On Monday, January 7th 2019, Thurmond was sworn in as the new State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SSPI). Thurmond has a wealth of experience as a social worker and politician, and has been a major champion and supporter of California’s youth and after school. In his plan, Make California’s Public Schools the Best in the Nation, Thurmond outlines providing school-based services for all students, like meals in the summer, physical education, and an emphasis on after school programs.