K-12 Financial Landscape

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Five major K-12 finance trends to watch

School systems are facing a number of atypical financial shocks. We shared insights with state and district leaders on what to prepare for in the coming months.

New & Notable

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Newsletter

Should schools brace for big cuts in federal funds?

bar chart showing higher needs elementary schools in 20 of California’s largest districts saw the smallest growth in spending from 2019–20 to 2022–23.

Analysis

No silver school-spending bullets: 5 lessons from ESSER to help drive continued learning recovery

Commentary

Big-city districts are beset by financial dysfunction - and kids pay the price

Featured Research, Data, & Analysis

Most districts now have more staff than ever before

Federal relief funds triggered a hiring frenzy (which then triggered a staffing shortage). In the states where we’ve combed through the data, we see a big jump in non-teaching specialists and aides. Teachers are up too (albeit at a smaller proportionate increase), as are administrators. Per usual, Edunomics Lab asks: Is it working? Are students benefiting?

Read the Analysis

Massachusetts added 10K new staff. What does it mean for students?

We analyzed how staffing changed in Massachusetts schools between 2020 and 2024. Which schools saw the greatest increases in staffing? What types of staff were added? Are these additions equitable and paying off for students? In a 30-minute webinar, we share findings and discuss implications for future hiring, compensation, and financial sustainability.

Watch Recording, View Slides

With tough finances ahead for districts, will states come to the rescue?

After nearly a decade of strong growth in state revenues, growth in General Fund revenues is slowing. We’ve assessed FY23-24 and FY24-25 by state.

View Analysis by State

A Financial Anaysis of Public Funds Invested Via ESAs, Vouchers & Tax Credits

Public investment in private options is on the rise. What are the financial implications? This real-time financial analysis looks at FY24-25 state funding to quantify how many public dollars are flowing through ESAs, vouchers, and tax credit scholarships right now.

View the analysis

Leading district finances during a time of financial turmoil

We’ve compiled resources to help district leaders and their finance teams navigate the opportunities and challenges involved in deciding how to spend temporary federal relief funds.

Related Resources

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