Updates

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has released its Reimagining and Improving Student Education—Federal Student Loan Program Final Regulations. This final rule codifies the higher education provisions that Congress included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which established new aggregate lifetime loan limits for students and restructured loan repayment systems.

The FCC is considering major changes to the E-Rate program. Learn what’s at stake and how you can help protect critical broadband funding for schools and libraries.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) approved a waiver for Indiana under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Indiana joins two other States who have been approved for similar waivers, Louisiana and Iowa, but Indiana’s waiver includes the broadest flexibility that ED has approved so far.

On June 16, the U.S. Department of Education announced two new interagency agreements that would move key education offices and functions outside of ED.

AESA has endorsed the Beginning Educator Mentorship and Retention Act, introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT). The bill would help states and school districts expand mentorship programs for new teachers and school leaders, strengthening support and improving educator retention.

The U.S. Department of Treasury held an event where they previewed forthcoming Treasury and IRS guidance for the implementation of the new federal scholarship tax credit program created in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Of note, they said not to expect the proposed regulations before September. Given an expected 30–45 day comment period followed by OMB review, final regulations may not be issued until December.

On June 5, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies advanced its Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 funding proposal. This funding would be available for districts in the 27-28 school year.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed new revisions to the Uniform Grants Guidance, which dictates the terms under which federal awards must be managed, as well as how and when they can be granted and rescinded. These changes will impact LEAs as well as many other recipients of federal funding.

The latest data indicates that about 20,000 educators across the country have work authorization through the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program.