WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Education has sent a letter to chief state school officers outlining existing flexibilities that allow Title I schools to consolidate federal, state, and local funds under schoolwide programs, according to a department press release dated January 21.

The department said state educational agencies may approve any Title I school to operate a schoolwide program, which allows schools to combine multiple funding sources into a single stream. Federal officials say this approach can reduce administrative requirements and give schools more discretion in how funds are used to support students.

The guidance was issued by the Department of Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education and highlights that consolidated funds must still align with a schoolwide plan and prioritize support for the lowest-achieving students. Schoolwide plans are required to be developed with input from parents, teachers, and community members.

According to the department, while most Title I schools already operate schoolwide programs, relatively few consolidate funds, and state agencies may provide additional support to districts interested in doing so

The Dear Colleague Letter sent to state education leaders can be found here, and the full U.S. Department of Education press release is available here.