U.S. School Districts Face Widespread Budget Shortfalls

School districts across the U.S. are confronting significant budget shortfalls, leading to difficult decisions on school closures, staffing, and spending. In California, South Bay Union School District voted to close Central Elementary School due to falling enrollment and deficits, delaying closure decisions on two other schools after community opposition. Greenville County Schools in South Carolina are working to adopt a budget that avoids tax hikes and preserves teacher raises despite a possible $14 million funding loss. Washoe County School District in Nevada faces a $2.7 million deficit and approved increased facility fees and the relocation of leased spaces, while managing a $700,000 cut to special education funding. In Maryland, Howard County Schools must address a $15.3 million shortfall, considering the elimination of over 100 positions and increased class sizes, raising concerns about the impact on special education. These cases illustrate the widespread financial pressures facing U.S. school systems as they strive to maintain educational services.