School boards: These topics were high priority in 2025

Federal policy and AI drew a lot more attention than typical local issues in school board meetings nationwide. Here’s what other topics are top-of-mind.

A new analysis outlines the topics that school boards spent the most time addressing last quarter, compared to Q3 of 2024. Burbio, a school data tracking firm, analyzed the prevalence of certain keywords mentioned in board meetings and strategic plans in districts with more than 5,000 students.

The data reveal a stark contrast between the most- and least-mentioned topics, suggesting that leaders are more concerned about federal support than local issues.

The term “federal” was mentioned by 57% of districts last quarter, according to Burbio. That’s a more than 10% increase compared to Q3 in 2024. At the other end of the spectrum, “enrollment declines” was mentioned by only 6.4% of districts.

Here’s the complete list compiled by Burbio, ranked from most to least frequently mentioned:

Note: The percentage indicates the number of districts that mentioned the keyword in school board minutes in Q3 of 2025.

1. Federal (57.4%)
2. IEP (25.5%)
3. Newcomers (19.4%)
4. Artificial intelligence (18.3%)
5. MTSS (17.9%)
6. Student safety (15.6%)
7. College and career readiness (12%)
8. Cybersecurity (12%)
9. Teacher shortages (9.1%)
10. Science of reading (7.3%)
11. Enrolment declines (6.4%)

Meanwhile, Burbio also analyzed district-level approaches to AI implementation and professional development in the last 60 days of board meetings. Here’s what they found:

1. Policy and guideline development: Leaders are establishing acceptable use policies for students and staff in areas like academic integrity, ethics and safety.
2. Professional development: Districts are targeting PD on generative AI, classroom applications and the development of staff resources, including training modules, toolkits and example lessons. Classroom applications include using AI for differentiated learning, lesson design and classroom materials, as well as training on bias detection and ethics.
3. AI literacy and 21st-century skills: School boards are focused on developing age-appropriate guidance, workforce development and programs incorporating AI policy.
4. AI working groups and partnerships: Districts are forming AI committees and task forces, including the use of outside consultants. This process includes developing AI strategic plans.
5. Widespread evaluation and piloting of AI platforms and services: Districts are integrating AI-first tools, while also experimenting with teaching platforms that include AI features. The vetting process often prioritizes costs and classroom applications.

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