The mission of the Office of Federal Programs (OFP) is to provide leadership in the effective use of federal funds so that all students are prepared to compete in the global community. OFP is designed to improve our support for each school district’s education initiatives by providing a common link with the capability of looking across all the programs to support districts in meeting their goals. Each school district is assigned a District Contact for managing all OFP programs. OFP is comprised of the following divisions:
Bureau of District and School Support
Public Comment Opportunity – ESEA Waiver Request
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) is seeking public comment on its request for a waiver under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). These waivers are intended to provide additional flexibility in the administration of federal programs while continuing to support student success and program effectiveness.
Stakeholders, including educators, parents, and community members, are encouraged to review the waiver request and submit feedback. All comments will be carefully considered prior to final submission.
Please use the link below to review the waiver request and submit your public comments by April 30, 2026.
Public Comment Survey – ESEA Waiver Request
MAFEPD Conference – Registration Now Open
Registration is now open for the MAFEPD Conference! Join us for “Opportunities for All: Rewind, Rethink, & Reimagine” at the Sheraton Flowood The Refuge Hotel and Conference Center, June 23–26, 2026.
This conference is designed for all stakeholders involved in the implementation of ESEA programs, including district and school leaders, federal programs staff, and other key personnel. Take advantage of this opportunity to engage in meaningful sessions, collaborate with peers, and explore strategies to support effective program implementation and student success. Click here for additional information for conference information and registration.
The Office of Federal Programs (OFP) would like to solicit your feedback on requesting a waiver to the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) to waive the period of availability for the State Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) funds, including State Fiscal Years FY2022 and FY2023 Title IV-B (21st CCLC), and State FY 2025 Title I, Part A carryover limitations. The waiver will include the following:
Please complete the survey below by COB Monday, July 21, 2025, so OFP can determine if a waiver is warranted.
Additionally, per federal regulations, the Mississippi Department of Education is extending an opportunity for affected LEAs, grantees, and the public with notice and a reasonable opportunity to comment and provide input on the request. You may send comments to federalprograms2@mdek12.org by Monday, July 21, 2025, with “Tydings Waiver” in the subject line. Your time and assistance are greatly appreciated.
The Mississippi Department of Education sends important information to school and district staff through dedicated email lists for specific audiences. If you are a Mississippi educator or administrator and want to be added to the email list for the Offices of Federal Programs and Grants Management, please complete the information click the link below. Please note, MDE staff must approve all email subscription requests.
