The Education Gadfly Show Managing district budgets during uncertain times, with Jonathan Travers | Episode 983 of The Education Gadfly Show
Aug 27, 2025
Jonathan Travers, President of ERS and expert in school district finance, joins the conversation to tackle the complexities of managing budgets during unpredictable times. He discusses the impact of fluctuating revenues and housing values on educational funding. Additionally, Travers critiques the effectiveness of master’s degree premiums in teacher compensation, suggesting smarter spending for better outcomes. The episode also weaves in playful anecdotes about the excitement surrounding the upcoming football season.
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State Funding Is The Volatility Engine
- State funding drives volatility in education budgets more than local property taxes or federal grants.
- Districts should prepare for a wide range of FY27 revenue outcomes and heightened planning uncertainty.
Medicaid Shifts Create New Competition
- Competition for state revenue may rise as states face new Medicaid and fiscal pressures.
- Districts must assess whether K–12 will get a smaller slice of a now more-contested state revenue pie.
Make Portfolio Decisions About Students
- Frame school consolidations around student experience, not simply cost savings.
- Use that student-centered narrative to open political space for portfolio changes.