School districts face significant challenges in aligning financial and academic goals due to barriers such as short-term thinking, siloed decision-making, and staff turnover. According to the EdWeek Research Center report, which surveyed 223 educators, 71% identified federal funding uncertainty as a major obstacle. The report outlines six actionable steps for districts, including adopting outcomes-based contracts and promoting internal staff to mitigate turnover. A district leader from Missouri emphasized the impact of federal funding cuts on professional development, explaining: “It’s really impacting our ability to provide ongoing professional development.” The report highlights the importance of strategic planning and early discussions among stakeholders to ensure alignment with long-term goals.
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