(Idaho Department of Education Press Release, June 12, 2026)
Boise–Idaho will join a growing number of states receiving greater flexibility over the use of federal education funding following the U.S. Department of Education’s approval of Idaho’s Ed-Flex and ESSA waiver application submitted by State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield.
The waiver will allow Idaho to reduce administrative burdens while streamlining how local education agencies (LEAs) assess students and utilize, prioritize, and carry over federal funding. Specifically, Idaho’s ESSA waiver will:
- Allow LEAs to carry over up to 100% of Title I, Part A funds every other fiscal year, enabling districts and charters to make longer-term investments in evidence-based academic supports and school improvement efforts.
- Waive the 20% spending requirement for Well-Rounded Educational Opportunities and Safe and Healthy Students, as well as the 15% spending cap on technology infrastructure, for five years. This flexibility will allow LEAs to direct resources where they are needed most to support student achievement, well-being, and school safety.
In addition, Idaho has been approved for Ed-Flex status. Ed-Flex empowers states to waive certain federal requirements that may hinder local efforts to improve educational outcomes and better meet the needs of students.
Superintendent Critchfield initiated the waiver application with the support of the Idaho State Board of Education. It reflects months of collaboration with Idaho school districts and charter schools to identify federal requirements that could be streamlined while maintaining accountability for student outcomes. Following a public comment period and recommendations from the Idaho Federal Flexibility Workgroup, the Department formally submitted the waiver package for federal review.
“Approval of this waiver is the result of a deliberate effort to identify opportunities for greater local flexibility and then make the case that Idaho was prepared to use that flexibility responsibly,” Critchfield said. “It reflects the work of educators, school leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders across our state who helped shape a proposal designed around the needs of Idaho students.”
State leaders said the approval reflects Idaho’s longstanding commitment to local control and student-centered decision-making.
“Idaho has long demonstrated that local leaders, educators, and parents are best positioned to make decisions that help students succeed. The U.S. Department of Education’s approval of Idaho’s waiver is a win for local control, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and giving schools greater flexibility to direct resources where they are needed most. By empowering districts to make longer-term investments in student success, we are freeing up more time and resources to focus on what matters most — helping Idaho students learn, grow, and thrive,” Governor Little said.
For Superintendent Critchfield, the waiver is aligned with Idaho values.
“In Idaho, we know the best decisions are made closest to students, families, and communities,” she said. “Our locally governed school system has demonstrated the value of local control for generations. This waiver gives districts and charter schools greater flexibility in how they use resources, administer assessments, and support student success.”
The impact of these changes on student achievement will be closely monitored through federal accountability requirements. States receiving these waivers must submit annual reports demonstrating progress toward long-term educational goals and positive outcomes for students.
“Idaho’s education system is strongest when we trust local educators and communities to meet the unique needs of their students,” said State Board of Education President Kurt Liebich. “This approval gives districts and charter schools additional tools to do just that while preserving our commitment to high expectations and student achievement. We appreciate Superintendent Critchfield’s leadership in advancing this opportunity for Idaho schools.”
“This is an opportunity for Idaho to make decisions based on the unique needs of Idaho students rather than relying on one-size-fits-all federal requirements,” added Critchfield. “I appreciate the U.S. Department of Education’s confidence in Idaho’s ability to use this flexibility responsibly and effectively on behalf of our schools, educators, and families.”
