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  (adjusted obligation date of September 30, 2025), Fiscal Year 22 funds (adjusted obligation date of September 30, 2025), and Fiscal Year 23 funds (obligation date of September 30, 2025). The Federal Program’s Unit aims to extend the obligation period until September 30, 2026. 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, FY22, FY23 Federal funds to provide the SEA and eligible LEAs the opportunities and flexibility needed to ensure funds are used effectively, monitor future success, and supplement current programs and activities. 

Arkansas benefited tremendously from the additional financial support provided by the United States Government during the COVID-19 pandemic. Districts used those additional funds to focus on research-based best practices, provide greater educational opportunities, and offer support for their students' emotional and social well-being. Although funding came to an end, the availability of other federal funds allowed our fiscally responsible LEAs and Educational Coops the ability to reserve some of their federal funds to help offset the ESSER fiscal cliff and to ensure that best practices put in place were sustainable as the state moved forward. Extending the tydings period for these funds will allow LEAs and Educational Coops additional time to effectively utilize all available funds to target schools, students, and families, and provide for sustainability.  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 funds are expended as directed.

The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education will accept public comments until May 8, 2026.  Please submit comments using the linked form: PUBLIC COMMENT - Tydings Waiver Application for FY 2021, FY 2022 and FY 2023 Federal Funds  

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

Attachments

Tydings Waiver Draft