Richard Barrera

Education The solutions aren’t in Sacramento—they’re in our classrooms, our communities, and the hands of the educators and families who know what our students need. I’m not here to push top-down mandates. I’m here to organize, build coalitions, and fight for the resources and support that schools across the state deserve. Because when we invest in our schools, we’re not just funding education—we’re investing in stronger communities, a more prepared workforce, and a brighter future for our children. That’s the return on investment that parents expect, students deserve, and California’s future depends on. Education California’s public schools shouldn’t have to scrape by on short-term fixes and one-time funding measures. We need serious, long-term investment in our education system that ensures every student gets the education they deserve. That means leading a statewide effort to increase education funding and reinvest California’s wealth into its public schools, holding the federal government accountable for meeting its funding obligations to programs like special education, and helping local school districts organize and pass their own funding measures—because communities can’t afford to wait for Sacramento to catch up. Education California’s schools should be places where every child feels seen, valued, and safe—no exceptions. That means protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ students and ensuring schools are places of belonging, not exclusion. When students face bullying or discrimination, schools must step up—not look the other way. It also means expanding dual-language immersion programs so students graduate fully bilingual and prepared for a global economy. And it means making sure career pathways are available to every student, whether they’re pursuing college, a trade, or another path to success. There is dignity in all work, and our education system must recognize that by providing robust vocational training, apprenticeships, and career and technical education programs. A college degree should not be the only route to a stable and fulfilling career, and every student deserves access to the opportunities that will help them thrive. Education Students can’t learn if they don’t feel safe and supported. Mental health and student wellness must be a top priority in every school. We need to expand access to school counselors and mental health services so students can get the support they need when they need it. Peer counseling programs should be in every high school, giving students a safe space to talk with trained peers who understand their challenges. And we must move beyond test scores to measure school success—making social-emotional learning a core priority, because when students feel supported, they thrive. Education Every student, no matter their background or zip code, deserves access to a world-class public education. That starts by making sure every high school offers college-prep courses, so no student finds out too late that they weren’t given the classes they need to apply to a four-year university. It also means expanding career, technical education and apprenticeships so students can get hands-on experience in fields like healthcare and the trades. Education Our schools are only as strong as our educators. Right now, too many teachers are leaving the profession, and too few young people see teaching as a viable career. We need to change that. That means expanding paid apprenticeships so future teachers can earn while they learn, covering tuition for those who commit to teaching in California’s public schools, and strengthening partnerships between school districts and higher education to train and retain diverse, talented educators. Most importantly, we must invest in our current teachers—ensuring they have the support, resources, and fair pay they need to keep doing what they love: teaching the next generation. Education Teachers shouldn’t have to choose between serving their students and affording a place to live. We need real solutions to ensure educators can live in the communities they serve. That means helping districts secure funding to build workforce housing for teachers and school staff, connecting schools with developers and labor partners to turn housing projects into reality, and expanding statewide programs that support educators struggling with housing costs. When teachers can live where they work, schools and communities thrive.