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