochoa Bog — no; Grove recorded as "Not me").
What happens next: Each nomination will go to the full Senate for confirmation.
