This bill mandates increased federal funding for two key education programs. It requires annual appropriations for Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (which supports schools serving disadvantaged students) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, which funds special education) starting in 2026. The bill sets specific, rising annual funding levels - based on a 2025 baseline and national per-student spending - to gradually reach 40% of the national average per-pupil expenditure for IDEA by 2035. These funds directly affect school districts receiving Title I support and those providing special education services under IDEA. The funding is made mandatory, not discretionary, ensuring consistent annual support for these programs.
The SCHOOL Act of 2025 (HR 2275) changes how federal education funds flow by requiring states to allocate funds based on where students attend school, rather than where the school district is located. It directly affects children aged 5-17 (and students with disabilities under IDEA) enrolled in public, private, or home schools by allowing states to distribute funds through education savings accounts for eligible families. Key provisions include using federal funds for tuition, materials, therapies, and other educational expenses at the family's chosen school, while ensuring funds supplement - rather than replace - existing local resources. The bill explicitly prohibits federal control over private schools and maintains eligibility for programs like free school meals.
HR 869, the Keep Our PACT Act, mandates specific annual funding levels for two key education programs: Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). For Title I, it requires funding in fiscal years 2026-2035 that equals the difference between the 2025 funding level and set annual dollar targets (e.g., $20.5 billion for 2026). For IDEA, it sets mandatory annual funding levels that gradually increase to reach 40% of the national average per-pupil expenditure for students with disabilities by 2035. The bill directly affects public school districts and students, particularly those with disabilities, by guaranteeing these funding levels rather than relying on annual appropriations.
This bill increases federal funding for school meal programs by adding 45 cents per lunch and 28 cents per breakfast served by school food authorities, effective November 1, 2025. The additional reimbursement applies to all meals served, including free, reduced-price, and paid meals, and will be adjusted annually for inflation starting July 1, 2026. It directly affects public schools and school districts participating in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs by boosting their per-meal funding. The policy change aims to support meal quality and accessibility without altering eligibility requirements or program administration.
This bill authorizes $250 million annually for four years to help schools on federally impacted lands (like tribal reservations and military bases) improve aging infrastructure. It creates two grant types: formula grants for schools with no bond capacity and competitive grants prioritizing schools with urgent safety issues like unsafe buildings or lack of clean water. Local schools must contribute 10-25% of project costs based on their "learning opportunity threshold," with the highest-priority schools receiving full federal funding. Funds can be used for construction, renovation, and repair to meet safety standards and improve learning environments. The bill addresses the significant infrastructure challenges reported by 65% of schools with facilities in poor condition.
This resolution supports federal investment in public K-12 schools, affirms that the Department of Education (ED) plays a vital role in the public education system, and states that public education funding should not be diverted (e.g., through the use of vouchers) to privately run K-12 schools. The resolution also rejects any claim that the executive branch has the legal authority to (1) dismantle or relocate ED or any of its major offices; or (2) reduce federal funding for public education, block federal grants for education, or transfer funding burdens for education to state and local governments.
The A PLUS Act (S 309) allows states to consolidate federal education funds for eligible programs into a single, flexible funding stream, reducing administrative complexity and enabling states to manage resources more efficiently to improve student achievement. States must submit a "declaration of intent" detailing which programs they will consolidate (excluding special education funds), commit to public accountability through annual reports on student progress, and ensure federal funds supplement - rather than replace - state education funding. The bill limits administrative costs to 1% of consolidated federal funds (3% if excluding Title I funds) and requires states to report how funds address achievement gaps for disadvantaged students. This directly affects states and local school districts that adopt the declaration, shifting how they administer and report on federal education dollars.
The Expanding Access to High-Impact Tutoring Act of 2025 creates a federal grant program to fund evidence-based tutoring programs in K-12 public schools, requiring at least 30 minutes of daily tutoring, 3 days per week in math or reading, with a 3-to-1 student-to-tutor ratio. It allocates funds to state education agencies to distribute to school districts that must develop detailed plans, provide monthly progress reports, and partner with research organizations to evaluate program effectiveness. The bill establishes an Advisory Board to oversee implementation, approve tutoring models, and develop a nationwide tutoring workforce, with specific focus on schools serving students who have experienced academic setbacks, particularly those eligible for Title I services.
This bill (S 1148) directs the termination of the U.S. Department of Education by December 31, 2026. It would end the federal agency responsible for administering education programs, including student loans, school funding, and civil rights enforcement. The legislation directly affects the Department of Education and its staff, as well as the millions of students, schools, and institutions currently served by federal education programs. No additional mechanisms or replacement structures are specified in the bill text.
S 1275, the Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act, provides federal funding to help schools on federal lands improve their aging facilities. It targets federally impacted local educational agencies (those serving schools on federal property like Indian reservations or military bases) that struggle with poor building conditions and limited local funding capacity. The bill authorizes $250 million annually for four years to fund competitive emergency repairs for schools with health/safety hazards and formula grants for agencies with limited bonding capacity. Local matching requirements vary based on financial capacity, with some agencies required to contribute 10-25% of project costs depending on their ability to pay.
