FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2026
Media Contacts
Title IV-A Coalition: Ally Talcott, Executive Director, [email protected]
ASBO International: Elleka Yost, Director of Advocacy & Research, [email protected]
Title IV-A Coalition and ASBO International Release SY 2024-2025 Survey Results, Highlighting Critical Role of Federal Investments in Flexible Education Grant Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Title IV-A Coalition and the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) released the results of a joint survey detailing the use of the Student Support and Academic Enrichment grants under Title IV, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) during the 2024-2025 school year (SY 24-25). The data, collected from over 1,000 school finance and operations leaders across 43 states, underscores the vital importance of these grants in fostering well-rounded education programs, ensuring student safety and health, and supporting the effective use of technology.
The survey findings reveal that school districts rely heavily on the program’s inherent flexibility to address localized needs that state and local budgets often cannot cover. Popular uses of Title IV-A funds noted in the SY 24-25 report include:
- Well-Rounded Education: 56% of districts used funds to expand STEM and computer science offerings, while 29% invested in accelerated learning programs, and 29% supported music and the arts to drive student engagement.
- Safe and Healthy Students: 36% of respondents prioritized school-based mental health services, 30% invested in bullying and violence prevention, and 29% spent funds on integrated systems to support student academic success.
- Effective Use of Technology: 29% of districts utilized funds for computer-based assessments and blended learning to improve classroom instruction, 24% used funds to support instruction and teacher collaboration, and 23% invested in personalized learning programs.
The report found that school district leaders greatly appreciate the flexibility of the Title IV-A program, which allows them to fill unmet needs when resources are stretched thin, noting that 78% of respondents cited spending flexibility as the most helpful aspect of the program.
The Title IV-A Coalition and ASBO International are grateful that Congress provided $1.38 billion for Title IV-A for the 2026 federal Fiscal Year (FY26). This stable investment ensures that districts can continue to provide the essential services that 2025 survey respondents identified as critical for student readiness and academic achievement.
As Congress begins work on federal Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) appropriations, the organizations urge lawmakers to increase Title IV-A funding. Despite the program's success, 61% of education leaders still cite low funding levels as a primary "pain point," often forcing districts to transfer funds or blend them with other sources to meet basic requirements. Moreover, Congress authorized $1.6 billion for the program.
"The ability for local education agencies to spend on a wide array of programs tailored to their individual needs is what makes Title IV-A such a valued federal program," said Ally Talcott, Executive Director of the Title IV-A Coalition. She continued, “we are grateful to Congress for continuing to invest in this program and look forward to robust funding for the program in FY27."
James Rowan, CAE, SFO, CEO/Executive Director of ASBO International, said, “Title IV-A’s flexible structure recognizes that one-size-fits-all approaches don’t always work in education. It empowers education leaders—especially in rural, underserved areas—to strategically invest funds to meet their students’ unique needs, whether by enhancing educational offerings, improving school environments, or expanding student access to digital skills and tools to help them succeed.”
For more information see the survey results analysis here and the “What District Leaders Are Saying” document here.
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About ASBO International
Founded in 1910, the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO Intl.) is a nonprofit association offering programs, resources, services, and a global network to K–12 finance and operations decision‑makers. Our members manage budgeting, procurement, facilities, human resources, technology, transportation, food service, healthcare, and more, upholding the highest standards of school business management and driving the effective use of educational resources. Through professional certifications, advocacy, and year‑round development opportunities, ASBO International equips school business officials to deliver operational excellence and support student success.
Learn more at asbointl.org.
About the Title IV-A Coalition
The Title IV-A Coalition is an alliance of dozens of national organizations working together to advocate for full funding and the successful implementation of the Student Support and Academic Enrichment grants.