ASBO International Shares K–12 Policy Recommendations with Biden Administration

ASHBURN, Va. - Jan. 19, 2021 - PRLog -- The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) released a policy paper addressing the significant financial and operational challenges facing public schools, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. K-12 Policy Recommendations for a New Administration was shared with the Biden Administration's education policy team ahead of Inauguration Day.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant challenges for school districts across the country. School business professionals and other education leaders need guidance and support from federal policymakers," says ASBO International Executive Director David Lewis. "We look forward to working with the new administration on investing in our nation's education system and supporting our children and communities."

The brief includes four key policy areas with recommendations to help lawmakers partner with schools to deliver a high-quality, equitable education; protect student health and safety; and invest in a brighter future for students:

• Invest in K-12 Public Education – Adequate federal funding with minimal administrative burden is critical for schools to provide quality education services. Fully fund programs like Title I and IDEA to serve our nation's most vulnerable students.
• Prioritize School Safety and Infrastructure – Direct federal investment and other financial supports are necessary for schools to construct, maintain, and repair facilities, and to provide students with safe and healthy places to learn. School facilities require significant upgrades to improve indoor air quality in light of what we now know about COVID-19 and viral transmission.
• Bolster Child Nutrition Programs – Schools need sustainable nutrition business models to feed students affordable, nutritious, and delicious meals. Schools play a key role in addressing food insecurity in their communities, especially when times are tough, such as the difficult economic circumstances brought on by the pandemic.
• Provide K-12 Healthcare Support – Federal support, flexibility, and funding are necessary for states and school districts to implement healthcare reforms and regulations. Prioritize school personnel for access to COVID-19 vaccinations to help schools safely reopen.

Included in the policy brief is a COVID-19 cost-analysis infographic, What Will it Cost to Reopen Schools (https://network.asbointl.org/viewdocument/asboaasa-covid-19-cost-analysis-fo), published by ASBO International and AASA, The School Superintendents Association last June. The cost analysis has become a go-to resource for district and state education leaders and policymakers at all levels for estimating COVID-related expenses incurred by schools as districts work toward a safe physical reopening that protects student and staff health and safety.

For additional information on ASBO International's policy recommendations, please visit the website (https://network.asbointl.org/viewdocument/asbo-internationals-2021-k-12-poli).