Monday, February 17, 2025
Guidance on Federal Funding Compliance: Addressing USDE Letter
We have received the letter from Asst. Secretary Trainor regarding the use of prohibited factors in programming funded by federal dollars. We want to assure you that we are actively consulting with local and state government partners on this matter, including school districts, the Governor’s Office, the Wisconsin Department of Justice, and the Universities of Wisconsin.
Our attorneys are reviewing the communications carefully. At this time, the DPI strongly encourages a measured and thoughtful approach, rather than immediate or reactionary responses to the federal government’s concerns.
We are confident that Wisconsin schools and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction are spending federal dollars in compliance with the law. In fact, federal spending is already subject to various levels of monitoring and approval from the US Department of Education (USDE) and the Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau. USDE has approved Wisconsin plans in areas such as ESEA and IDEA, for example. The DPI is confident that Wisconsin education spending is in line with federal law, Uniform Grant Guidance, USDE directives, and other applicable law.
We remain available to discuss any specific concerns you may have. Please feel free to respond to this email or to call directly.
Thank you for your continued collaboration and dedication to Wisconsin students’ success.
Tom McCarthy
Deputy Superintendent
WI Department of Public Instruction