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The U.S. Department of Education has approved Indiana’s “Returning Education to the States” waiver. That means Indiana will be allowed to roll several federal funding streams together, free up millions for classrooms, and give local leaders more say over how money is used. This is a big win for state control — and a welcome slap at needless federal paperwork.
What the waiver changes
The waiver lets the Indiana Department of Education consolidate five federal funding sources into one pot — roughly $50 million over four years. It also aims to cut compliance paperwork so nearly $20 million in state and local funds can go back to districts instead of stacks of forms. The plan even pilots letting some districts combine Titles II-A and IV-A so funds meant to boost student achievement can be used together. Secretary Katie Jenner said the goal is simple: “maximizing every federal dollar to make it better for students.” Secretary of Education Linda McMahon signed off, backing the push to return power to states.
Why state control is the right move
Washington rarely gets anything lighter or smarter when it touches it. Bureaucrats love rules and forms more than results. Giving Indiana this waiver lets local leaders decide what works in their schools. If districts can stop chasing paperwork and start buying teachers, programs, and tools that actually help kids, that’s a win. Governor Mike Braun called it the next step for choice in Indiana — and frankly, parents and taxpayers should like the sound of that.
Concerns are real — but solvable
Yes, critics have a point. Groups like the Urban Institute warn that pooling funds could make it harder to track whether aid reaches English learners, students with disabilities, and other vulnerable kids. That risk is real. The smart answer is not to block flexibility, but to demand transparency. Indiana must publish clear, disaggregated data, keep strong audits, and limit the pilot until results are shown. The waiver already limits the Titles II-A/IV-A combo to a small share of districts at first. That is sensible — try freedom, but measure it.
Bottom line
This waiver is a practical test of a simple idea: give states room to run schools and expect results, not reports. Conservatives should cheer the move while staying watchdogs. If Indiana turns paperwork savings into better reading scores, career-ready grads, and smarter spending, this will be proof that state control works. If not, the critics will have every right to call foul. Until then, hand the keys to the people closest to the classroom — and make them show us what they do with them.
