Amid significant uncertainty about the national economy and future federal funding, K-12 administrators will need tools and strategies to make the most of the money that they receive. More data about solutions can help to better connect financial operations and purchasing processes with instructional goals.
Based on a 2025 EdWeek Research Center survey of school and district leaders, as well as a follow-up interview study, this whitepaper provides a roadmap for school systems as they navigate both the internal complexity of their purchasing processes and the uncertainty stemming from external disruptions, such as potential reductions in federal or state funding.