This morning, I had the privilege of kicking off the NAFIS Spring Conference alongside some of the most dedicated education leaders in the country.
These superintendents and advocates represent 1,100 federally impacted school districts serving nearly 8 million students nationwide—many from military families, tribal communities, and areas with significant federal land.
What struck me most?
The unwavering authenticity and passion these leaders bring to their work.
They navigate complex funding challenges through the Impact Aid program (now in its 75th year) to ensure their students have access to quality education, modern facilities, and essential resources—despite the unique financial pressures of serving communities on nontaxable federal property.
Today, they're taking that passion to Capitol Hill, advocating for full funding of Impact Aid and the Advancing Toward Impact Aid Full Funding Act.
These aren't just budget line items—they're investments in the children of service members, Native American students, and families in federal low-income housing.
To every educator and advocate meeting with legislators today: your voices matter. The students you serve are counting on you.
There's something electric about being in a room with people who truly love what they do. That was the energy at the NAFIS Spring Conference kickoff this Sunday in Washington, D.C.
I spent the evening with leaders from school districts across 30+ states—places where military bases, tribal lands, national parks, and federal installations create both unique community character and unique funding challenges.
These are the federally impacted school districts that keep me hopeful about public education.
What makes this group special?
Authenticity. No performative advocacy here—just genuine commitment to students who often fall through the cracks of traditional funding formulas. The Impact Aid program, established in 1950 under President Truman, was designed to reimburse these districts for lost tax revenue. Yet it hasn't been fully funded since 1969.
These leaders don't just accept that gap—they fight it. With creativity, resilience, and an unshakeable belief that every child deserves excellent schools regardless of their zip code or their parents' employer.
Today, they're on the Hill meeting with legislators to advocate for the funding their students need. If you're reading this while they're making their rounds, send them good thoughts. They're carrying the voices of 8 million students into those congressional offices.
And to the
NAFIS community:
thank you for letting me be part of your Sunday. Keep leading with heart.
Concise, punchy, hashtag-heavy
Sunday spent with the incredible leaders of @civic — 1,100 school districts strong, serving military kids, Native students & families on federal land.
These superintendents bring authentic passion to everything they do. No surprise they're among the most effective advocates in education.
Today they're on the Hill fighting for #ImpactAid funding. 75 years of this program & still underfunded. These leaders won't stop until their students get what they deserve.
Rooting for you today, friends.
#EducationAdvocacy #CivicEngagement #NAFIS2026
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