California state controller candidate Herb Morgan has criticised the state's $151 billion K-12 education budget, arguing that despite the enormous level of spending, student outcomes have not improved and test scores remain weak. Morgan, a businessman running for the role of California's chief fiscal officer, accountant and auditor, frames this as an "educational paradox" in which billions of dollars poured into public schools have failed to translate into better results for students.

The controller's office oversees state spending and accountability, making education funding a natural focus for Morgan's campaign as he seeks to draw attention to what he sees as poor returns on the state's investment. His criticism forms part of a wider campaign message questioning how effectively California is managing taxpayer money in its public school system.