Archive for October 2026
Updated PPRA Guidance Signals Uptick in Federal Student Privacy Enforcement
New guidance from the U.S. Department of Education (USED) highlights their efforts to increase enforcement of the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA). The guidance details how school districts must approach parental consent, student surveys and the collection of sensitive student information.
Read MoreFifth Circuit Ruling Raises Questions About Universal Service Funding
A federal appeals court decision raises significant questions about the administration and funding of the nation’s universal service fund (USF) programs, including E-Rate.
Read MoreAESA Submits Comments in Response to E-Rate Rule Making
AESA joined 22 national organizations in joint comments filed in response to the FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), which considers sweeping changes to the E-Rate program.
Read MoreTreasury Releases Long-Awaited Regulations on Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Programs
On October 2, the U.S. Department of Treasury issued temporary and proposed regulations on the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) program that clarify the roles of states and SGOs, establish initial operating and reporting requirements, and confirm several implementation options relevant to public school districts.
Read MoreNew “Defend the Spend” Requirements Could Create Delays and Administrative Burden for Districts
The U.S. Department of Education has released new guidance implementing the federal grant payment requirements established under Executive Order 14222, commonly referred to as “Defend the Spend.” The initiative requires all agencies to provide additional justification and review before federal grant funds can be drawn down by grantees, with the stated goal of increasing transparency and accountability in federal spending.
Read MoreRescission Package Does Not Impact K-12 Formula Funding
On September 24, the White House sent Congress a rescission package that would cut $810 million of federal funding that was appropriated by Congress for Fiscal Year 2026 but has not yet spent.
Read MoreSeptember 2026: AESA State Examiner
This month’s report for September 2026 examines evolving state budget conditions and related school finance legislation and trends.
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