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Historic Education Shift Announced in Denison: Iowa First in Nation to Secure Federal Classroom Flexibility
(DENISON) Iowa has become the first state in the nation to receive federal approval for key waivers under a new Unified Allocation Plan, a move designed to redirect federal education resources from administrative compliance directly into classrooms. The announcement was made Wednesday at Broadway Elementary School, highlighting Denison’s role in a milestone moment for Iowa education.
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon revealed the approval alongside Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow, as part of McMahon’s national “Returning Education to the States” tour. Iowa is the first state in the country to receive a federal “Returning Education to the States” waiver, granting greater flexibility under the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Governor Reynolds said the approval marks a major step toward putting students first by reducing red tape and allowing schools to focus on what drives student success. Under the waivers, Iowa schools are expected to redirect nearly $8 million in time and resources from compliance activities to classroom instruction over the next four years.
Director Snow said the plan reflects Iowa’s commitment to accountability and student outcomes, while easing administrative burdens for educators. She credited administrators, teachers, and stakeholders across the state for shaping the innovative plan, which aims to better align federal funding with local needs.
Additional details about the Unified Allocation Plan and the federal approval letter will be available on the Iowa Department of Education’s 2025 Unified Allocation Plan webpage.
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