Public Comment

The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) – Federal Programs Unit is seeking public comment in order to request the US Department of Education provide a Tydings Waiver for Fiscal Year 21 funds  (set to be obligated by September 30, 2023) and Fiscal Year 22 funds (set to be obligated by September 30, 2024). The Federal Program’s Unit aims to extend the obligation period until September 30, 2025. Recipients may benefit from this waiver by having additional time to make use of previously expired funds.

Rationale

Arkansas is requesting waivers consistent with the requirements of ESEA section 8701(b)(1)(C) and (F). These waivers will extend the tydings period for FY21 and FY22 Federal funds to provide the SEA and eligible LEAs the opportunities and flexibility needed to ensure the best use of funds, support the evaluation of the practices in place, and monitor the processes for future success. 

Arkansas has benefited tremendously from the additional financial support provided by the United States Government during the COVID-19 pandemic. Districts have used these funds to focus on research-based best practices, provide greater educational opportunities, and provide social-emotional support for their students. As this funding comes to an end, the availability of other federal funds and the COVID-19 pandemic allowed our fiscally responsible LEAs and Educational Coops the ability to reserve some of their federal funds to plan for the ESSER fiscal cliff and to ensure best practices were put in place to continue as the state moves forward. Extending the tydings period for these funds will allow LEAs and Educational Coops additional time to effectively target schools, students, and families.  Through established communication channels, Arkansas’ Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will continue to provide technical support to LEAs and Educational Coops to ensure these funds are expended within the approved tydings period.

The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education will accept public comments until November 15, 2024.  Please submit comments using the linked form: PUBLIC COMMENT -  Tydings Waiver Application for FY 2021 and FY 2022 Federal Funds  

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScbf4CjaobUfWSvmH3fg0E7vLjq8Z1g3HA_ZfNyY2DXmQuR1g/viewform

Attachments

Tydings Waiver Draft