U.S. Dept. of Ed OKs Indiana waiver to 'streamline' education spending

June 17, 2026 - 04:16

Indiana K-12 educators will soon have greater flexibility in how they spend federal education grants following the U.S. Department of Education's approval of a waiver exempting the state from provisions of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

The waiver, announced by state education officials, allows Indiana to bypass certain spending restrictions tied to federal Title I funds. These funds are typically allocated to schools with high numbers of low-income students. Under the old rules, districts had to follow strict categories for how the money could be used, often limiting their ability to address local needs.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Katie Jenner called the move a win for local control. "This waiver streamlines the process so schools can focus on what works for their students, not on jumping through federal hoops," she said.

The change means Indiana can now combine federal dollars with state and local funds more easily. For example, a school could use the money to hire reading specialists, update technology, or expand after-school programs without needing separate approvals for each expense. The waiver is part of a broader push by the U.S. Department of Education to give states more leeway in managing federal grants, as long as they maintain accountability for student outcomes.

Critics worry that less oversight could lead to funds being misused or diverted away from the poorest students. But Indiana officials argue that the state's own monitoring systems will ensure the money reaches those who need it most. The waiver takes effect immediately for the current school year, with plans to renew it annually.