Committee elects to continue federal school improvement supports and delay waiver request amid federal uncertainty

The committee voted to continue participation in federal school improvement and maintain support to schools in need, deferring a decision to file a waiver request with the U.S. Department of Education.

Sarah Wiepke, director of school improvement, reviewed staff research that found four prior federal waiver requests specifically related to school improvement (outside of COVID-era waivers). The options outlined for the committee included discontinuing participation, preparing a waiver request to the U.S. Department of Education, or continuing current program participation and pursuing state-level reductions in duplicative reporting.

Wiepke told members that some additional reporting requirements being cited as burdens on districts originate in state code and board rule rather than federal law. “The extra reporting requirements are actually in state code,” she said, and staff are already working on removing duplicative board-rule and state-code requirements as the committee previously requested.

Deputy Superintendent Scott Jones and other members cautioned that federal policy is in flux and that a waiver pursuit could be overtaken by pending federal-level changes. Jones summarized staff advice: pause on a waiver request while monitoring federal developments and continue supporting schools in federal school improvement.

Chair Jaimez moved that the committee continue federal school improvement participation and support schools in need. The motion passed; committee leadership recorded Member Kelly as opposed to the motion.

Staff said they will continue efforts to reduce duplicative reporting burdens on LEAs through state rule and code changes and will return with further recommendations as federal developments become clearer.