Tony Thurmond

Superintendent Tony Thurmond has championed the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in education. Last year, he convened a statewide AI in education workgroup to develop guidance and policy ensuring AI benefits students and educators while protecting privacy, data security, and academic integrity. The group includes teachers, students, administrators, classified staff, higher education leaders, and industry experts. This effort followed the passage of SB 1288, a bill Superintendent Thurmond sponsored, making California one of the first states to establish a legislatively mandated focus on AI in K–12 education.

During the pandemic, he expanded connectivity for millions of students, distributed nearly a billion meals, provided mental health services, and secured $6.6 billion for school reopenings. In his second term, he has tripled per-pupil funding over the past decade and directed investments toward transforming California’s public schools. His priorities include community schools, universal meals, universal TK, and early literacy. He has also advanced efforts to diversify the tech industry by promoting equitable access to STEM. A longtime public servant, he is an educator, social worker, and public-school parent who has served as a city council member, school board trustee, and State Assembly Member.