The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education has informed chief state school officers about the flexibility available in federal formula funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to support education choice initiatives. This guidance is part of implementing former President Trump's Executive Order to expand educational freedom and opportunities for families.
The letter describes the usage of up to three percent of Title I allocations by states, allowing local educational agencies (LEAs) to fund direct student services. It allows LEAs and schools to use these funds to enhance parental choice and improve academic outcomes.
Flexible funds offer options such as advanced courses, dual enrollment, academic tutoring, career and technical education, personalized learning, and out-of-school activities for parents.
"The Trump administration is committed to expanding education options for parents in their children’s education," said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. "Today’s guidance is an important early action aimed at advancing educational choice and encouraging states and schools to maximize learning options that help students excel."
Stephen D. Dackin, Director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, emphasized the importance of local control over educational needs. "It’s important for the parents, educators and school leaders who best know the needs of their students and families to have the go-ahead to put in place programs to match those needs," he said. Ohio has utilized this flexibility to align funds with their statewide priorities.
To receive these funds, section 1003A(d) of the ESEA requires that LEAs provide adequate outreach and information to ensure parents can meaningfully choose direct student services for their child's education.
States must grant these funds to geographically diverse LEAs with significant numbers of schools needing support and improvement. While direct state control over these funds' application by LEAs is limited, states can establish priorities for awarding funds that align with state goals to maximize impact and parental choice.
