Mississippi becomes 7th state approved for “Returning Education to the States” waiver from U.S. Dept. of Education

• The waiver allows Mississippi to consolidate $14 million in federal funds through 2029. The state can then align the funds with its state-level improvement priorities and strategic plan.

The U.S. Department of Education announced Thursday that Mississippi’s Returning Education to the States (RES) Waiver has been approved.

Mississippi is the seventh state to receive such a waiver, joining Iowa, Louisiana, Indiana, Vermont, Arkansas, and South Dakota in streamlining siloed state activities funds so states can better direct federal resources to their students’ needs.  

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the waiver allows Mississippi to consolidate $14 million in federal funds through 2029. The state can then align the funds with its state-level improvement priorities and strategic plan.

Across the seven states approved for RES waivers, $123 million in federal funds are being consolidated. 

The federal department further said the flexibility will empower Mississippi to strengthen statewide initiatives such as literacy improvement, enhance technical assistance to local educational agencies, and provide more responsive support based on district and student needs. 

Assistant Secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Kirsten Baesler said in a statement that the waiver will fuel more education innovation in the Magnolia State.

“For a state that knows exactly what it takes to defy expectations, this waiver is fuel for the next wave of homegrown innovation in Mississippi,” said Baesler. “Whether it’s expanding on their historic investments in literacy or tackling the next frontier of classroom achievement, the Magnolia State has earned the right to lead its own progress. Congratulations to Mississippi on its comprehensive approach to leveraging this additional flexibility, aligning federal dollars to state priorities to better serve students and families.”  

Mississippi State Superintendent of Education Dr. Lance Evans expressed his appreciation to the federal department for approving the waiver, saying it will greatly benefit schools and districts in the state.

“As a result of the carryover flexibilities and consolidation of state activity funds, [the Mississippi Department of Education] and local schools and districts will have more time to strategically obligate and utilize federal funds, complete planned activities, and ensure that available resources are directed toward meaningful supports for students, educators, schools, and districts,” Evans stated.

The U.S. Department of Education noted that Mississippi’s education department sought the waiver to better prioritize improving student proficiency and growth in English Language Arts and mathematics, strengthen early literacy and numeracy efforts, support educators and school leaders, and expand opportunities for college, career and military readiness.

Through this waiver, Mississippi may consolidate state-level activities funds for the following programs:  

• Title II, Part A of the ESEA (Supporting Effective Instruction)
• Title III, Part A of the ESEA (English Language Acquisition)
• Title IV, Part A of the ESEA (Student Support and Academic Enrichment)
• Title IV, Part B of the ESEA (21st Century Community Learning Centers)