Updates
Treasury Releases Long-Awaited Regulations on Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Programs
On October 2, the U.S. Department of Treasury issued temporary and proposed regulations on the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) program that clarify the roles of states and SGOs, establish initial operating and reporting requirements, and confirm several implementation options relevant to public school districts.
Read MoreNew “Defend the Spend” Requirements Could Create Delays and Administrative Burden for Districts
The U.S. Department of Education has released new guidance implementing the federal grant payment requirements established under Executive Order 14222, commonly referred to as “Defend the Spend.” The initiative requires all agencies to provide additional justification and review before federal grant funds can be drawn down by grantees, with the stated goal of increasing transparency and accountability in federal spending.
Read MoreRescission Package Does Not Impact K-12 Formula Funding
On September 24, the White House sent Congress a rescission package that would cut $810 million of federal funding that was appropriated by Congress for Fiscal Year 2026 but has not yet spent.
Read MoreTax Deduction for Classroom Expenses Now Available to Early Childhood Educators
The President signed the Supporting Early-Childhood Educators’ Deductions (SEED) Act, allowing early childhood and pre-K educators to claim the same $350 federal tax deduction for out-of-pocket classroom expenses as K-12 teachers. This deduction will help offset the hundreds of dollars educators spend out of their own pockets each year on classroom supplies, books, and learning materials.
Read MoreNew GAO Report Details School Facility Needs Nationally
In September, the U.S. Government Accountability Office released a report documenting the real-world consequences of deferred maintenance and aging school facilities, finding that nearly 20 percent of school districts were forced to cancel school during the 2024-25 school year due to facility problems.
Read MoreAdministration Announces New Initiative to Support School Meals
Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the Harvest to Hallways Initiative to provide new investments and technical assistance for school meal programs. The announcement is the latest step in a broader federal effort to change federal nutrition programs. USDA is also expected to release new school meal regulations in the coming months.
Read MoreED Proposes Revisions to Grant Regulations
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on August 24th that would make it easier for the agency to terminate or discontinue discretionary grants and further cement administration policies in regulations.
Read MoreUpdate: FY2027 Appropriations Update
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released a final regulation on public charge that could penalize noncitizens who use income-based public benefit programs such as school meals, SNAP and Medicaid.
Read MoreProtecting E-Rate: AESA Members Invited to AASA Town Hall
The FCC is considering significant changes to E-Rate, the program that helps schools and libraries afford the connectivity they rely on every day.
As AESA’s advocacy partner, AASA is inviting AESA members to join its E-Rate Town Hall for an update on what’s happening and what it could mean for schools, students, and budgets.
Read MoreUSED Releases Guidance on Ed Tech in Schools and Annual Update on FERPA and PPRA
The U.S. Department of Education recently released new guidance on the use of education technology in schools, along with its annual update on FERPA and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA). The updates address responsible technology use, student privacy, and parental consent requirements.
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