BATON ROUGE, La. — The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has approved Louisiana’s application for the federal Education Flexibility Program (Ed-Flex). This allows the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) to grant certain federal waivers directly to local school systems, increasing state-level decision-making while maintaining all federal requirements and safeguards.
“Louisiana is showing what’s possible when states are trusted to lead,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “Ed-Flex allows us to move faster, reduce bureaucracy, and ensure decisions about federal resources are made closer to students.”
What Ed-Flex Means for Louisiana
Ed-Flex streamlines how school systems request flexibility in the use of certain federal education funds.
School systems previously submitted waiver requests to the LDOE, and the LDOE then had to seek approval from ED. Under Ed-Flex, the LDOE may approve eligible waivers at the state level without waiting for separate federal approval.
Through the 2029–2030 school year, the LDOE may:
- Allow school systems to carry over more than 15 percent of Title I funds from one year to the next without seeking federal approval, supporting more strategic long-term planning.
- Approve waivers that increase flexibility in the use of Title IV funds, including flexibility related to technology spending limits, allowing school systems to better align funding with local needs.
Ed-Flex is designed to encourage innovation in the implementation of federal education programs while continuing to hold schools accountable for student performance. The authority supports school systems in making strategic investments aligned to effective instructional practices and improved student outcomes.
Accountability and Safeguards Remain in Place
Ed-Flex does not eliminate federal oversight. Louisiana will continue to uphold all federal standards, accountability measures, funding protections, and student safeguards. The LDOE must also submit annual reports to ED detailing how the state oversees Ed-Flex and how approved waivers affect school and student performance.
“This authority allows educators to focus more on advancing student achievement and less on navigating administrative requirements,” Brumley said. “It gives school systems greater discretion to direct federal resources where they can have the greatest impact on Louisiana students and teachers.”