elementary –adj. describing schools in the U.S. that are for young children

K-12 –n. schools from Kindergarten to 12th grade

implement –v. to begin to do or use; to make active or effective

staff –n. a group of people who work for an organization or business

funds –n. (pl.) money for a specific purpose

gap –n. a difference between two people, groups or things

exacerbated –adj. to make something, such as a situation or problem, worse