State legislative sessions are underway, and more than half of governors across the country have used their budget proposals and State of the State addresses to highlight K-12 education policy priorities. In addition, newly elected governors in New Jersey and Virginia used their inaugural addresses to lay out the groundwork for education during their terms ahead.
This post summarizes governors’ student-centered policy priorities, including literacy, math, school choice, teacher recruitment and retention, distraction-free schools and fair education funding.
Here’s a breakdown of the education policy priorities governors are focused on in the year ahead.
Last updated March 25, 2026.
Term-Limited Governors Share Successes
For 17 governors across the country, their final State of the State address offered the opportunity to cement their legacy as 36 states prepare for gubernatorial races this November. Many used their addresses to share education successes over the course of their terms and reflect on student-centered investments and policies.
- Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey highlighted state investments in CHOOSE Act education scholarship accounts and paid family leave for teachers as well as achievements in literacy and math. Under her leadership, Alabama reached its highest ever college and career readiness rate and added 500,000 more credentialed men and women to the workforce.
- Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy looked back on the passage of the READS Act, ensuring that K-3 students are meeting literacy benchmarks.
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom applauded the legislature’s efforts to fund career education and seamless college and career pathways, as well as the addition of more than 600,000 work-based learning opportunities for students.
- Colorado Gov. Jared Polis recognized statewide efforts to raise teacher pay and increase per-student funding.
- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recognized the success of the state’s universal school choice program and the state’s $6 billion investment to raise teacher salaries.
- Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp highlighted the state’s historic investments in education and workforce training programs and in the teacher pipeline.
- Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds spoke about her administration’s focus on evidence-based literacy instruction, strengthening accountability, expanding work-based learning, improving the teacher pipeline and the implementation of universally available education scholarship accounts.
- Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly reflected on high statewide graduation rates and the establishment of the Blueprint for Literacy, ensuring students are reading at or above grade level.
- Maine Gov. Janet Mills spoke about investments to raise the minimum teacher salary and strengthen the educator workforce and the expansion of early college programs statewide.
- Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spoke about the state’s investments in evidence-based literacy instruction and educator preparation.
- New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham recognized the progress of evidence-based literacy efforts, reported record graduation rates and emphasized increased postsecondary enrollment and credential completion.
- Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine reflected on the state’s investments in evidence-based literacy instruction, a $300 million investment in career and technical education (CTE) and opportunities for 10,000 additional CTE students.
- Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt highlighted the state’s commitment to public school choice through charter schools and statewide open enrollment and recognized the success of the Parental Choice Tax Credit.
- South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster spoke of the state’s efforts to support foundational literacy, strengthen the teacher pipeline and expand school choice.
- Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee reflected on the legislature’s investment in the teacher pipeline, school choice and statewide gains in literacy and math.
Thanks in part to governors across the country, student-centered education policy proposals have become reality.
Literacy and Math: A Focus on the Foundations
Literacy and math remain top priorities in states across the country. Governors signaled investments in evidence-based policies and individualized student support to advance student achievement in literacy and math.
- Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey called for continued investments in literacy and math.
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that his budget includes funding for additional literacy coaches and reading specialists in schools across the state.
- Colorado Gov. Jared Polis called for targeted funding to improve math outcomes in his budget.
- Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer announced an $8.7 million grant to improve evidence-based literacy for students in grades 4-8.
- Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp continued funding for literacy coaches in the state.
- Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s budget includes $8.6 million to fund the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy and equip current and prospective teachers with training and resources in literacy curriculum.
- Maine Gov. Janet Mills reiterated her support for literacy reforms in the state and called for her administration to continue its hands-on approach to evidence-based instructional materials and professional development for teachers.
- Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called for the legislature to pass the largest targeted literacy investment in state history to provide earlier instruction, interventions and educator training and adopt evidence-based instructional practices statewide.
- New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte directed her administration to study improving literacy and math scores.
- New Mexico Gov. Lujan Grisham laid out a series of educational priorities to boost literacy and math outcomes, including $30 million for reading intervention programs and $14 million to improve foundational reading skills.
- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced targeted support for high-need school districts under the “Back to Basics” reading agenda, including a three-year pilot that links districts with state colleges for evidence-based reading instruction for teachers.
- Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced instructional implementation teams to monitor the use of evidence-based instructional practices in classrooms, 50 additional reading coaches statewide and free ReadOhio training and credentialing for educators who wish to become coaches.
- Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt called for early literacy reforms to ensure students are reading on grade level.
- Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal included $565 million for continued adequacy funding to public schools (evidence-based literacy continues to be an allowable use of these funds).
- South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster’s executive budget included $40 million to support literacy policy through summer reading camps and literacy coaches.
- South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden proposed an additional $6 million to support evidence-based literacy instruction.
- Utah Gov. Spencer Cox maintained his support for literacy reforms and said he is working with the legislature to provide struggling readers with individualized support.
- West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey highlighted the success of the Third Grade Success Act and pushed for a new reading and literacy program modeled after Mississippi.
As states continue to prioritize strong literacy and math foundations, we can also anticipate a continued focus on evidence-based policies and a growing interest in adolescent literacy and guaranteed access to advanced math courses.
Education Funding: Prioritizing Student-Centered Policies
In 2026, many governors are calling for updates to school funding formulas as states look to prioritize more purposeful spending.
- Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy identified changes to the state’s education funding system and promised to make recommendations for a funding bill that rewrites the state’s per-student funding formula for public schools.
- Colorado Gov. Jared Polis reaffirmed his commitment to a student-centered funding formula and, in his FY 2026-27 budget, proposed $167 million in additional funding, including a $413 increase in per-pupil funding.
- Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont called for an updated funding strategy and foundation grant to ensure state resources are being directed to the classroom.
- Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer called for the legislature to pass the Public Education Funding Commission recommendations, which would create a student-centered funding formula.
- Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe identified an overhaul of the state’s education funding formula as a top priority and called for reform after a modernization task force issues its recommendations.
- Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee proposed budget called for increasing public school investments, including increased funding through the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement formula. The plan also includes $20 million for K-12 facilities grants.
- Vermont Gov. Phil Scott continued focusing on education as his main priority, calling for a student-centered funding formula among other governance and administrative reforms.
As the year progresses, we can expect many states to modernize education funding by beginning the process of overhauling funding formulas, strategically investing and using forward thinking approaches to funding concerns.
School Choice: Increased Funding to Serve Additional Students
Following the establishment of many wide-reaching education scholarship account (ESA) programs in 2025, governors this year are advocating for increased program funding and expansion of programs to serve additional students.
ESA programs have proven to be key in expanding school choice across the country. While many states are leaning into these programs, other states are mounting opposition and Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs called for reforms to the state’s ESA program as a response to allegations of fraud and fund misuse.
Public School Choice: Open Enrollment Momentum & Charter School Expansion
In the year ahead, several governors are looking to increase funding and expansion of charter schools and open enrollment policies to allow families to choose the best educational fit for their children.
- Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced plans to introduce a comprehensive education bill that would expand access to charter schools in the state and create an open enrollment system.
- Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds proposed per-pupil funding following the student and that charter school students receive access to extracurricular activities.
- Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe called for the passage of public school open enrollment to ensure students can attend schools that best meet their individual needs.
- Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt called for policy reforms to streamline the establishment of new charter schools in the state.
- Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s budget included $40 million for charter school facility improvements.
Increased funding and opportunities modernize the landscape of public school choice and create a more diverse educational landscape for students and families.
Teacher Workforce Policy: Strengthening the Pipeline and Increasing Pay
Teacher pay, strong educator pipelines and lower barriers to enter the teaching field remain a priority across the country.
- Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey proposed a 2% pay raise for educators and a teaching pathway for qualified veterans.
- Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy made a commitment to address teacher retention with incentive payments.
- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear prioritized additional investments to strengthen the teacher pipeline and proposed $159 million to increase teacher pay, and an additional $560 million to support Kentucky’s teachers’ retirement plan.
- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed an accelerated teacher preparation pathway, plans to support more than 7,000 future teachers and a new statewide task force to study teacher shortages and barriers to entry and recommend policy solutions.
- Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget includes $35 million for the Student Teacher Stipend Program, designed to strengthen the educator pipeline amid persistent staffing shortages.
- South Carolina Gov. McMaster included $150 million in his executive budget to raise starting teacher salaries to $50,500, an additional $5 million for a strategic teacher compensation pilot program and $1.4 million for a career ladder pilot program to provide effective educators with opportunities for career advancement.
- Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee recognized that beginning in 2027, the starting pay for teachers will be $50,000.
Teacher pay remains top-of-mind for policymakers as they work to address shortages and ensure schools have access to high-quality educators.
