Data-Driven.
Research-Backed.
Transparent.
How We Calculate
Our Methodology
We take a rigorous, transparent approach to calculating potential savings for school districts.
Our savings estimates are derived from peer-reviewed academic research, government data, and industry reports from respected organizations including the Learning Policy Institute, Gallup, Education Week, and the National Council on Teacher Quality. We prioritize studies with large sample sizes, rigorous methodology, and recent publication dates.
For each budget category, we establish baseline spending using industry averages and allow districts to input their actual figures. Savings percentages are derived from documented case studies and research findings, with conservative and optimistic ranges provided. We always present the conservative estimate as the primary figure.
We deliberately use conservative savings estimates to ensure credibility. When research shows a range of outcomes, we use the lower end for our default calculations. For example, while some AI studies show 30%+ time savings, we use 15-25% to account for implementation variability and learning curves.
We recognize that every district is unique. Our calculator allows districts to adjust baseline spending for each category to match their actual expenditures. Savings percentages can also be customized based on current tool usage, staff adoption rates, and implementation timeline.
Primary Sources
Research Sources
Click on any source to view detailed methodology, key statistics, and how we apply the findings.
Key Finding: "Teacher replacement costs $11,860-$24,930 depending on district size"
Key Finding: "Teachers using AI weekly save 5.9 hours/week (6 weeks/year)"
Key Finding: "Average PD spending: $8,300/teacher, range $2,000-$30,000"
Key Finding: "Teacher absences cost districts ~$1,800/teacher/year"
Key Finding: "Denver PS reduced 1,000+ tools to 346, saving $1 million"
Key Finding: "SPED costs range from $27,000 to $82,000+ per student"
Key Finding: "$1.2 trillion in U.S. wage value (11.7% of the labor market) is exposed to AI automation — 5X larger than visible tech disruption"
Key Finding: "Potential $3 billion in savings across K-12 EdTech spending"
Landscape Research
Education Landscape Sources
The research underpinning our analysis of K-12 challenges — from budget pressures to workforce readiness.
From Surplus to Scarcity: K-12 Districts Brace for Leaner Years
McKinsey & Company · Sep 2025
Under Pressure: The Factors Squeezing K-12 Budgets
Bellwether Education Partners · Nov 2025
The 2025 American Superintendent Study: Mid-Decade Update
AASA · Dec 2025
Superintendents Think a Lot About Money
Education Week · Dec 2025
AI Use in Schools Is Quickly Increasing but Guidance Lags Behind
RAND Corporation · Sep 2025
2026 in Focus: Top Trends for School Boards
Diligent · Dec 2025
New Hire Readiness Report 2025
US Chamber of Commerce & College Board · Sep 2025
What Should K-12 Education Focus On in 2025 and Beyond?
US Chamber Foundation · Dec 2024
10 Takeaways from the 2024 NAEP Results
NAEP · Sep 2025
The State of Public Education in 2025 in Five Charts
RAND Corporation · Aug 2025
An Overview of Teacher Shortages: 2025
Learning Policy Institute · Jul 2025
Data and Statistics on Children's Mental Health
CDC · Jun 2025
Increasing Access to School-Based Mental Health Services
PMC · Apr 2025
The Importance of Purpose-Based Learning in K-12 Education
Getting Smart · Nov 2024
11 Critical Issues Facing Educators in 2026
Education Week · Jan 2026
2025 K-12 Cybersecurity Report
CIS MS-ISAC · Mar 2025
K-12 Cybersecurity
US Department of Education · 2025
K-12 Schools Face Cybersecurity Risks
Sophos · Sep 2025
Ransomware Attacks Against Education Sector Slow Worldwide
K-12 Dive · Feb 2026
The Iceberg Index: Measuring Skills-centered Exposure in the AI Economy
MIT / Oak Ridge National Lab · 2025
$30,000
Investment
$45,750–$158,000
Projected Savings
152%–426%
ROI Range
4
CT Districts
Savings Breakdown
| Category | Typical Spend | Reduction | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Curriculum Writing Stipends / PD Days | $25,000–$60,000 | 50–75% | $18,750–$45,000 |
| Purchased Instructional Materials | $50,000–$120,000 | 25–50% | $12,500–$60,000 |
| Translation & EL Support Services | $10,000–$30,000 | 40–60% | $4,000–$18,000 |
| Assessment Tools/Platforms | $15,000–$25,000 | 50–100% | $7,500–$25,000 |
| Parent Engagement Curriculum Modules | $5,000–$10,000 | 60–100% | $3,000–$10,000 |
Note: This case study was conducted by ACES using budget data from 4 Connecticut school districts. Results may vary based on district size, current spending patterns, and implementation approach.
Category Detail
Category-Specific Methodology
How we calculate savings for each major budget category.
Our Commitment to Transparency
We believe school districts deserve honest, evidence-based information when making budget decisions. That's why we publish our methodology, cite our sources, and use conservative estimates. If you have questions about any of our calculations, we're happy to discuss them.