The past few years have been challenging for many American schools. A significant influx of federal funds provided relief during the pandemic, but these resources are now dwindling. As summer approaches, schools are preparing for the harsh realities of the next academic year, which could include budget cuts and teacher layoffs. Already, districts like Arlington, Texas, are planning to cut numerous positions, and teachers in Providence, Rhode Island, face layoffs. Some districts are opting not to replace retiring or departing teachers, leading to further disruptions, as explained by Marguerite Roza, Director of the Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University. Roza even suggests that some schools might close permanently, with proposals already in place to shut down numerous elementary schools in Seattle by the 2025–26 school year.
These disruptions are part of what Roza describes as a "perfect storm" hitting American schools, driven by inflation, declining enrollments, state-tax cuts, and the upcoming end of substantial COVID-era federal funding through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund. This fund, which delivered $189 billion across three installments, was the largest single federal investment in public education, aimed at supporting schools as student performance in critical skills like reading and math began to decline, particularly among lower-income students who were the focus of these funds. By fall 2022, federal spending per student had more than doubled in some of the poorest districts. This funding boost enabled schools to increase salaries, upgrade facilities, and hire essential support staff during a concurrent mental and public health crisis.
However, these funds were always meant to be temporary, leading many districts to invest in short-term initiatives. With the funds ceasing in September 2024, schools must now rely again on state and local funding. Despite the warnings of experts, some schools used the funds to hire full-time teachers without a sustainable financial plan, a move that Adam Harris, a colleague, described as sometimes "unavoidable" due to initial understaffing. These districts are now looking for alternative funding sources to maintain these roles, particularly in poorer schools facing severe financial challenges once federal support ends.
Schools must decide how to use their remaining ESSER funds soon or risk losing them, as these funds cannot be carried over to future years without a specific extension. Budgeting remains difficult; after the struggle to find staff during the peak of the pandemic and often paying premiums for recruitment and retention, districts are now forced to reduce costs. According to Adam, while districts are better prepared than last year, they still face painful decisions regarding which programs to continue. Essentials like mental health resources, summer enrichment programs, and food services for low-income students may be at risk, potentially leaving students worse off.
As Rosza notes, these are tumultuous financial times for school districts, and while some federal money will remain available this fall, it is quickly running out, potentially leading to more severe cuts next school year. The critical issue, she emphasizes, is whether schools are entering this budget season fully aware of the impending challenges, as failure to plan adequately could lead to even greater disruptions and hardships.