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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
Former U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan has sharply criticized the Democratic Party’s approach to K–12 education, arguing it lacks clear goals, accountability, and urgency at a time of worsening student outcomes following the pandemic. In an interview with The 74 Duncan, who served in the Obama administration from 2009-2016 following a spell as Chicago Public Schools chief executive, called on Democrats to rethink longstanding opposition to policies such as school choice tax credits, framing them as practical tools to support struggling students, particularly given widespread learning loss and high absenteeism. He contends that the party has ceded leadership on education to Republicans, both politically and in terms of student performance, with red states showing stronger gains on national assessments. While remaining critical of Republican policies and rhetoric, Duncan argues Democrats must present a proactive, student-focused agenda centered on improving outcomes, increasing resources, and engaging parents, rather than avoiding the issue. He also warns that the lack of a coherent education strategy is hurting the party politically and failing students, emphasizing that education should be a central campaign priority at both state and national levels.
Full Issue
Education Slice
California
Former U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan has sharply criticized the Democratic Party’s approach to K–12 education, arguing it lacks clear goals, accountability, and urgency at a time of worsening student outcomes following the pandemic. In an interview with The 74 Duncan, who served in the Obama administration from 2009-2016 following a spell as Chicago Public Schools chief executive, called on Democrats to rethink longstanding opposition to policies such as school choice tax credits, framing them as practical tools to support struggling students, particularly given widespread learning loss and high absenteeism. He contends that the party has ceded leadership on education to Republicans, both politically and in terms of student performance, with red states showing stronger gains on national assessments. While remaining critical of Republican policies and rhetoric, Duncan argues Democrats must present a proactive, student-focused agenda centered on improving outcomes, increasing resources, and engaging parents, rather than avoiding the issue. He also warns that the lack of a coherent education strategy is hurting the party politically and failing students, emphasizing that education should be a central campaign priority at both state and national levels.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Texas
Texas’ K–12 education market is undergoing significant disruption as declining enrollment, constrained funding, and shifting state policies reshape school district priorities and vendor opportunities. Across the state, student numbers are falling, directly cutting into district funding, which is closely tied to attendance. A 2025 Texas Association of School Business Officials survey found that 48% of districts reported ended the previous school year in deficit. Although lawmakers approved $8.5bn in targeted education funding, the base per-student allotment has remained unchanged since 2019, limiting districts’ financial flexibility and forcing them to absorb rising costs. At the same time, a new $1bn voucher program is expected to further divert funding from public schools, adding uncertainty to long-term financial planning. Districts are increasingly prioritizing core instruction while cutting or consolidating spending elsewhere, including vendor contracts, technology tools, and support programs. This is making purchasing decisions more cautious, with even pilot programs often deemed unaffordable.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Florida
Former Palm Beach County School District teachers are relocating to states like Texas, Alabama, and Vermont for better salaries. Kaitlyn Mouring, who moved to Fort Worth, Texas, in 2024, stated: "I moved here because of the pay. The pay is so much nicer here," earning $20,000 more annually. Florida ranks 50th in average teacher salaries at $56,663, which is $18,000 below the national average, according to the National Education Association. Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association, noted: "We are 50th out of the 50 states in Washington, D.C. for the third consecutive year." Despite efforts by the Palm Beach County School District to increase teacher pay, including a raise five times higher than the state’s, many teachers continue to struggle financially. Spar emphasized the need for better compensation, saying, "The lawmakers in the state are not really valuing the importance of public education."
Full Issue