How Public Schools Are Funded in the U.S.

By: Mari Corugedo
Council #7233

The U.S. Department of Education provides funding to public schools to enhance student learning and support educational programs. Schools receive funding through two main channels: 

1. Formula-Based Funding – Automatically allocated to schools based on factors such as student enrollment and demographics. 
2. Grants – Schools or districts must apply for these funds to support specific programs or initiatives. 

How Schools Use This Funding

Here are key ways federal funding supports public education: 

1. Title I – Supporting Low-Income Schools: Provides financial assistance to schools with a high percentage of students from low-income families to improve academic achievement. 
2. IDEA – Special Education Services: Funds programs and services for students with disabilities. 
3. Title II – Teacher Training & Support: Invests in professional development and retention programs for educators. 
4. Title III – English Language Learner Support: Allocates funds to help students learning English (ELLs) succeed academically. 
5. Title IV – Technology & Enrichment: Supports programs that enhance technology use, ensure student safety, and create engaging learning experiences. 
6. Perkins Act – Career & Technical Education: Helps students prepare for careers through vocational training programs. 
7. 21st Century Learning Centers – After-School & Summer Programs: Provides funding for extended learning opportunities beyond regular school hours. 
8. Impact Aid – Schools Near Military Bases & Federal grants: Supports schools located in areas affected by military or federal land-related funding gaps. 
9. School Improvement Grants – Helping Underperforming Schools: Assists schools struggling with academic performance by providing targeted financial support. 
10. Pell Grants & Federal Student Aid – College Assistance: Helps students afford higher education. 

Funding for Innovation and Technology

Some grants are specifically designed to promote innovation and technology in education. Examples include: 

• Title III Grants – Supporting English Learners: Funds learning tools, programs, and teacher training to support ELL students, with a significant portion allocated for ESOL programs. 
• Education Innovation and Research Grants (EIR: Funds new and effective teaching strategies that can be expanded to benefit more schools. 
• Teacher and School Leader Grants: Supports teacher training and leadership development initiatives. 
• Technology and Innovation Grants: Provides resources for integrating new technology, online learning platforms, and digital educational tools. 

Can We Trust the State to Fund Public Schools?

In Florida, the past several decades have shown a pattern of underfunding public schools and failing to adequately support teacher salaries. Additionally, Florida’s voucher program has redirected public funds to private schools, further straining public education resources. 

Critical programs and services—such as paraprofessionals for students with disabilities—are funded by the U.S. Department of Education. However, state-level decisions ultimately determine whether these resources remain available. If federal funding is reduced or eliminated, states are not obligated to maintain the equity needed for all students to thrive. 

It is also important to recognize that the U.S. remains one of the few developed nations where students must take on significant debt just to earn a college degree.

Stay Informed. Take Action.

Public education is a cornerstone of democracy, and it is up to all of us to protect and strengthen it. While the system is not perfect, educators accomplish tremendous good, and their work must continue. 

Misinformation and division serve as distractions from policies that harm students, educators, and communities. It is crucial to stay engaged, informed, and active in advocating for the future of public education. 

Join the Fight for Education Equity

As activists, we must inform our communities and advocate for a strong democracy. Our democracy is not a spectator sport—it requires all of us to step up y decir “presente”.

LULAC Florida is committed to this fight, and we urge you to stand with us. Join LULAC Florida as we continue working toward economic equity and the American Dream. Let’s protect our voting rights, education system, climate, healthcare system, and all resources that promote the common good for every American. 

Join LULAC Florida today.