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Public school districts in at least 30 states could introduce new fees for tutoring, technology, transportation, and other educational services under President Donald Trump’s federal school choice program. Beginning January 1, the initiative will provide dollar-for-dollar federal tax credits to individuals who donate to approved K-12 scholarship organizations, with funds available to students attending both public and private schools. However, public schools face significant legal, financial, and administrative challenges in participating, particularly as the IRS has yet to clarify which expenses qualify for scholarship funding. While many districts already charge for supplemental services, state laws restricting fees could complicate implementation. Scott Bowling, executive director of the Indiana Association of School Business Officials, highlighted the legal uncertainty surrounding permissible charges, explaining that schools were instructed to “Check with your local counsel,” requiring districts to seek legal guidance on which expenses could be charged to families. He also questioned the practicality of charging families for supplemental education, warning: “You’re not going to get anybody to come to your tutoring program if you’re asking them to pay.” 

 

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A national study by NWEA involving 55,000 students across 29 states has found that approximately 25% of students academically prepared for eighth-grade algebra were not enrolled in the course, potentially limiting their future opportunities in advanced mathematics and STEM careers. Separate research in New York identified similar gaps, with an estimated 20,000 additional students eligible for Algebra I. Researchers highlighted disparities in access based on income, race, school availability, and placement decisions influenced by teachers and families. Evidence suggests academically prepared students benefit from taking algebra earlier, prompting advocates to recommend automatic enrollment with an opt-out option and additional academic support. However, experts caution that expanding access must be accompanied by effective instruction and stronger mathematical foundations in earlier grades.

 

The 74

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has launched MIT for America, a nationwide initiative to expand STEM education for students from kindergarten through community college. The program focuses on mathematics, responsible artificial intelligence (AI), and hands-on engineering and design. Building on existing initiatives, MIT will expand calculus tutoring, provide teachers with AI education resources, and increase access to project-based learning through fabrication laboratories and sustainability challenges. The initiative aims to address gaps in STEM participation, with just 6% of U.S. high school students enrolled in computer science courses in 2024, despite more than 60% of schools offering them. MIT hopes to improve educational access, workforce readiness, and economic mobility.

 

GovTech

Colorado-based nonprofit ACE Scholarships has announced plans to expand across all 50 states, providing financial assistance to students attending private, public, and charter schools, as well as homeschooling programs. The expansion coincides with the launch of the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit program in January 2027, which will offer taxpayers credits of up to $1,700 for donations to scholarship organizations. ACE, which currently operates in 13 states and has awarded nearly 17,000 scholarships this year, will broaden support beyond tuition to include tutoring, transportation, technology, school supplies, and disability services. The organization has developed a multilingual digital platform to manage applications, donations, and scholarship spending nationwide. However, the federal initiative has sparked debate, with critics warning that it could divert resources from public education, while supporters argue it will expand educational opportunities and parental choice.

 

The Colorado Sun

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced that the state will participate in President Donald Trump’s Education Freedom Tax Credit program, becoming one of the few Democratic-led states to embrace the initiative despite strong opposition from teachers’ unions and state lawmakers. Beginning in January, taxpayers will be able to donate up to $1,700 annually to approved scholarship organizations in exchange for dollar-for-dollar federal tax credits, with the funds supporting tuition, textbooks, test preparation, and supplemental special education services at public and private schools. Families earning up to 300% of their area’s median income, potentially exceeding $400,000 for some New York City households, will qualify for scholarships. Hochul defended her decision by emphasizing that both public and private school students could benefit, commenting: “I’m not going to leave money on the table when it could help our kids.” The program will not directly reduce existing public school funding, although opponents warn it could eventually divert resources from public education.

 

New York Daily News

New York Times

Missouri public schools are facing mounting financial pressures after the State Board of Education declined to request approximately $300m needed to fully fund the state's school foundation formula, instead approving a flat $4.3bn request. Districts across the state are reporting significant budget shortfalls, with North Kansas City projecting an $11m deficit next year and Lee's Summit addressing a $7m to $10m funding gap. Education leaders warn that inadequate state funding, declining federal and local resources, and property tax abatements for developers could worsen educational inequalities, particularly in high-poverty districts. Hickman Mills Superintendent Dennis L. Carpenter has argued that even fully funding the existing formula would be insufficient to ensure equitable educational opportunities for students.

 

The Kansas City Star

The Iowa City Community School District has hired communications firm Wixted & Co. under a $6,000 contract to help rebuild public trust as it faces potential school closures and $13.8m in budget cuts. Consultant Andy Garman has advised school board members and administrators to communicate proactively, acknowledge community concerns, and engage with families beyond formal meetings. The initiative follows revelations of financial management problems, including a $10m interfund loan to cover staff salaries, inadequate internal controls, and higher-than-expected payroll costs. The district has since appointed a new chief financial officer, strengthened accounting procedures, and established a community-based Financial Oversight Committee. The communications strategy will focus on transparency, addressing criticism constructively, and restoring confidence in district leadership.

 

The Gazette Cedar Rapids Iowa

The state-appointed oversight board for Memphis-Shelby County Schools has approved key governance policies, contract procedures, and staffing plans as it seeks to demonstrate readiness to assume control of Tennessee’s largest school district. The board will oversee contracts exceeding $50,000, annual budgets, and charter school applications, following a forensic audit that identified $54m in potential spending abuses between 2021 and 2024. Members also approved work prepared by consulting firm MGT, despite concerns over procurement procedures and a proposed $1m agreement. The takeover remains subject to legal challenges, with district and county leaders arguing that the legislation is unconstitutional. A federal judge has indicated that the takeover could proceed once the board establishes the necessary operational structures.

 

Chalkbeat

Oregon’s Salem-Keizer Public Schools has proposed closing six of its 42 elementary schools by fall 2027, alongside districtwide attendance boundary changes, as declining enrollment and rising operating costs strain resources. Student enrollment has fallen by 6,000 since 2019, from approximately 42,000 to fewer than 36,000, prompting officials to recommend closing Brush College, Candalaria, Cummings, Englewood, Liberty, and Richmond elementary schools. Superintendent Andrea Castañeda said the closures could save at least $15 million in near-term maintenance costs, while revised attendance boundaries would help reduce transportation expenses and balance enrollment across remaining schools. The school board is expected to vote on December 8, with officials warning that additional closures, potentially affecting middle schools, may be necessary in the future.

 

The Oregonian

Hawaii public schools have reported improvements in student attendance and math proficiency during the 2025–26 school year, although academic performance remains below the state's 2029 targets. According to the Department of Education's Strive HI results, regular attendance rose to 76.8%, up from 66.1% in 2021–22, while math and language arts proficiency reached 42.5% and 53.2%, respectively, approaching pre-pandemic levels. The preliminary four-year graduation rate remained at 87%, below the state's 90% target. Some schools significantly outperformed statewide averages, including Kulia Academy, where 87% of students achieved math proficiency and 84% met language arts standards. Education officials emphasized the importance of consistent attendance, expanded instructional time, and innovative teaching approaches in improving student outcomes.

 

Hawaii Tribune-Herald