Governors Address K–12 Funding in State Addresses

In 2025, at least 32 governors emphasized K–12 education funding reforms and investments during their State of the State addresses, reflecting a nationwide push to modernize school finance systems, address equity gaps, and bolster academic recovery post-pandemic 1311. Below is a detailed breakdown of their priorities and actions:

1. Modernizing Funding Formulas

Many governors focused on overhauling outdated school funding models to better align with student needs and economic realities:

• Missouri: Governor Mike Kehoe proposed a $200 million increase to the state’s Foundation Formula and established a School Funding Modernization Task Force to redesign the 20-year-old system 3.

• Nebraska: Governor Jim Pillen prioritized revising the 30-year-old Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act (TEEOSA), launching a commission to recommend a new funding model 3.

• Vermont: Governor Phil Scott advanced a student-centered funding formula to consolidate school districts and allocate resources based on enrollment and needs 3.

2. Historic Investments in School Infrastructure

States allocated significant funds to improve aging facilities and expand access to technology:

• Guam: Governor Leon Guerrero dedicated $8.5 million to maintain school facilities 3.

• Nevada: Legislators approved $2 billion in new K–12 funding—the largest investment in state history—to support infrastructure and student programs 11.

• New Hampshire: Governor Chris Sununu allocated $98.8 million for special education, a 50% increase from the previous biennium 3.

3. Teacher Workforce Development

Addressing teacher shortages and retention emerged as a bipartisan priority:

• Indiana: Governor Eric Holcomb signed legislation raising the minimum teacher salary by $5,000 and mandating that 65% of state tuition support go toward teacher compensation 311.

• Texas: Governor Greg Abbott pledged to raise average teacher salaries to an “all-time high,” including pathways for top educators to earn six-figure incomes 811.

• Maryland: Governor Wes Moore launched a national campaign to recruit teachers and create debt-free pathways into the profession 3.

4. Equity-Driven Funding

Efforts to close achievement gaps and support underserved populations took center stage:

• Oregon: Governor Tina Kotek proposed a **600millionincrease∗∗inbaselineK–12funding,with600millionincrease∗∗inbaselineK–12funding,with127 million earmarked for early literacy and $78.5 million for summer learning programs targeting pandemic recovery 8.

• Colorado: Governor Jared Polis redesigned the school finance formula to prioritize English language learners and economically disadvantaged students, addressing “education deserts” where 90% of students lag academically 7.

• Pennsylvania: Governor Josh Shapiro introduced an $11 billion education budget with a new adequacy formula directing funds to high-need districts 8.

5. Addressing Federal Funding Uncertainties

With federal pandemic relief (ESSER) funds expiring, governors highlighted fiscal resilience strategies:

• West Virginia: Governor Patrick Morrisey warned of a **400millionbudgetshortfall∗∗by2026,urgingcautioninusingthestate’s400millionbudgetshortfall∗∗by2026,urgingcautioninusingthestate’s1.3 billion rainy day fund 9.

• New Jersey: Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the need to prepare for potential federal Medicaid cuts, which could strain education budgets 9.

• California: Governor Gavin Newsom proposed trimming $5 billion in state spending, including 6,500 vacant positions, to offset revenue declines 9.

Emerging Challenges and Innovations

• Technology and Mental Health: States like Arkansas and New York invested in digital literacy programs and mental health services, with Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders linking phone bans to improved student well-being 58.

• Career and Technical Education (CTE): Governors in Tennessee, Wyoming, and Oklahoma expanded apprenticeships and dual-enrollment programs to align K–12 education with workforce demands 311.

Conclusion

The 2025 State of the State addresses underscore a unified recognition of K–12 funding as a cornerstone of economic and social progress. While approaches vary—from formula modernization to equity-focused allocations—the shared goal is clear: building resilient, student-centered education systems capable of weathering fiscal uncertainties and closing achievement gaps.