College & Career Pathways: Improving Alignment and Access
Governors across the country remain focused on creating robust college and career pathways to ensure students graduating from high school have a clear outlook on postsecondary education and the workforce.
- Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy expressed his support for the expansion of internships, apprenticeships and work-based learning programs to strengthen the education-to-workforce pipeline.
- Colorado Gov. Jared Polis focused on the importance of career and technical education (CTE), proposed expanding access to new career pathways that lead to in-demand high-paying jobs, tracking student workforce readiness and making the first two years of college free for many Colorado students.
- Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp proposed $325 million for the DREAMS Scholarship Program, a new need-based scholarship for higher education in Georgia; $5 million for Career Navigator, an online platform for students to explore college, technical training or military options and plan a path for themselves; an additional $2.1 million to expand critical workforce training programs in healthcare education; and a continued commitment to the Georgia Match direct admissions program.
- Idaho Gov. Brad Little reaffirmed his commitment to expanding college and career pathways, highlighting Idaho LAUNCH as his top priority for strengthening the bridge between education and workforce opportunities.
- Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry called for the legislature to align education and workforce dollars with the economy and increase Promise Program funding to expand access to community and technical colleges that train students for in-demand, high-paying jobs.
- Maryland Gov. Wes Moore reaffirmed his commitment to ensure every student is career-ready before earning a high school diploma.
- Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healy set a goal to have 100,000 students in early college programs and 100,000 apprenticeships in the next 10 years.
- Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen guaranteed that every Nebraska student who scores a 33 or better on the ACT gets a full scholarship, with housing, to the University of Nebraska.
- New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte called for the continued prioritization of workforce training programs to ensure that the state is meeting the needs of businesses today and in the future.
- New Mexico Gov. Lujan Grisham included in her budget $38.5 million to expand career and technical education and strengthen college and career pathways.
- Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro called for $200 million in investments for college & career pathways.
- South Carolina Gov. McMaster emphasized the importance of purposeful college and career pathways, calling for a return on investment analysis of postsecondary programs and their alignment with workforce needs.
- South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden proposed legislation creating the State Apprenticeship Agency, giving more flexibility to the state to structure apprenticeships to be beneficial to students and businesses.
As demand grows for seamless education-to-workforce pathways, we can expect states to look to direct admission policies, saving students time and money and increasing postsecondary enrollment.
Distraction-Free Schools: Creating Focused, Healthy Learning Environments
With distraction-free schools policies trending across the country, governors are again calling for bell-to-bell policies to improve student learning and reduce classroom distractions.
- Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont called on the legislature to pass legislation to implement a bell-to-bell cellphone policy statewide.
- Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker proposed distraction-free classrooms to ensure students have productive educational environments.
- Indiana Gov. Mike Braun voiced his support for a bell-to-bell distraction-free schools policy in addition to limiting minors’ use of social media.
- Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly called for a bell-to-bell distraction-free schools cell phone policy to improve student learning and mental health.
- Maine Gov. Janet Mills proposed expanding the state’s school distraction-free schools policy statewide to reduce classroom distractions.
- Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey called for better protections for minors using social media, including requiring parental consent and age verification on all platforms.
- New Mexico Gov. Lujan Grisham reiterated her support for distraction-free schools to keep students focused in the classroom.
- Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine called for the legislature to require cell phone and tech companies to automatically implement parental control features to empower parents to easily monitor and control the content their children see on social media.
- Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro called on the legislature to pass legislation to implement a statewide distraction-free classroom policy during school hours.
- Utah Gov. Spencer Cox discussed social media and its impact on children and called on the legislature to implement a bell-to-bell distraction-free schools cell phone policy with some defined exceptions.
- West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced his full support for distraction-free schools and a digital literacy program to better connect students with technology.
As concerns remain about student well-being, states are likely to tighten distraction-free school and classroom policies and look to add social media safeguards for minors.
Final Thoughts: K-12 Education Policy Priorities Remain Strong
In 2026, governors across the country remain committed to ensuring students have strong foundations in literacy and math, expanding educational opportunities, strengthening the teacher pipeline and increasing workforce readiness. Leaders have signaled strong support for student-centered policy solutions, including:
- Investments in evidence-based literacy and math policy.
- School choice expansion, including increasing funding for ESAs and open enrollment.
- Teacher pay increases and teacher pipeline development.
- Phone-free school policies to create distraction-free learning environments.
- CTE and postsecondary pathways for career readiness.
