Reverse the Decline in the Quality of Our Children’s Education
California ranks among the wealthiest states in America, yet our academic performance continues to lag behind much of the nation. This page examines statewide rankings, NAEP proficiency scores, income data, and per capita taxation to highlight the gap between resources and results — and outlines a plan to restore measurable academic excellence.
Source: World Population Review (Public School Rankings 2026; Median Household Income 2026) and Nation’s Report Card NAEP 2024, as cited in Platform Detail v.1 Education 2.26.26.pdf
Standards.
Accountability.
Excellence.
Public School Rankings by State 2026 – World Population Review
National Assessment Results
According to national rankings, California ranks 32nd in public school performance.
Overall ranks are based on four categories:
• K–12 performance
• School funding and resources
• Higher education quality
• Safety
Despite ranking near the top in wealth and tax revenue, California’s academic performance remains in the lower half of states.
California Proficiency Test Score Rankings
The test score ranking to the left is an example. It shows the 2024 NAEP proficiency test score for California 4th graders in math. Their 233 score ranks these students 42nd out of 50 states.
To research all three tested grades for different years in each of the four academic areas, visit: https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/profiles/stateprofile?sfj=NP&chort=1&sub=MAT&sj=&st=MN&year=2024R3
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) tests 4th and 8th graders for proficiency in math, reading, science, and writing. California students rank in the middle to bottom half in all four categories.
California ranks near the top in total tax revenue and education spending.
Median Household Income and Taxation Per Person
Wealth vs. Performance
These are the wealthiest states in one- to four-person median household incomes. California ranks #2. All those high-paying government, lobbyist, and NGO jobs make DC richer than any state.
Taxation Per Person by State:
California ranks #2 in state and local tax collections per capita at $10,319.
Nine of the ten highest tax burdens fall on the residents of Democrat-run states.
We are among the wealthiest and highest-taxed states in the nation — yet our children rank near the bottom in academic performance.
Money is not the problem. Focus and accountability are.
How Will I Fight to Reverse the Decline in the Quality of Our Children’s Education?
The first thing that must happen: California voters unite to elect a Republican Governor and break the Democrat veto-proof supermajorities in the State Legislature.
There are currently 60 Democrat and 20 Republican members of the State Assembly. To break the supermajority we need to increase the number of Republicans to at least 27. In the State Senate the split is the same: 30 Democrats and 10 Republicans. We need to elect at least 14 Republican Senators. Numerically it’s less challenging, but as State Senators serve 4 instead of 2 year terms, only half will be running for reelection this year.
I will work to promote a much greater awareness of the information presented above. As this happens, it will provide the momentum for me to work with other Republicans and the more reasonable Democrats in the State Assembly to pass legislation that:
1. Gets activism out of the classrooms and school libraries by prohibiting teachers from discussing their personal ideological views on school property
2. Limits the display of political or ideological based flags, banners and signs on school property to the American and California state flags.
3. Mandates specific K-12 curriculum guidelines that return to the primary academic areas: science and math, language and literature, AI and computer science, accounting and business, drama and fine arts, and last but not least: actual as opposed to ideologically-driven fake history, geography, civics and political science.
4. Mandates test and test scoring requirements for all academic subjects.
Restoring Academic Excellence
Our children deserve strong foundations in math, science, literacy, and critical thinking. Education should prepare students for opportunity — not political activism.
We owe it to the next generation to get this right.
Continue Exploring Mike's Platform
Explore Other Important Issues
Neighborhood Safety
Violent crime has risen across AD51 cities while the national rate has remained stable. Sacramento policies are making it harder for local governments to protect single-family neighborhoods and enforce the law effectively. We must restore accountability, support law enforcement, and protect the quality of life in our communities.
Women’s Rights
Biological males competing in women’s sports undermines decades of progress toward fairness and equal opportunity. Women deserve privacy, safety, and competitive integrity. We must restore protections in athletics, scholarships, and women-only spaces.
Homelessness
California has one of the highest per capita homeless populations in the nation. Billions have been spent with little measurable success. Compassion without accountability has failed. We must fund treatment, job training, and housing — with strict performance requirements.
Affordability
Housing, gas, utilities, and food costs continue to rise. Government-induced regulations and taxation have made California one of the least affordable states in the nation. We must reduce regulatory burdens, control spending, and lower the tax load on working families.
Jobs & Opportunity
California ranks last in U-Haul migration trends as companies relocate to business-friendly states. As employers leave, the tax burden grows on those who remain. We must reverse hostile regulatory policies and create an environment that attracts investment and job growth.
Parental Rights
Recent legislation allows life-altering medical decisions involving minors without parental consent. Parents must retain authority over the health and upbringing of their children. We must restore transparency, consent protections, and remove ideological activism from schools.
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