School & District Management Video

The Enemy of Smart, Strategic Spending Decisions in K-12 Districts: Leadership Churn

By Sean Cavanagh & CJ Riculan — December 11, 2025 2:58
The Enemy of Smart, Strategic Spending Decisions in K-12 Districts: Leadership Churn

Many school districts struggle to think beyond immediate needs—the latest batch of test scores, the ongoing budget crunch—when crafting spending plans. A new EdWeek Research Center survey and reporting project, supported by the Gates Foundation, looks at the factors that undermine long-term goal-setting and execution.

In this video, EdWeek Managing Editor Sean Cavanagh talks about how turnover in district leadership—not just superintendents but also members of their administrative cabinets—can compromise the purchasing process. When influential leaders leave districts, their institutional knowledge and strategic thinking often go with them.

Sean Cavanagh is the Managing Editor of Education Week.
CJ Riculan was a contributing video producer for Education Week.

Coverage of strategic resourcing to support teaching and learning goals for Education Week and EdWeek Market Brief is supported in part by a grant from the Gates Foundation, at www.gatesfoundation.org. Our editors retain sole editorial control over the content of this coverage.

Video

Student Well-Being & Movement Video Female Athletes' Physical and Mental Struggle to Recover From Torn ACLs
For many female athletes who tear their anterior cruciate ligaments, the arduous hours spent recovering through physical therapy are only part of the battle.
1 min read
Artificial Intelligence Video AI + Math Learning. How to Solve a New Problem
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics makes the argument that teachers, principals, and district leaders must “stay up to date on current AI trends” to prepare students for the future.
1 min read
Artificial Intelligence Video Reading Is Hard to Teach. Can AI Help?
Artificial intelligence might be able to drive cars, treat diseases, and train your front door to recognize your face. But can it help kids learn how to read?
1 min read
School Choice & Charters Video Private School Choice Is Growing. What Comes Next?
States are investing billions of dollars in public funds for families to use on private schooling.
1 min read