As legislative sessions continue, education advocates, policymakers and parents should watch these proposals closely. The policies adopted in 2026 will leave a lasting impact on the American education landscape.
References
- Alabama
Governor.alabama.gov – ‘Governor Ivey’s 2026 State of the State Address’ Link: Governor Ivey’s 2026 State of the State Address
Alabamaachieves.org – ‘Choose Act Alabama’ Link: Choose Act Alabama
Alabamapolicy.org – ‘Education Trust Fund Budget-Alabama Policy Institute’ Link: Education Trust Fund Budget
- Alaska
Education.alaska.gov – ‘The Alaska Reads Act-Education and Early Development’ Link: The Alaska Reads Act
Gov.alaska.gov – ‘Governor Dunleavy Delivers Final State of the State Address’ Link: Governor Dunleavy Delivers Final State of the State Address
Files.constantcontact.com – ‘2026 State of the State – The Office of Governor Mike Dunleavy’ Link: 2026 State of the State
- Arizona
Kjzz.org – ‘Arizona school vouchers: Hobbs, Republican lawmakers still at odds over reform’ Link: Arizona school vouchers: Hobbs, Republican lawmakers still at odds over reform
- California
Gov.ca.gov – ‘Governor Newsom delivers final State of the State Address, honoring California’s past and reaffirming a brighter future for all” Link: Governor Gavin Newsom State of the State Address
- Colorado
drive.google.com – ‘As Prepared For Delivery – 2026 State of the State’ Link: 2026 State of the State
governorsoffice.colorado.gov – ‘Governor Polis Delivers 2026 and Final State of the State Address: The State of Our State is Strong, Resilient, Kind, Innovative, and Free’ Link: Governor Polis Delivers 2026 and Final State of the State Address
- Connecticut
portal.ct.gov – ‘Governor Lamont’s 2026 State of the State Address’ Link: Governor Lamont’s 2026 State of the State Address
- Delaware
Governor.delaware.gov – ‘Gov. Meyer 2026 State of the State Speech’ Link: Text of the 2026 State of the State Speech
- Florida
s3.amazonaws.com – ‘Florida 2026 State of the State’ Link: Florida_Full_Text.pdf
- Georgia
Gov.georgia.gov – ‘Governor Kemp’s 2026 State of the State Address | Governor Brian P. Kemp’ Link: Governor Kemp’s 2026 State of the State Address
Mygeorgiapromise.org – ‘Georgia Promise Scholarship – Access. Achieve. Succeed.’ Link: Georgia Promise Scholarship Program
Usgfoundation.org – ‘Scholarships and Reports | USG Foundation’ Link: DREAMS Scholarship Program
Gafutures.org – ‘GEORGIA MATCH | Georgia Student Finance Commission’ Link: Georgia Match
- Idaho
Gov.idaho.gov – ‘2026 State of the State’ Link: 2026-sots.pdf
Launch.idaho.gov – ‘Idaho Launch’ Link: Idaho Launch
- Illinois
Nbcchicago.com – ‘Read the full text of Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s ‘State of the State’ -NBC Chicago’ Link: Read the full text of Gov. JB Pritzker’s ‘State of the State’ Address
- Indiana
Events.in.gov – ‘Gov. Mike Braun’s 2026 State of the State Address – State of Indiana’ Link: Gov. Mike Braun’s 2026 State of the State Address
- Iowa
Governor.iowa.gov – ‘Gov. Reynolds Delivers 2026 Condition of the State | Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Link: Gov. Reynolds Delivers 2026 Condition of the State
- Kansas
Content.govdelivery.com – ‘Gov. Kelly 2026 State of the State Address’ Link: Gov. Kelly 2026 State of the State Address.pdf
Kansasregents.gov – ‘Kansas Blueprint for Literacy Overview’ Link: Kansas Blueprint for Literacy
Budget.kansas.gov – ‘FY2027 Governor’s Budget Report’ Link: The Governor’s Budget Report: State of Kansas
- Kentucky
Governor.ky.gov – ‘2026 State of the Commonwealth Address’ Link: 2026 State of the Commonwealth Address | Governor Andy Beshear
Kentucky.gov – ‘Gov. Beshear: The State of the Commonwealth is Strong Despite National Challenges’ Link: Gov. Beshear: The State of the Commonwealth is Strong Despite National Challenges
- Maine
Maine.gov – ‘Governor Mills State of the State Address as Prepared for Delivery 2026’ Link: Governor Mills State of the State Address as Prepared for Delivery 2026
- Maryland
