This year, District Administration’s resonated with readers across a variety of topics, ranging from how a smaller U.S. Department of Education would impact K12 education and how cell phone policies have become one of the most popular strategies for improving school culture and student engagement.
In this article, we bring to you the five most popular articles of 2025, allowing you to reconnect with the stories that inspired superintendents’ decision-making amid one of the most tumultuous years for public education.
1. This is what a smaller Education Department might look like
In the first few months of President Donald Trump’s second term, District Administration closely tracked the major changes made to public education, including the billion-dollar federal funding freeze, the administration’s “first steps” to dismantle the Education Department and more.
Read the article here.
2. NOLA is the latest big district to pick new leader
Managing Editor Matt Zalaznick’s long-running series showcasing the latest superintendent transitions nationwide highlights appointments in high-profile districts and the rise of female leaders in the superintendency.
Read the article here.
3. What will happen to districts that defy Trump’s DEI order?
During the first months of Trump’s order requiring schools to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion policies, nearly a dozen states publicly declared they would not comply. Marguerite Roza, director of Georgetown University’s Edunomics Lab, outlined the potential funding consequences for districts in those areas.
Read the article here.
4. Sal Khan: How to navigate AI with Trump’s order
On a federal level, the Trump Administration’s executive order to advance AI education is a step in the right direction, Sal Khan, CEO of Khan Academy, told District Administration in April. He explained why students—and teachers—must be well-trained in AI.
Read the article here.
5. Latest Trump ‘skinny budget’ draws a warning from AASA
Over the summer, the Trump administration introduced its “skinny budget” proposal for fiscal year 2026, which aimed to cut federal spending by $163 billion, including a nearly 15% reduction to the Education Department’s budget.
The announcement drew large concern from education organizations, including AASA, The School Superintendents Association, which warned that vital K12 funding programs would see significant reductions.
Read the article here.
