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VT Gains Federal Education Dollars Flexibility Under New Waivers
The Trump administration is increasing its efforts to turn more control of federal education money to the states as it continues working to dismantle the Education Department. Six states have received waivers allowing them to consolidate more than $109 million…
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Key points
- Vermont is one of six states approved to consolidate federal education funding under new federal waivers.
- The state also holds Ed-Flex authority, giving local officials more freedom to bypass certain federal administrative requirements.
- Critics warn that consolidating funds could reduce transparency and diminish targeted support for high-need school districts.
NewsWK — Vermont education officials have been granted broader authority to consolidate and manage federal school funds, giving local school leaders across Bennington County more flexibility in how federal education dollars are spent.
According to a report first published by Stateline, Vermont is one of just six states selected for special waivers under a federal initiative aimed at returning control of education funding to state leaders.
New Flexibility for Vermont Schools
The federal waiver program allows Vermont, along with Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, and South Dakota, to combine four separate federal funding streams into a single pool totaling more than $109 million across the participating states. In addition to this funding consolidation, Vermont and 21 other states, including nearby Massachusetts, have received Education Flexibility Partnership authority. This status allows state officials to waive specific federal requirements for school districts without seeking federal approval each time.
- Consolidated funding: Combines four distinct federal programs into one stream.
- Ed-Flex authority: Grants Vermont power to bypass select federal administrative rules for local districts.
- Funding proportion: Federal sources account for roughly 12 percent of total K-12 education spending, with state and local taxpayers providing the remaining 88 percent.
Debate Over Accountability and Funding Safety
Supporters of the changes say local leaders are best positioned to know what local students require. Kirsten Baesler, assistant secretary for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, encouraged state leaders to take initiative in setting their own goals.
“Don’t wait for the signal to come because what students in North Dakota need are going to be completely different than what Texas needs or Louisiana or Oregon or Washington,” Baesler told Stateline.
However, some education advocates express concern that consolidating funding streams could strip away safeguards designed to protect vulnerable student populations. Opponents argue that removing dedicated funding categories makes it harder to ensure money reaches high-need schools and specific student programs.
What This Means for Local Schools
As federal officials continue shifting administrative duties, education leaders are watching closely to ensure grant allocations remain steady for our local schools. State officials in Vermont will decide how to utilize this added flexibility to support literacy, math, or other statewide learning priorities in the coming school year.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting by Robbie Sequeira originally published by Stateline. Read the original story.
