(The Center Square)—School districts across the country have significantly increased spending since 2020, even as they face steep declines in student enrollment and academic performance, according to a new analysis from the Reason Foundation.

The report finds American public schools are nearing $1 trillion in annual spending, almost a 35% increase between 2002 and 2023. During that period, the average per-student spending rose from $14,969 to $20,322.

California stands out as one of the highest-spending states. According to the study, the state now spends $25,941 per student, placing it among the top eight nationally. The sharpest growth has occurred in just the past few years.

Since the pandemic, California’s per-student spending has surged 31.5%, rising from $19,724 in 2020 to its current level.

Since 2020, California public schools have lost 318,532 students, a trend that education experts say raises serious questions about how resources are being used.

Lance Izumi, senior director of education studies, told The Center Square in an exclusive interview that the disconnect between spending and academic outcomes is troubling.

“It’s very difficult to look at these cries for more funding as anything more than just funding the adults in the system and not helping the students,” Izumi said.

He added that public schools are facing increased competition from alternatives such as charter schools, private schools and homeschooling. “Public schools are hurting because there’s competition, and people are deciding the alternatives are better.”

Izumi also pointed to longstanding educational issues.

“We’ve condemned a generation of students to poor reading and illiteracy because California moved away from phonics-based reading despite decades of evidence that the science of reading works,” he said. “Evidently, the spending had no impact and was unable to overcome the poor teaching methodologies and curriculum the state was forcing on teachers and students.”

Izumi described the system as increasingly focused on equity at the expense of academic rigor.

“Too many schools emphasize equity over merit … they want the same outcomes regardless of effort,” Izumi said. “You’re seeing elimination of D’s and F’s, lowering the bar for an A, massive grade inflation … These kids were lied to and told they were doing great when they weren’t.”

Izumi highlights that these clearly declining standards have impacted the decline in academic results.

“California needs to go back to emphasizing merit, hard work, high standards, phonics, traditional math, real consequences for misbehavior and actual excellence instead of engineered equal outcomes,” Izumi said.

Aaron Smith, director of education reform at the Reason Foundation, told The Center Square that teacher pension costs are a driver of increased spending.

Employee benefit costs have jumped 134.9% since 2002, and the California State Teachers’ Retirement System reported $85.5 billion in debt in 2024.

“Research shows that teacher pension debt is driving this trend, the state failed to set aside enough money to cover teacher pension promises, and now the bill is coming due,” Smith said.

Smith also emphasized that academic challenges remain severe despite higher spending. “Nearly 44% of fourth graders can’t read at a basic level, yet public schools have taken on other responsibilities that have little to do with academics.”

To reverse California’s downward trajectory, Smith argued lawmakers must confront the structural issues in K–12 finance.

 “Policymakers need to address structural problems in K-12 finance, like paying down pension debt, focusing resources on academics, and closing under-enrolled schools that spread resources thin,” Smith said. “It’s really simple stuff, but public schools have drifted too far from their academic mission.”

Three Reasons a Coffee Gift Set From This Christian Company Is Perfect for Christmas

When you’re searching for a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, useful, and rooted in faith, you don’t want to settle for anything generic. This season is filled with noise — mass-produced products, last-minute picks, and trends that fade as quickly as they appear. But one gift stands apart because it blends genuine quality with a message that matters: a coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee.

This small Christian-owned company has become a favorite among believers who want to support faith-driven businesses while giving friends and family something they’ll actually enjoy. Here are three reasons a Promised Grounds Coffee gift set may be the most thoughtful and impactful present you give this year.

1. It’s Truly Delicious Coffee

Too many “gift-worthy” coffees look beautiful in the package but disappoint when the cup is poured. Promised Grounds takes the opposite approach — exceptional taste first, thoughtful presentation second.

Their beans are sourced with care, roasted in small batches, and crafted to bring out a rich, smooth flavor profile that appeals to both casual drinkers and true coffee lovers. Whether someone enjoys bold, dark roasts or lighter, more delicate blends, every sip reflects quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest specialty brands.

Simply put: this coffee is good. Really good. Some say it’s absolutely fantastic. If you want a gift that won’t be re-gifted, ignored, or shoved in a cabinet, this is it.

2. It Spreads the Word While Serving a Real Purpose

There are many Christian gifts that are meaningful… but not exactly practical. There are also useful gifts that have nothing to do with faith. Promised Grounds Coffee bridges both worlds beautifully.

Each gift set delivers an encouraging, faith-centered message through its packaging and presentation — a simple but powerful reminder of God’s goodness during the Christmas season. The cups are especially popular and serve as a daily reminder of the blessings from our Lord. At the same time, the product itself is something people will actually use and appreciate every single day.

It’s a gift that uplifts the spirit and fills the mug. A gift that points loved ones toward Scripture while still being part of the normal rhythm of life. And in a culture that increasingly pushes faith to the margins, giving a gift that quietly but confidently honors Christ can make a deeper impact than you might expect.

3. It’s Affordable, Valuable, and Elegantly Presented

Many people want to give something meaningful without breaking their Christmas budget. Promised Grounds Coffee strikes that perfect balance — the sets look and feel premium, but the price remains accessible.

The packaging is classy, clean, and gift-ready, making it ideal for:

Family members of all ages

Co-workers or employees

Church friends or small-group leaders

Hosts, neighbors, and last-minute gift needs

It’s the kind of gift that feels more expensive than it is — and more thoughtful than most of what you’ll find on store shelves.

The Perfect Blend of Faith, Flavor, and Christmas Cheer

A coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee checks every box: a gift that tastes amazing, conveys your faith, supports a Christian business, and brings daily enjoyment to the person who receives it. In a season when so many gifts are forgotten, this one stands out for all the right reasons.

If you want a Christmas present that reflects your values and delivers genuine joy, Promised Grounds Coffee is the perfect place to start.