Report Reveals Rising Healthcare Costs Force Public Schools to Cut Staffing, Programs, and Delay Improvements

A new national report by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, and ASBO International highlights the significant budgetary impact of escalating healthcare costs on public school districts across 42 states. The study, based on responses from 767 school superintendents and business officials, indicates that 98% of districts report measurable impacts, leading to self-imposed hiring freezes, delayed facility and technology improvements, reduced student mental health support, and cuts to other educational services. Districts are also struggling to offer competitive salaries while covering rising insurance premiums, exacerbating workforce retention challenges.