Overview
- Iowa can merge money from four federal programs for teacher training, English learners, after-school programs, and academic enrichment into a single fund through September 2028, totaling about $9.5 million.
- State leaders estimate the change will cut compliance costs roughly in half and redirect nearly $8 million from paperwork to classrooms.
- The waiver primarily affects state-level funds rather than larger district allocations, and it leaves Title I untouched after an earlier, broader Iowa proposal was pared back.
- Education Secretary Linda McMahon framed the move as part of the administration’s effort to reduce federal oversight, and she has asked Congress to create a national block grant that would eliminate the four consolidated programs.
- Indiana and Kansas have also applied for similar waivers, while critics in Congress warn the approach could divert aid away from low-income students and English learners.