Posts by csowder@aesa.us
States Sue USDA Over Grant Terms & Conditions
A group of 21 states has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), challenging grant terms that would require grantees to align with administration policies on gender, immigration, and diversity. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Massachusetts, could have significant implications for other agencies that attempt to integrate executive orders and similar terms into federal grants.
Read MoreAESA Urges Congress to Protect Education Funding in FY2027
AESA submitted written testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) ahead of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 appropriations cycle.
Read MoreUpdated with Charts: Administration Releases FY27 President’s Budget Request
On April 3, the Administration released the President’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. Overall, the proposal for the Department of Education is very similar to the FY2026 request, with calls for funding cuts, block grants, and program eliminations—all of which Congress rejected in its final FY26 spending bill.
Read MoreMarch 2026: AESA State Examiner
This month’s report for March 2026 examines state activity related to declining enrollment and related funding and policy reforms.
Read MoreEducation Technology Round Up
Read the National Coalition for Technology in Education & Training’s latest wrap up of all things education technology. The legislative summary is an excerpt from a longer email, and thus doesn’t have a traditional closing/wrap up.
Read MoreED Issues Guidance on Strategic Staffing
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) issued guidance through a Dear Colleague letter addressing how grantees can use Title II, Part A (Title II) funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to support “innovative teacher workforce strategies.”
Read MoreAESA Joins Ed Orgs to Comment on Professional Student and Degree Definitions
AESA joined 12 other education organizations to submit comments on a proposed rule from the Department of Education (ED) to amend the regulations for the Federal student loan programs to implement the changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
Read MoreFebruary 2026: AESA State Examiner
This month’s report for February 2026 examines state activity related to property tax reforms and related state initiatives.
Read MoreIAA Update
On February 23, the U.S. Department of Education announced two additional Interagency Agreements (IAAs). Of particular relevance to superintendents, school safety grant activities at the Department which aimed to increase the number of school mental health personnel and to support schools following particularly violent or traumatic events will be transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Read MoreNew Dear Colleague letters on Title I and School Prayer
The U.S. Department of Education has issued two new Dear Colleague letters addressing Title I funding flexibility and guidance on prayer and religious expression in schools, outlining key federal priorities and considerations for educators and ESAs.
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