Ohio Gets More Control Over $38 Million in Federal Education Funding

Ohio will have more say in how it spends millions in federal education dollars after the U.S. Department of Education approved a waiver giving the state greater flexibility in funding decisions.

The approval allows the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to combine more than $38 million in federal funding through 2029 and direct those resources toward state education priorities.

Those priorities include improving reading skills, accelerating student learning, supporting student well-being and preparing students for future careers.

Ohio is the eighth state to receive what’s called a Returning Education to the States waiver.

Previously, certain federal education dollars were tied to specific programs and administrative requirements.

Under the waiver, Ohio can combine designated state-level funds from several federal programs, giving education officials more flexibility in deciding how that money is used.

School districts will also have more flexibility in spending certain federal funds intended to help students learning English.

The waiver also simplifies some administrative requirements for programs providing direct student services, including tutoring.

“Every Ohio family wants their child to read well, feel supported at school, and graduate ready for a good career,” said Stephen D. Dackin, director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.

Dackin says the change will help schools focus resources on those priorities while maintaining accountability for student results.

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon says the waiver gives Ohio an opportunity to better align federal resources with the state’s own education goals.

“Washington should serve as a partner to state success, not a barrier,” McMahon said.

The approval does not represent $38 million in new education funding. Instead, it changes how Ohio can manage and use certain federal dollars already allocated to education programs.

The state says the goal is to reduce administrative burdens while directing more attention and resources toward student achievement.