A New President and the Future of K-12 Education: Top 5 Predictions and Action Plans for 2025

A new president often brings changes and uncertainty, especially in education. District leaders must be proactive in addressing the challenges that lie ahead. As the CEO of Lightspeed Systems, a leading provider of education technology solutions, I’ve been closely monitoring the trends and issues shaping the K-12 landscape. Based on our research, here are my top five predictions for the biggest concerns likely to impact district leaders in 2025, along with actionable strategies to navigate these challenges.

1. Teacher and Staff Shortages Will Persist

The teacher shortage crisis continues to escalate. A 2024 U.S. Department of Education report revealed that 43 states, plus Washington, D.C., are experiencing teacher shortages — up from 41 the previous year. States like Florida, with over 5,000 vacancies, and Kentucky, where critical shortages are driven by low starting salaries (an average of $38,010 compared to $60,000 in Indiana and $77,000 in Ohio), are particularly hard-hit. Many educators face the difficult choice of leaving their home states for better pay elsewhere

Action Plan

District leaders must implement innovative strategies to attract, support, and retain educators, such as:

• Offering competitive salaries and benefits to make teaching positions more appealing.
• Providing robust professional development to empower educators and foster growth.
• Streamlining administrative tasks using technology like Lightspeed Classroom to free up teachers’ time for instruction.

Some states are already taking proactive measures. For instance, Texas is exploring a teacher homebuyer incentive program in San Antonio to retain educators. Adopting creative solutions like these can help districts address the ongoing shortage and ensure classrooms are staffed with dedicated professionals.

2. Student Safety and Well-being Concerns Will Require More Support

Student safety — both physical and emotional — will remain a critical focus in 2025. A 2024 National Center for Education Statistics survey reported that 79% of public schools experienced incidents of violence, theft, or other crimes. Tragically, school shootings have also risen sharply, with 58 incidents resulting in injuries or deaths reported by October 2024, compared to 36 in 2020.

Action Plan

Districts must adopt a comprehensive, proactive approach to safety, including:

• Enhance mental health support. Invest in counseling, crisis intervention, and social-emotional learning programs to identify and support at-risk students.
• Foster a positive school climate by encouraging inclusivity and respect. Implement anti-bullying clubs and initiatives that address root causes of violence.
• Implement anonymous reporting systems to provide secure channels for reporting concerning behavior to enable early intervention.

By addressing both the emotional and physical safety of students, districts can create environments that support learning and well-being.

3. Cybersecurity Threats Will Escalate

With growing reliance on technology, K-12 schools face increasing threats from cyberattacks. Between November 2022 and October 2023 alone, 85 ransomware attacks targeted schools, adding to the 325 incidents reported between 2016 and 2022, according to K12 Security Information Exchange (K12 SIX). The cost of a single ransomware attack now averages $1.85 million, disrupting school operations and impacting students and families.

Action Plan

To mitigate these risks, district leaders must:

• Strengthen cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection, and secure cloud solutions like Lightspeed Systems.
• Conduct comprehensive cybersecurity training for staff and students to foster awareness and best practices.
• Develop and regularly test incident response plans while ensuring reliable data backups to minimize disruptions.

By prioritizing cybersecurity, districts can safeguard their operations and protect sensitive data from malicious actors.

4. Funding Challenges and Resource Inequities Will Deepen

Federal education funding cuts and the redirection of resources to private schools under initiatives like “Project 2025” could exacerbate funding challenges. A 2024 analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities predicts that 27 states will have lower per-student funding in 2025 compared to 2023. Additionally, the expiration of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding will force districts to find new ways to sustain critical programs.

Action Plan

To address funding challenges and ensure equitable resource allocation, districts should:

• Explore alternative funding sources such as grants, partnerships, and community initiatives, while advocating for increased state-level funding.
• Streamline operations and identify cost-saving measures, such as shared services across districts or schools.
• Engage parents, community organizations, and local leaders to build support for equitable funding initiatives.

Leveraging data-driven decision-making tools can also help districts allocate resources more efficiently and effectively.

5. Bans on Cell Phones and Social Media in Schools Will Spark Further Debate

As concerns grow over the impact of cell phones and social media on student focus, mental health, and classroom dynamics, many schools are implementing restrictions or outright bans. In 2024, nearly 20% of U.S. school districts adopted policies limiting cell phone use during school hours, while others banned access to social media platforms altogether. These measures aim to reduce distractions, improve academic performance, and address the negative effects of social media on mental health, such as increased anxiety, cyberbullying, and overuse.

While these policies have been praised by some parents and educators, they have also sparked debates about equity, enforcement, and the proper role of technology in schools. Critics argue that such bans may inadvertently hinder students’ ability to develop essential digital skills and navigate the complexities of a highly connected world.

Action Plan

District leaders should approach cell phone and social media policies in a way that balances the need for focus and safety with preparing students for life in the digital age. Key strategies include:

• Incorporate digital citizenship programs into the curriculum to teach students how to use technology responsibly, evaluate online content critically, and engage respectfully on social platforms. Empowering students with these skills can reduce the need for restrictive policies.
•  Develop transparent guidelines to establish clear and fair policies around when and where cell phones can be used. For instance, allowing phone use during lunch or breaks but restricting it in classrooms can strike a balance between connectivity and focus.
• Host workshops or provide resources to engage Parents and Educators about the importance of responsible technology use and the risks of excessive screen time. This can help build community support for policies that focus on student well-being.

By combining practical restrictions with education about digital citizenship, districts can create policies that foster healthier relationships with technology while equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in a digital world.

Partnering with Lightspeed Systems for Success

At Lightspeed Systems, we understand the challenges facing district leaders and are committed to supporting their efforts. Our education technology solutions are designed to enhance safety, streamline operations, and provide data-driven insights to guide decision-making. By partnering with Lightspeed, districts can focus on their core mission: educating and empowering students.

As we look ahead to 2025, Lightspeed Systems stands ready to help district leaders navigate these challenges and create a brighter future for their schools and communities. Together, we can overcome obstacles and shape a better tomorrow for students.