U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon granted Iowa a first-of-its-kind waiver, allowing the state to use over $9 million in unrestricted federal education dollars with increased flexibility. This action supports the Trump administration's stated objective of transferring education power and decision-making to individual states.
Waiver Details and Implementation
Secretary McMahon announced the waiver on Wednesday, stating, "States should lead -- Washington should support their sound approaches and get out of the way." She also indicated a plan to partner with congressional leaders to expand these opportunities for states and local education leaders.
The waiver, totaling more than $9 million over four years, is projected by McMahon to reduce "compliance costs" for Iowa, with funds redirected to classroom initiatives. McMahon specified that the state would gain flexibility to streamline funding streams for state activities and invest in strategies for developing educators, addressing achievement gaps, and expanding post-secondary opportunities.
Under the terms of the waiver, certain federal requirements will be dropped, providing Iowa with more autonomy in utilizing federal aid. Prior to the formal approval, Iowa submitted a Unified Allocation Plan demonstrating how the funds would be used to enhance academic outcomes, including supporting educator development and English language acquisition programs.
Broader Context and Related Efforts
This approval aligns with McMahon's stated mission to reduce the federal government's role in education nationwide. State and local education agencies contribute approximately 90% of public school funding across the U.S.
The Education Department has confirmed it is collaborating with approximately six additional states on similar waiver requests. Title VIII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 authorizes states and tribes to submit requests for waivers from statutory or regulatory requirements to "reduce administrative burden" and align programs with student needs.
In addition to the flexible federal funding, the Education Department approved Iowa's application for "Ed-Flex authority." This permits Iowa to grant waivers from certain federal requirements to individual school districts without needing separate federal approval for each instance.
Official Statements and Perspectives
Secretary McMahon made the announcement during her "Returning Education to the States Tour." She has reportedly made around two dozen stops in various states during her first year in office to identify local educational practices for potential nationwide implementation.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and Director of Education McKenzie Snow joined McMahon for the announcement at Broadway Elementary School in Denison. Governor Reynolds emphasized Iowa's education models, such as teaching the science of reading and utilizing evidence-based math and reading practices. She stated that the waiver represents a step toward returning education control to states, adding that "the more red tape that we cut from the federal level, the more Iowa can increase education quality."
Reynolds further stated her commitment to "continuing to improve student outcomes, reduce red tape for schools, support teachers, and ensure federal education dollars are focused toward state and local priorities where they make the greatest difference."
Congressional Opposition
Representative Bobby Scott, D-Virginia, the Ranking Member on the House Education and Workforce Committee, issued a statement criticizing the waiver's approval. Scott urged the Department to "refrain" from granting similar waivers to other states. He stated, "Congress must not sit idly by as the Trump administration makes every effort to drag students, educators, and parents back into an era where students were denied the opportunities and resources they needed to succeed."