Governor.maryland.gov – ‘Governor Moore Releases Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Budget – Press Releases’ Link: Governor Moore Releases Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Budget
Governor.maryland.gov – ‘Governor Moore Delivers 2026 State of the State Address – Press Releases’ Link: Governor Moore Delivers 2026 State of the State Address
- Massachusetts
Mass.gov – ‘Governor Maura T. Healey State of the Commonwealth Address’ Link: Governor Maura T. Healey State of the Commonwealth Address
- Missouri
Content.govdelivery.com – ‘EMBARGOED 2026 State of the State Address’ Link: EMBARGOED 2026 State of the State Address.pdf
Treasurer.mo.gov – ‘Missouri’s K-12 Scholarship Program’ Link: MOScholars
- Nebraska
Governor.nebraska.gov – ‘Gov. Pillen’s State of the State Address | Office of Governor Jim Pillen’ Link: Gov. Pillen’s State of the State Address
- New Hampshire
Governor.nh.gov – ‘Governor Ayotte’s State of the State Address As-Prepared | Office of the Governor Kelly Ayotte’ Link: Governor Ayotte’s State of the State Address As-Prepared
- New Mexico
Governor.state.nm.us – ‘Governor Delivers 2026 State of the State Address | Office of the Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’ Link: Governor Delivers 2026 State of the State Address
Nmdfa.state.nm.us – ‘Executive Budget Recommendation’ Link: Executive Budget Recommendation – Online.book
- New York
Governor.ny.gov – ‘Governor Hochul Unveils Plan to Help Students Thrive Through Back-to-Basics Learning, Increased Resources for Teachers and a Focus on Healthy School Environments’ Link: Governor Hochul Unveils Plan to Help Students Thrive Through Back-to-Basics Learning, Increased Resources for Teachers and a Focus on Healthy School Environments
Governor.ny.gov – ‘Remarks As Prepared: Governor Hochul Delivers 2026 State of the State Address’ Link: Remarks As Prepared: Governor Hochul Delivers 2026 State of the State Address
- Oklahoma
Oklahoma.gov – ‘Governor Kevin Stitt’s 2026 State of the State’ Link: Governor Kevin Stitt’s 2026 State of the State
Oklahoma.gov – ‘Parental Choice Tax Credit’ Link: Parental Choice Tax Credit
- Pennsylvania
www.pa.gov – ‘Proposed Budget Legislation | Office of the Budget | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’ Link: Proposed Budget Legislation
whyy.org – ‘PA Budget would add more money to education – WHYY’ Link: Shapiro wants more money for education, minimum wage increase in budget proposal
- South Carolina
Governor.sc.gov – ‘2026 State of the State Address, Governor Henry McMaster | S.C. Office of the Governor’ Link: 2026 State of the State Address, Governor Henry McMaster
Governor.sc.gov – ‘FY27 Executive Budget’ Link: FY27 Executive Budget Book – FINAL 0112026.pdf
- South Dakota
News.sd.gov – ‘News – 2026 State of the State Address’ Link: 2026 State of the State Address
- Tennessee
tn.gov – ‘2026 State of the State Address’ Link: 2026 State of the State Address
tn.gov – ‘Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship Program’ Link: Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship Program
tn.gov – ‘Gov. Lee Delivers 2026 State of the State Address’ Link: Gov. Lee Delivers 2026 State of the State Address
- Utah
Governor.utah.gov – ‘Gov. Cox calls for a return to America’s founding principles in 2026 State of the State’ Link: Gov. Cox calls for a return to America’s founding principles in 2026 State of the State
- Vermont
Governor.vermont.gov – ‘Governor Phil Scott Delivers 2026 State of the State Address | Office of Governor Phil Scott’ Link: Governor Phil Scott Delivers 2026 State of the State Address
- West Virginia
Wvde.us – ‘Third Grade Success Act | West Virginia Department of Education’ Link: Third Grade Success Act
Governor.wv.gov – ‘Governor Morrisey Highlights Major Victories, Looks Ahead to Cutting Taxes, Improving Healthcare in 2026 State of the State Address’ Link: Governor Morrisey Highlights Major Victories, Looks Ahead to Cutting Taxes, Improving Healthcare in 2026 State of the State Address
Hopescholarshipwv.gov – ‘Hope Scholarship West Virginia’ Link: Hope Scholarship
