The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) has granted preliminary approval of Oklahoma waivers allowing public school districts greater flexibility in the spending of existing federal funds. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister made the request and received notification within 24 hours that it had been approved.

The waivers allow schools to repurpose existing K-12 education funds for a number of COVID-19-related matters, including technology infrastructure and teacher training on distance learning. Additional flexibilities would allow schools to redirect resources to areas of highest need. Oklahoma districts may immediately begin implementing matters authorized under the waiver.