Conflicts are costing schools millions

Recent analysis reveals that American schools incurred over $3bn in costs due to conflicts surrounding race, LGBTQ+ policies, and library book selections during the last academic year. The study, conducted by researchers including John Rogers from UCLA and Rachel White from UT Austin, surveyed 467 superintendents across 46 states. It found that two-thirds of superintendents reported “moderate” or “high” levels of conflict, with high-conflict districts averaging costs of about $800,000. Legal expenses were a significant burden, often linked to lawsuits and public-records requests. The stress from these conflicts has also negatively impacted staff mental health, with 94% of superintendents in high-conflict areas noting adverse effects on staff well-being.