Indy Standard

The Indiana Department of Education's Office of Title Grants and Support has updated the Ed-Flex Waiver applications and requirements. The Ed-Flex program, from the U.S. Department of Education, allows state educational agencies to waive certain education requirements that may hinder local educational reform efforts.

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), through its Department of Federal and Special Programs, is seeking a waiver to increase the Title I carryover limit from 15% to 25%. This application is one of four waivers available to Indiana school districts.

The Flex-Ed Waiver program enables states to waive federal education requirements, offering schools flexibility in implementing programs like Title I. Title I provides supplemental services such as intervention supports, professional development, social-emotional learning supports, parental involvement, social services, and counseling in eligible schools. A school qualifies for Title I if at least 35% of its students come from low-income families. All IPS schools qualify except Joseph J. Bingham School 84.

IPS aims to increase the Title I carryover threshold because it anticipates having about 21% of these funds available for use in the current school year (2024-2025). The pandemic led to an influx of funding resources like ESSER, GEER, and EANS grants with strict spending deadlines. This situation shifted IPS's spending focus away from Title I funds.

Federal guidance states that waiver-supported carryover funds will also benefit nonpublic schools by providing direct student instruction.

Questions or comments regarding the Ed-Flex Waiver request can be submitted until December 8, 2024.