Member Communications: Keeping You Connected
| AESA offers four distinct electronic publications as well as our Federal Updates blog designed to keep members informed, engaged, and connected. These communications provide valuable updates, insights, and resources tailored specifically for educational service agencies (ESAs). | |||
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If your ESA is a member of AESA, you are eligible to receive all of these valuable publications! To ensure you don’t miss out, please complete the form to confirm we have your most up-to-date contact information.
New “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.
Rescission 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.
September 2026: AESA State Examiner
This month’s report for September 2026 examines evolving state budget conditions and related school finance legislation and trends.