Mississippi becomes 7th state approved for “Returning Education to the States” waiver from U.S. Dept. of Education

Mississippi becomes 7th state approved.

Key points

• Department of Education, the waiver allows Mississippi to consolidate $14 million in federal funds through 2029.
• The waiver allows Mississippi to consolidate $14 million in federal funds through 2029.
• Department of Education confirmed Thursday that Mississippi's Returning Education to the States (RES) Waiver has been approved.
• "While I appreciate his input, it carries no legal authority, " House Education Chairman Rob Roberson remarked Friday.
• Senator Wicker unhappy with President Trump's "lavish welcome" of China's Xi Jinping to U.S.

Mississippi becomes 7th state approved for "Returning Education to the States" waiver from U.S. Dept. Of Education. By: Frank Corder – September 25, 2026.

FILE – The U.S. Department of Education building is seen in Washington, Nov. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File).

Meanwhile, the waiver allows Mississippi to consolidate $14 million in federal funds through 2029. The state can then align the funds with its state-level improvement priorities and strategic plan.

Notably, the U.S. Department of Education confirmed Thursday that Mississippi's Returning Education to the States (RES) Waiver has been approved.

Mississippi is the seventh state to receive such a waiver, joining Iowa, Louisiana, Indiana, Vermont, Arkansas, and South Dakota in streamlining siloed state activities funds so states can better direct federal resources to their students' needs.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the waiver allows Mississippi to consolidate $14 million in federal funds through 2029. The state can then align the funds with its state-level improvement priorities and strategic plan.

Throughout the seven states approved for RES waivers, $123 million in federal funds are being consolidated.

Meanwhile, the federal department further remarked the flexibility will empower Mississippi to strengthen statewide initiatives such as literacy improvement, enhance technical assistance to local educational agencies, and provide more responsive backing based on district and student needs.

Assistant Secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Kirsten Baesler remarked in an official note that the waiver will fuel more education innovation in the Magnolia State.

"For a state that knows exactly what it takes to defy expectations, this waiver is fuel for the next wave of homegrown innovation in Mississippi, " remarked Baesler. "Whether it's expanding on their historic investments in literacy or tackling the next frontier of classroom achievement, the Magnolia State has earned the right to lead its own progress. Congratulations to Mississippi on its comprehensive approach to leveraging this extra flexibility, aligning federal dollars to state priorities to better serve students and families."

Mississippi State Superintendent of Education Dr. Lance Evans expressed his appreciation to the federal department for approving the waiver, saying it will greatly benefit schools and districts in the state.

"As a result of the carryover flexibilities and consolidation of state activity funds, and local schools and districts will have more time to strategically obligate and utilize federal funds, complete planned activities, and ensure that available resources are directed toward meaningful supports for students, educators, schools, and districts, " Evans stated.

Notably, the U.S. According to Department of Education, mississippi's education department sought the waiver to better prioritize improving student proficiency and expansion in English Language Arts and mathematics, strengthen early literacy and numeracy efforts, backing educators and school leaders, and expand opportunities for college, career and military readiness.

Through this waiver, Mississippi may consolidate state-level activities funds for the after programs. Regarding the Author(s).

Frank Corder is a native of Pascagoula. For almost two decades, he has noted and offered analysis on administration, public policy, business and matters of faith. Frank's interviews, articles, and columns have been shared throughout Mississippi as well as in national publications. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, providing insight and commentary on the inner workings of the Magnolia State. Frank has served his community in both elected and appointed public office, hosted his own local radio and television programs, and managed private businesses all while being an engaged husband and father. Email Frank: [email protected].

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Taken together, the developments around mississippi becomes 7th state approved for “ Returning Education to the States” waiver point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.