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School districts face tough choices as the end of federal pandemic funding nears

Aug 24, 2023
Districts have been using the funds to renovate HVAC systems, hire staff and more. Now, some may need to cut program and jobs.
School leaders are anticipating job cuts as federal pandemic funding ends, a recent survey from the School Superintendents Association finds.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Where Monday is the new Sunday: More school districts move to 4 days a week

Aug 12, 2022
Many districts make the switch to attract teachers and save money. Though some extend the school day, classroom time often contracts.
Some school districts don't have classes on Mondays. Others skip Fridays and provide child care for a fee.
Jon Cherry/Getty Images

"This is your principal calling": Schools get creative to boost attendance

Aug 11, 2022
Principals are calling, texting and throwing pizza parties in an effort to bring down chronic absenteeism that can affect funding.
In some places, average daily attendance determines how much money schools get from the state.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

"Abbott Elementary" aces the good, the bad and the ugly of teaching

Apr 11, 2022
From teacher turnover to limited school supplies and funding, the lighthearted show tackles serious issues for educators.
In ABC's "Abbott Elementary," educators navigate an underfunded Philadelphia public school.
ABC/Prashant Gupta

A day in the life of a pandemic principal

Feb 7, 2022
Principal Greg Moffitt explains the puzzle of planning for the school day and supporting anxious educators and families.
Schools are beginning to spend federal COVID-19 relief funds on programs to mitigate learning loss caused by the pandemic.
Michael Loccisano via Getty Images

How are schools spending federal pandemic relief funds?

Nov 29, 2021
Summer school, tutoring and HVAC replacement are emerging as big areas of spending, says Nic Querolo, of Bloomberg.
Schools are beginning to spend federal COVID-19 relief funds on programs to mitigate learning loss caused by the pandemic.
Michael Loccisano via Getty Images

For some schools, reopening will require infrastructure investment

Mar 2, 2021
Some K-12 schools need new ventilation systems. Others need digital technology for distance learning.
A big part of reopening schools is making sure everyone involved feels safe. Accomplishing this requires funding.
Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images

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With the closing of controversial Southwest Key shelters, an Arizona school district faces cuts

Nov 19, 2018
One shelter was shut down over abuse allegations, while another faces closure due to a legal dispute with the State of Arizona.
An English instruction sheet lies on a student's desk during a class for children caught trying to enter the United States illegally at the Southwest Key compound in Lakeside, California. One shelter in Phoenix, Arizona has been shut down over abuse allegations, while another faces closure over a legal dispute.
Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images

The California Lottery is setting sales records, but contributions to education haven't kept pace

Jul 18, 2018
The California Lottery is breaking sales records. This year, revenues will soar to an estimated $6.9 billion. The recent boom has been fueled by a wave of gigantic jackpots. Newer games like Powerball and a $30 scratch ticket offer huge prizes, and California’s lottery players have responded by gambling more and more. Surging revenue should […]
A Powerball ticket sits on the counter at Kavanagh Liquors on January 13, 2016 in San Lorenzo, California. Dozens of people lined up outside of Kavanagh Liquors, a store that has had several multi-million dollar winners, to -purchase Powerball tickets in hopes of winning the estimated record-breaking $1.5 billion dollar jackpot. 
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

New study finds wide disparities nationally in per-child spending

Apr 26, 2017
Education, health and social services can be impacted by where children live.