STATEMENT ON THE PRESIDENT’S FY 22 BUDGET REQUEST FOR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

“Over the last year, students and families have experienced historic challenges due to the rapid school closures and transition to online learning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the release of President Biden’s budget for the U.S. Department of Education, we are encouraged to see strong federal investments to support students, particularly those who have historically faced educational inequities and were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. We are especially pleased to see a request to fund the School Leader Recruitment and Support program that would provide grants for high-quality professional development for principals and other school leaders. Principals play a critical role in ensuring a safe return to schools and, as recent research shows us, account for a quarter of a school’s impact on student learning. All students deserve access to transformational and diverse leaders, and funding this program moves us closer to ensuring this. We look forward to working with Congress to make this bold promise a reality.”