Budget Hold’em Workshops for Districts

It’s time to think differently about budgeting tradeoffs. Meet Budget Hold’em for Districts: A game of strategic budgeting that’s grounded in 20+ years of district insights.  

Playing Hold’em sparks conversation about budget tradeoffs, transformational instruction, and student impact. In our two-hour workshop, you’ll work in small teams to: 

  • Choose from 30+ investment and reduction cards crafted using real district data and scenarios from our more than 20 years working with school systems nationwide 
  • Think through budget tradeoffs in relation to your district’s priorities 
  • Better understand the impact of budget decisions on student experiences 
  • Spark dynamic conversations about transforming critical systems in your district 

Join the 15,000+ people who have played Budget Hold’em for Districts. Learn new ways of thinking about budgeting, center your district’s core strategies, and examine what priorities are most important to your team—all through an engaging gamified workshop. 

“The session presented a whole new way to think about budgeting.”
— Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials

ScHEDULE A WORKSHoP WITH ERS

See Budget Hold’em In Action

Hear one of our expert facilitators break down the benefits of Budget Hold’em, and hear district leaders who’ve experienced it share firsthand reflections.

Let Our Experts Lead the Way

Our facilitators have decades of deep experience working with districts across the country—and they’ll bring that expertise to your Budget Hold’em workshop. Sit back and focus on the conversation while our budget experts facilitate a rich discussion, discuss critical tradeoffs, tease out insights, and pinpoint key takeaways. We’ll help you center your priorities on your district’s needs while you consider the strategic moves that could drive transformational change. 

Want to take your game to another level? Customize your Budget Hold’em workshop with bespoke investment and reduction cards tailored to your district’s context. Your teams will use (and take home) custom card decks that include your: 

  • Logo and branding 
  • Size and staffing levels 
  • Per-pupil spending 
  • District-specific investment or reduction strategies 

“This session provided us with real-time, hands-on application of work we can influence and implement in our districts.”

— Michigan Continuous Improvement Facilitators Network

WHY WAIT? ScHEDULE your WORKSHoP today!

Facilitate Your Own Budget Hold’em Workshop

Want to DIY your Budget Hold’em Workshop? Grab your colleagues and get ready to make strategic choices that could lead to big gains. Printed “Budget Hold’em for Districts” card decks are available for purchase with fast shipping, so you can play any time that’s right for your team. 

  • Give your team a screen break with 30+ printed cards 
  • Work cooperatively and creatively to learn about possible trade-offs that could support your district strategy and your bottom line 
  • Use the facilitator’s guide, scoresheets, and tips to stay on track 
Order Your Deck

Not Ready for a Workshop Yet?

Get started in seconds with our free online game!

  • Play anywhere, anytime 
  • Save and share your hand to collaborate with colleagues 
  • Set the stage for your district team’s budget conversations 
Play Budget Hold’em Online