Unlocking Opportunities in 2025–26 State Agency & K12 Education Budgets

The 2025-26 budget cycle has made one thing clear: Governors across the country are doubling down on K-12 education, and they’re putting real money behind the promises.

From universal early learning to career pipelines, student mental health, and targeted support for underserved learners, the dollars are flowing, but the details are buried in 300+ page PDFs, committee drafts, and legalese.

That’s why I developed a clear, accessible resource to help vendors, consultants, and education partners see exactly where the money is going - state by state. The most effective top-down sales strategy starts by following the funding and treating each state like its own market. In any business, making every dollar count is essential. Understanding where your product or service fits into a state’s budget—and how to position it accordingly - offers a powerful advantage.

“I used to spend 20+ hours scanning budget documents. Now I get a focused, actionable summary in 10-15 minutes.” Strategic Partnerships Lead, EdTech Startup

What’s Included in Each State Summary

Each report highlights:

• Total K-12 and early childhood allocations

• Changes to funding formulas, per-pupil aid, or grants

• Line items for CTE, SEL, literacy/math, and workforce

• Investments in school choice, teacher workforce, mental health, and more

National Governor's Association Agenda

Governors-Top-Education-Priorities_2025.pdf

Download PDF • 503KB

📌 Case Study: California proposed budget – $137.1 Billion for TK-12 Education

Governor Newsom’s 2025–26 budget is anchored in the “California for All Kids” framework. A few standout investments:

✅ $2.4B to fully implement universal transitional kindergarten

✅ $1.5B to reduce TK class sizes from 12:1 to 10:1

✅ $4.4B for universal before/after/summer school access for TK–6

✅ New Medi-Cal reimbursement model for school-based behavioral health

✅ $3M to support dual enrollment and career pathways under the Master Plan for Career Education

Governor Priority Alignment: These investments reflect two of the top seven national trends in 2025: early care and education, and career and technical education (CTE). Governors nationwide, including those in states like New York, Iowa, and North Carolina, emphasized the importance of accessible early childhood programs and meaningful job-aligned learning​

📌 Case Study: Florida's proposed budget – $2.47 Billion in Lottery-Backed K-12 Enhancements

Florida’s 2025 budget keeps the pressure on school choice and postsecondary readiness. Key investments include:

✅ $471M in base K-12 funding from the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund

✅ $140M for Workforce Education programs in school districts

✅ $632M to fully fund the Bright Futures Scholarship

✅ $25M in Academic Challenge Scholarships

✅ $22M in Governor’s Scholarships to support talent pipelines

Governor Priority Alignment: Florida’s focus strongly aligns with three major themes found in governors' 2025 addresses: school choice, workforce development, and teacher workforce investments. Governor DeSantis celebrated a $4.6B investment to raise teacher pay and emphasized choice and career-readiness as essential levers for improving student outcomes​.

Governors’ Top Priorities in Education: What You Need to Know

Here are the top 7 education priorities found in 2025 State of the State addresses:

1. Workforce Development & CTE – 33 states spotlighted pathways like apprenticeships, internships, and dual enrollment to prepare students for high-demand careers.

2. K-12 Funding – 32 governors pushed for fully funding schools and modernizing school funding formulas.

3. Teacher Workforce – 26 states focused on raising pay, improving retention, and expanding entry pathways to the profession.

4. Academic Achievement – 25 governors backed early literacy, math instruction, and science of reading implementation.

5. Early Care and Education – 25 governors expanded Pre-K and childcare access to strengthen school readiness.

6. Mental & Physical Health – 21 states invested in school-based behavioral health and universal school meals.

7. School Choice – 21 governors addressed ESA expansions, voucher programs, and charter school accountability​Governors-Top-Education….

Who Is This For?

If you are:

• Selling into school districts, DOEs, or charter networks

• Navigating school choice, ESA programs, or tutoring legislation

• Supporting teacher pipeline, career workforce, literacy, or SEL initiatives

• Building relationships with state leaders and education agencies

…this report series was made for you.

How do I get a copy?

Each state summary is $500, with bundle options available for regional or multi-state insights. Some states have enacted budgets, while others are still in the proposal stage. If the states you're interested in are not yet enacted, you'll automatically receive the finalized versions as soon as they become available.

Step 1: 🔗 Book 15 minutes on my calendar to discuss the budget areas most relevant to your goals. OR - 📩 DM me or email [melody@melody-mcdonald.com]

Step 2: I prepare a digestible report based on your target market or specific states to support your sales strategy.

Step 3: I deliver the strategy in a one hour hand off meeting with options to continue the engagement for strategic support.

🌐 Visit: [www.melody-mcdonald.com]