FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2026
Superintendent Hedalen Secures Federal Ed-Flex Waivers for Montana
HELENA- Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen announced today that the U.S. Department of Education has approved Montana's request for federal Ed-Flex waivers for local school districts. Under the Educational Flexibility Partnership Act (Ed-Flex) U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has authorized Superintendent Hedalen to waive certain federal statutory and regulatory requirements for Montana's local schools.
"I want to thank the U.S. Department of Education for returning greater control over education to the State of Montana and our local schools," Superintendent Hedalen said Wednesday. "With these Ed-Flex Waivers, Montana schools will have more flexibility with the use of their federal funds, allowing them to better meet the needs of their local communities. I encourage school districts to submit high-quality applications to the OPI for review."
Montana has specifically been granted the authority to waive certain bureaucratic hurdles in the following federal formula funds:
- Title I, Part A- Basic Programs Operated by Local Education Agencies
- Title I, Part C- Education of Migratory Children
- Title II, Part A- Supporting Effective Instruction
- Title IV, Part A- Student Support and Academic Enrichment
Common elements of waivers include eliminating certain percentage caps on where funds are allocated to allow for the pooling of funds to stretch them further to meet local needs and allowing for carryover of funding. As part of the application review process, the OPI will be looking for proposals that align with the state's rigorous expectations around student academic achievement and college & career readiness.
Applications are due to the OPI by June 1, 2026. Full details of the waiver can be found in the state's approved application and FAQ document.
Questions? Contact:
Dylan Klapmeier, Chief of Staff
The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, Relay Service: 711.
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