Oklahoma Requests Federal Funding Flexibility From U.S. Department of Education

The Oklahoma State Department of Education, in coordination with House and Senate leadership, asked the Trump administration today for a waiver from the bureaucratic strings tied to federal education funding.

The waiver asks the United States Department of Education for a strategic shift to a consolidated block grant for all federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) funds allocated to Oklahoma. This approach will significantly enhance local flexibility, eliminate bureaucratic administrative layers, ensure continued services for students with learning differences and special needs, and give Oklahoma the ability to spend existing funds in a way that is best for Oklahoma students.

"President Trump's vision for education is simple: empower parents, get politics out of the classroom and put students first. Today, Oklahoma is raising our hand and saying we will be the first to take the reins of education for our students," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters. "The founders of our country wanted education not only in states but more closely connected to families. This waiver will give Oklahoma direct control over the education of our students."

The current federal distribution of ESSA funds imposes significant administrative burdens on both the Oklahoma State Department of Education and local schools. A block grant approach would simplify fund management, reduce reporting requirements, and allow for more efficient and targeted resource allocation.

The waiver request says block grants will enable schools to be able to address their unique needs and priorities, fostering innovation and responsiveness. This will also empower parents and students with increased choices that best align with their individual values, needs, and goals.

 “President Trump’s decision to deliver on his campaign promise of working to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education aligns with our work to keep control of tax dollars in the hands of Oklahomans, not bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. Oklahomans are best-equipped to determine what education should look like for our students," said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "Public schools in Oklahoma have more funding from the state government this school year than they ever have in the history of our state. We will continue our work on improving student outcomes and reducing the teacher shortage, which is best done by Oklahomans to the benefit of all Oklahoma students."

Oklahoma will continue to utilize its robust state accountability and accreditation systems to ensure state regulatory oversight and transparency. Funding will also continue to flow to students who need extra support, like free and reduced lunch, special education services and academic enhancements for students who are behind their peers – all of which is guaranteed in state statute.

“The executive order from President Trump is a tremendous opportunity for the state of Oklahoma to benefit our education system,” said Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle. Oklahoma educators, parents and state leaders—not bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.—know what’s best for our students. The current federal funding model forces schools to navigate layers of red tape instead of focusing on student success. This is about making sure resources serve our classrooms and the unique needs of Oklahoma children, not a federal framework. We appreciate this move by the president and urge the administration to grant this waiver so we can invest in our students, not inefficiency.”

The waiver was submitted to the United States Department of Education today and Oklahoma state leaders urged a swift approval.

Senator Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, Chairman of the Senate Education Committee: “President Trump’s executive order gives Oklahoma a unique opportunity to return accountability and transparency to the state. I am all for ending the heavy-handed, one-size-fits all approach that has been going on for decades through federal mandates from the U.S. Department of Education. Returning more power to the states, with no interruption in services to kids that need it most, will allow more flexibility in education and create innovation, which is something I have been working on for years."

Representative Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, Chairman of the House Education Oversight Committee: "This change will allow us to write our own destiny as a state when it comes to educating our kids. As the father of a student who needed special education services, I can assure districts and parents that our commitment to giving Oklahoma students the support they need to succeed is displayed in this request. We don't need Washington D.C. telling us what we need to do for our kids – we already know and now we can move forward swiftly to ensure every student is served according to their specific needs. This request will safeguard the federal funding we receive for education by giving the decision-making power to our state to enhance the services we provide to Oklahoma students."