WAYNE, PA — Frontline Education has released its second annual survey report, K-12 Lens: Key Trends in Teacher Retention, Student Support, and Budget Confidence, offering a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and advancements within the K-12 sector. With responses from nearly 800 school district administrators across 49 states and Washington D.C., the report sheds light on significant issues affecting educators, students, and district operations.
The survey highlights a slight improvement in teacher shortages, with the percentage of districts reporting shortages dropping to 66% in 2025 compared to 72% in 2024. However, the struggle to fill specialized positions, such as special educators and substitutes, remains a critical challenge.
Teacher retention has seen progress, with districts reporting an average retention rate of 78%. The report emphasizes the value of professional development tailored to teachers’ needs for cultivating retention efforts.
The report also puts a spotlight on chronic absenteeism, which affects an average of 17% of students. Districts with in-house mental and behavioral health services recorded significantly better outcomes, with absenteeism rates of 24% compared to 34% in districts without such services. Additionally, early warning systems, when implemented in grades 1-5, were linked to lower absenteeism rates, though fewer districts reported utilizing these tools.
Budget confidence among district leaders has grown, with a 15% increase in confidence over last year. Leaders using analytics tools achieved 93% accuracy in their budget predictions, demonstrating the importance of data-driven approaches in financial planning.
“We understand the unique challenges facing K-12 districts, and K-12 Lens provides school leaders with insights directly from nearly 800 administrators across the country,” said Matt Strazza, CEO of Frontline Education. “This report equips leaders with the data they need to make informed, data-driven decisions at a time when uncertainty around federal funding and the Department of Education’s priorities continues to evolve. By highlighting key trends in staffing, student support, and budgeting, we aim to empower districts to leverage these findings to drive meaningful change and support student success.”
The report also explores how districts are adapting to shifting financial landscapes, employing technology to streamline operations, and emphasizing data-driven decision-making to overcome persistent challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
With insights from C+C research, K-12 Lens provides school leaders with actionable strategies to address ongoing pressures while constantly seeking improvement in the educational landscape. The findings serve as a critical tool for districts striving to allocate resources more effectively, enhance student outcomes, and support long-term growth. To read the full research brief, visit here.
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