Oklahoma seeks federal waiver for more control over education funding

The Oklahoma State Department of Education has made a formal appeal to the Trump administration for the state to gain a waiver from certain federal regulations tied to education funding. The request, made in collaboration with the state House and Senate leadership, aims to consolidate funds from the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) into a block grant. The goal is to increase local decision-making capabilities, reduce bureaucracy, and better address the diverse needs of students across the state.

Oklahoma's State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, expressed support for the move, emphasizing a desire for local control over educational outcomes. "President Trump's vision for education is simple: empower parents, get politics out of the classroom and put students first," Walters stated. "This waiver will give Oklahoma direct control over the education of our students."

Proponents argue that the proposed block grant approach would simplify how money is managed, lessen the administrative load on state and local educational bodies, and allow for more agile use of resources. They also say it will encourage schools to address their specific needs and priorities while fostering innovation and responsiveness.

Kyle Hilbert, the House Speaker from Bristow, praised President Trump’s position on reducing federal involvement in education, remarking, "Public schools in Oklahoma have more funding from the state government this school year than they ever have in the history of our state."

The Oklahoma plan would continue supporting students requiring additional help through programs like free-reduced lunch and special education services, as mandated by state law. Leaders maintain that the state's accountability and accreditation systems would ensure ongoing oversight and transparency.

Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton of Tuttle highlighted the state's capacity to better determine educational needs, arguing that the current federal model places too many restrictions. He said, "The current federal funding model forces schools to navigate layers of red tape instead of focusing on student success."

The waiver was submitted to the United States Department of Education, with Oklahoma officials urging a prompt response. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, supported the waiver's potential for increasing state accountability and introducing flexibility in the education system. "Returning more power to the states...will allow more flexibility in education and create innovation," he said.

Similarly, Representative Dell Kerbs, chairman of the House Education Oversight Committee, emphasized the importance of state-level decision-making in education to better serve Oklahoma's students. "This change will allow us to write our own destiny as a state when it comes to educating our kids," he explained.

The waiver request marks a significant step in Oklahoma’s efforts to gain more control over how federal education funds are allocated and used within the state.