School Funding
Learn more about how K-12 schools and districts raise money, set budgets, and spend funds
Budget & Finance
Don't Forget About Money for Schools: How Public Education Fared at the Polls
Voters approved billions for school construction bonds in California—but rejected more than $4 billion in bond spending in Houston.
School & District Management
Schools Take a $3 Billion Hit From the Culture Wars. Here’s How It Breaks Down
Culturally divisive conflicts in schools have led to increased legal and security costs, as well as staff time spent on the fallout.
Budget & Finance
From Our Research Center
The 'Zero-Sum Game' of School Budgets and Teacher Pensions
Pensions represent a rising cost, but many school district administrators don't understand how they work.
School & District Management
How the Culture Wars Are Costing Schools Billions
Schools have increasingly been at the center of conflict in recent years, and it takes a financial toll. A new analysis quantifies it.
Budget & Finance
‘Money Matters. Now What?’: How Districts Get More Funding for Poor Students
Targeting more funding to students who are most in need has a measurable effect on their academic performance, according to new research.
School Choice & Charters
How Private School Choice Complicates Public School Budgets
Districts are seeing higher costs and fuzzier enrollment projections as more states give parents public funds for private education.
States
Some School Workers Now Get Unemployment Over the Summer. Here's How It Works
Districts are scrambling as some states now allow non-instructional school employees to collect summer unemployment checks.
Budget & Finance
Racing to Spend Aid for Homeless Students, Schools Get Creative
Schools received a surge of homeless-student during the pandemic. Districts have to choose carefully in spending what's left of their cut.
Budget & Finance
Why Some Districts Rejected Cash to Buy Electric Buses—And Others Want More
A handful of federal programs have been key to accelerating the adoption of electric school buses.
School & District Management
‘Be Vocal Without Being Vicious’: Superintendents on Fighting for More Funding
Two superintendents talk about stepping into the political realm to call for more public school funding.
School & District Management
Superintendents Are Calling Out Politicians More as Budgets Grow Precarious
Superintendents are traditionally hesitant to engage in political debate. That's changing as budget gaps grow.
School & District Management
Teacher Layoffs on the Horizon: As ESSER Expires, Districts Face Tough Calls
The Great Recession offers some insight into how staff reductions might play out as ESSER funds expire.
Budget & Finance
Some Districts Charge for School Bus Rides—If They Offer Transportation at All
Transportation charges are rarely scrutinized, but advocates say they're an equity issue.
School & District Management
Districts’ Virtual Programs Are on the Chopping Block as ESSER Ends
Although usually small in enrollment, virtual programs have been an important option for some students.