At the California Department of Education’s RTO Listening Session on June 9, 2025, Superintendent Thurmond confirmed that the CA Department of Education (CDE) is NOT going back to the office four days per week!
Superintendent Thurmond affirmed his commitment to allow CDE staff to continue the current hybrid telework schedule for the foreseeable future, reiterating that he had been swayed by the personal stories that staff shared during the office hours he held.
Over twenty CDE staff provided comments to Superintendent Thurmond and his senior staff during today’s listening session focusing on how telework has made their teams more productive and allowed them to better serve the field. Staff also expressed that they need a final announcement that the current schedule will continue so that they can plan their lives. Another concern expressed that has not yet been resolved is CDE leadership’s decision to establish the mileage exemption at 75 miles or more, rather than 50 miles or more like other state agencies. Superintendent Thurmond’s staff said that they would be reexamining the mileage exemption policy again.
The meeting concluded with Superintendent Thurmond and his leadership team committing their support for continuing the current hybrid telework schedule and identifying next steps.
Superintendent Thurmond shared the following next steps:
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- The Superintendent will convene a “Process Improvement Joint Labor Management Committee (PI-JLMC)” workgroup with rank-and-file staff representatives and leadership to come up with recommendations.
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- The Superintendent confirmed this PI-JLMC workgroup will be established this week.
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- Leadership said that there would be a process for collecting best practices for effective telework as part of this effort.
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- The decision to continue the current hybrid telework schedule (two days in the office and three days remote) will be finalized once the workgroup that Superintendent Thurmond is convening puts forward best practices for telework.
We need more leaders like Thurmond!
Every department should have a leader like him who can lead and not follow.
How can we get DGS to care for their employees and impacts RTO has? Feels like DGS has not bothered to fight it.
Exactly! The benefit of four days in the office is unclear and the hardships state workers will have to endure is very clear. The increased cost to tax payers to maintain state buildings and public roads due to increased use is senseless. The increase of California’s carbon footprint when we have mandates to decrease our carbon footprint is senseless. Ask Govenor Newsome to stand down and think about what he is asking of tax payers and state workers who have done nothing but maintain their excellent service to this state while teleworking. Sincerely, State Scientist & tax payer
Caltrans director is adhering to the RTO executive order. But at a “operational needs” and “space” basis.
How is this right? If our district is forced to come into office while others may not be subjected to the RTO…
Essentially forcing us to lose pay via travel commitments including gas, childcare, etc?
I’m glad to see a department listen to the employees and try to find something that works for all involved. I wish all departments would follow suit and with with their people.
As a long time CDE employee, I see the value of remote work as being very productive. Without distractions more work is actually being achieved daily. I strongly support remaining on this schedule for the forseeable future because it IS beneficial to the department and to the students and districts we serve!!
Please share this success story with other departments as many of us are fighting for the same things as well. If they can do it so can all of us!
Good job
I wish EDD will do the same!
Keep teleworking
CA Lottery isn’t going to 4 days either.
What can we do for the Franchise tax board?
Returning to office 4days per week is wasting tax payers’ money ,increasing air pollution. Working from home is more productive .